Information and articles for roofers

Dormer and Velux roof window conversions are the best way to increase your floor space and gain additional room without suffering the loss of external ground area, as would be the case when you create a house extension or conservatory. If you reside in Birmingham, you can get in touch with expert roofers to help you decide on whether a dormer or Velux loft conversion will work best for you, as well as to provide you with a seamless installation using superior roof materials.

Doing it the dormer way

A dormer conversion offers an extension to your existing roof, by allowing for extra floor space and head room without the need to raise the existing roof line of the property. This type of construction is preferred when the roof pitch is too narrow to provide adequate headroom and is often used to offer the necessary headroom as you climb the stairs up to the loft. Compared to other ordinary loft windows which are built into the roof and in flush with it, dormers are built out from the roof and protrude from the roof slope, generally at the rear of the property.

Dormer loft conversions may need planning permissions and can be built in two styles, flat roof and chocolate box. The flat roof dormer windows are a popular style of dormer extension. Though not aesthetically appealing, dormer loft conversions increase your available floor space by up to 30 percent. They can also be quickly and cost-effectively installed, and are best suited to modern properties, especially bungalows.

Also known as pitch-roof or cottage style windows, chocolate box dormers are quite attractive and generally have decorative features that improve the overall facade of your home. However, chocolate box dormers don’t add as much space to your conversion as flat roof dormers, and are also quite expensive to install. Moreover, this type of conversion works best for older houses and cottages.

The dormer conversion style that you choose will depend on a number of factors including the age of your property, its location and the room available within the roof space. As dormers are built-up structures, these loft conversions will drastically change the exterior appearance of your home. Therefore, you need to carefully consider the external appeal when considering a dormer conversion.

Quick and cost-effective Velux conversions

Velux loft conversions involve much less work than dormers and can be quickly and cost-effectively installed within a day. Though these type of roof windows are generally used on pitch roofs, they work equally well for flat roof conversions too. Velux windows require no planning permission and fit flush with the roofline, leaving your existing roof unchanged.

Simply built in within your existing space, Velux windows work well in lofts where there is a sufficient amount of headroom, as well as for loft conversions that do not need any other extensions on the roof slope.

Additionally, the standard glass panel provided with Velux windows reflect in 60 percent of the heat in winter and 60 percent out in summer, to keep your room warm and cool respectively in these seasons. In fact, the company offers a choice of four glass panels that offer better thermal efficiency, noise reduction and obscure glassing for use in bathrooms and en-suite baths.