A new chapter under the same roof

A house is an investment for many years, but over time some of its elements require modernisation. This also applies to roof windows, which provide interiors with daylight, protect them from changing weather conditions and influence everyday comfort for decades. Over the years, however, not only their technical parameters change, but also the needs of residents and the requirements placed on buildings. The growing importance of energy efficiency, technological development and new regulations mean that homeowners are increasingly deciding to replace their windows.

In Germany, additional incentives are provided by programmes supporting energy-efficient renovation. As a result, the decision to replace roof windows is increasingly driven not by wear and tear, but by the desire to improve living comfort, increase the amount of daylight and make better use of the space under the roof.

Roof windows are designed for long-term use, which means that they are usually replaced only once every few decades. The simplest solution is to replace the existing windows with new ones of the same dimensions. This improves thermal insulation, weather tightness and ease of use. However, more and more homeowners are using modernisation as an opportunity to introduce changes that go beyond a simple one-for-one replacement. Modern solutions make it possible to change the glazing configuration, add upper or lower window elements, create combination systems or increase the glazed area. As a result, interiors become brighter and residents gain a better connection with their surroundings without the need to alter the roof structure.

This was the approach chosen by the owner of a house in Berlin, who treated the window replacement as an opportunity to improve the functionality of the attic.

The existing roof window combinations with upper glazing elements were replaced with new FAKRO GREENVIEW combinations featuring lower window elements. This change placed a larger glazed area at eye level, giving residents a wider view of the garden and surrounding landscape, both while relaxing and during everyday activities at a table or desk. At the same time, daylight began to reach further into the interior, improving the overall illumination of the attic. FAKRO GREENVIEW roof windows were used in the project. Their design allows the glazed area to be increased while maintaining the same installation dimensions. Slimmer profiles let in more natural light, while improved thermal insulation and weather tightness may contribute to greater comfort and reduced heat loss. The result of the modernisation was not simply the replacement of old windows with new ones, but the creation of a space better suited to the residents’ current needs.

The roof window replacement was coordinated with the modernisation of the entire roof. The new roof covering and additional above-rafter insulation were completed first. Two KRONmat GmbH installation teams then began work.

The scope of the project included:

• removing the existing roof windows,
• preparing the openings for the new FAKRO GREENVIEW combinations,
• installing five combined window systems,
• insulating the windows using the FAKRO XDP Plus installation kit,
• installing a system combination flashing,
• adjusting the ceramic roof tiles.

The work was carried out simultaneously from inside the building and from the roof slope. This made it possible to coordinate the successive stages efficiently, reduce the overall installation time and maintain a high standard of workmanship. Particular attention was paid to maintaining precise distances between the windows and ensuring a weather-tight connection between the window units and the roof layers.

Building: house
Location: Berlin, Germany

Roof windows