Attic Window

An attic window can be the perfect finishing touch to a remodeled attic bedroom, play room or bonus room. If your attic has been used primarily as a storage space, installing a window can bring light and air into an otherwise cramped, dark and dusty area of your home. As an added bonus, a window can improve the air flow in the upper regions of your home, which may keep the attic cooler and reduce the workload on your air conditioner during the summer months.

Once you've made the decision to remodel a neglected attic, you'll have a host of ideas for how to make use of this space as well as making it comfortable with attic insulation and other features. A new window might overlook your yard or the park behind your house while you work in your newly renovated office. A dormer with a window seat installed provides a perch for children to sit and read or dream. To inspire creative ideas, browse through photos of attic remodeling projects in online galleries or design magazines to enhance your plans for this unique area of your home.

Dormer Windows

A dormer is a classic architectural feature that opens a segment of your roof to install a window underneath. Dormer windows add charm and style to the interior and exterior of a house, as well as increasing the safety of the upper region of your house. Building codes in your area include requirements for finished attics, such as adequate head room, solid flooring, a finished staircase and at least two separate exits. An attic window can serve as a secondary exit if the opening is large enough for a person to exit through.

An attic window will improve ventilation and air quality, turning a formerly dusty storage area into a bright, fresh space. The area will appear larger and lighter with one or more dormers installed. Fresh air circulating through the room discourages the build-up of condensation, dust and debris. In tandem with an exhaust fan to expel hot air in the summer time and keep the atmosphere dry in the winter, an attic window can improve air quality and temperature control throughout your home.

Dormers should be designed to accommodate the style of your house and the construction of your roof. Gabled dormers, hipped dormers and shed dormers are among the most popular styles for traditional homes. Inside, the new space can be used for extra storage space. Built in window seats, drawers or cabinets provide convenient places to store books, toys or office supplies. The interior of a dormer can also be the perfect place to set up a desk if you're using the room as an office.

Energy Efficient Products

With energy efficient glass installed in an attic window, you may lower the cost of heating and cooling this region of the house. Vinyl or wood sashes have high insulating capabilities, sealing out cold or hot exterior air while conserving energy and maintaining the comfort level inside your rooms. Energy efficient products can either insulate a house against cold or prevent solar heat gain, depending on the local climate.

The upper areas of the house can become extremely hot in the summer time, especially if the attic window receives full sunlight throughout most of the day. UV resistant glass resists the damaging effects of sunlight, keeping your curtains, furnishings, books and other belongings from fading. If you live in an area of the country that experiences frequent storms, consider impact resistant glass to prevent breakage in adverse weather conditions.

Attic Window Treatments

When choosing attic window treatments, look for products that help you control temperature, air flow and light. Semi-transparent pull down shades can be an attractive addition to your newly remodeled space. Blinds and Roman shades also fulfill the practical function of mediating the sunlight that enters the room. Because attics can gain intense heat during the warmer months, consider new products that act as solar screens to minimize the heat in your new office or play room.

If privacy is a concern, blinds in combination with fabric curtains can protect your new room from the prying eyes of neighbors after dark. Blinds can be left open during the day, then closed at night if necessary. In a traditional bedroom or play room, ruffled sheer curtains add a quaint, old fashioned touch to attic dormers. Add throw pillows and cushions to a built in seat to turn a dormer into a private sanctuary.

Installing a new attic window can be a substantial home improvement project. In addition to changes in the architectural features of your home, you will need to consider insulation, ventilation and safety as you plan your remodel. To get the most satisfactory results from this multi-faceted renovation, compare estimates from a number of licensed local contractors using the convenient features on our site.