Questions and answers about roof sliding windows

The desire – for glass surfaces that could be opened generously – was repeatedly expressed to us, so that the first sliding systems were developed as early as the 1980s. Increased requirements for thermal insulation and energy saving regulations quickly led to further developments and the possibility of using highly thermally insulated triple glazing. The visual appearance of the building architecture but also the desired size of the opening option led to the different systems with their horizontally and vertically movable sliding elements.  

The variant does not play a role here. The decisive criterion is the size.

The planning offices of the municipalities should be involved in all considerations in advance. This is because planning law – and also monument protection law requirements in the local statutes and development plans – can set restrictions for roof windows or only permit them in certain types and sizes.

The authorities responsible for the protection of historical monuments are convinced of our solutions by the transparent, flush construction of our Panorama AL and OpenAir roof sliding windows, which blend harmoniously into the overall picture. We know of cases in which our sliding roof windows were recommended as an alternative to unauthorised dormers.

Since the so-called “insertion pocket” also belongs to the PANORAMA-AH system, a correspondingly large recess must be created in the roof truss to accommodate this insertion area and which can be covered with the roof cladding after installation. For example, a desired opening of 300 cm requires an element with a total width of around 660 cm, about half of which disappears invisibly into the building roof.

Flush surfaces are preferred in listed buildings. Sunshine offers suitable solutions.

The clear opening is considerably more than 2/3. The handle on the sash frame limits the lateral movement. Larger windows therefore also have a larger percentage clear opening.

The Panorama sliding roof windows with 2 movable sashes are easy to clean from the inside, as the elements can be placed appropriately. The other types of roof sliding windows are equipped with cleaning supporting glass coatings as well as insensitive exterior colours for the aluminium profiles.

Yes, but then anti-trap measures are required. The cheapest solution is to operate with a “deadman switch”. This is a commercially available push-button switch without self-retaining mechanism, with which the sash movement is controlled by visual contact to the window. The increase is the clamping protection control up to an automatic control, which provides then also over a rain sensor for automatic closing. All windows with electric drive have an emergency release so that manual closing is possible in the event of a power failure.  

In addition to the complete installation by Sunshine, an installation support for the local roofers by an experienced Sunshine factory fitter can be agreed on request. Further information on roof sliding window installation.

Naturally, we install our products throughout Germany and Europe. Deliveries are made all over the world, as for these objects by low loader to Chelsea and by sea freight to Beijing.

Basically every opening for the installation of a window must be made according to our drawing specifications. At the same time, the statics of the roof truss must be checked and, if necessary, the roof truss reinforced.

Since our products are custom-made, there are no price lists in the conventional sense. The prices depend on the following factors: Window type (OpenAir, OpenAir-SV or Panorama) Number of sliding leaves External window dimensions (W x H, H measured in the slope) Installation angle (roof pitch) Installation height in the building (above ground level/street level) installation location Altitude of the installation site (above sea level) snow load point of the compass We are happy to help you with words and deeds to realize your project.

Roof windows, including those with shading construction, are generally not subject to approval because the exterior contour of the building is not significantly altered. The situation is different with dormers, which are always subject to approval. However in the apron in any case a tuning with the responsible building authority should take place. It can be, for example, that a local development plan brings restrictions with it. In the listed area, approval is always required. Often, however, the installation of a roof window is also associated with a change in the use of the building, which must be notified in any case. Furthermore, a structural engineer should always be involved, e.g. via the carpenter, who accompanies the changes in the roof construction. Not every roof truss is suitable for such a window installation without further ado.