Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Roof Windows
As an architect, I am always asked at dinner parties about what features of houses I love the most, and coming from Queensland, I would have to say that the wrap-around verandah on an old Queenslander home used to be my most beloved item. Since moving to Melbourne a couple of years ago and moving into a beautiful old terrace house (and having the luck of being able to restore it), I now tell people that my favourite item in smaller and more interesting homes would have to be roof windows! You might be scratching your head right about now in regards to what exactly a roof window is, but it’s pretty much exactly what it says on the tin: a roof window is a window in your roof!
As I mentioned, the house I moved into in Melbourne was a beautiful terrace, but it was severely lacking in natural light. It had party walls on both sides so it was going to be tough to get the sunlight coming in from windows in the walls, so I realised pretty quickly that the best way to harness the beautiful sunlight was to install some roof windows. Roof windows in Melbourne is definitely a trend I’ve seen growing, so in line with my new love affair, I wanted to highlight my top five reasons to invest in roof windows.
Use of space
If your house is going to have access to the roof, you could think about installing a roof hatch as a way to maximise your space. Many houses in Melbourne are stunning but are a bit short on the space that they have available to work with. A few friends of mine have even built gardens up on their roof as a means to getting more space for their herbs and beehives! Highly innovative use of the space and a lovely way to retreat from the real world for a while.
Safety
While we’re not particularly prone to epic floods in Melbourne, having a roof hatch installed can give you access to part of the building that you might need to get up on to at some point. Consider the possibility of a fire in the home where the only way out is up, or in the case of a flood in an area like Sydney or Brisbane. A roof window or hatch would be something that you wish you had.
Natural light
I’ve already waxed lyrical about my love for roof windows, but there really is nothing better than lying cat-like in the morning sun without having to even leave your lounge room. The beauty of natural light does wonders for your mood – and during the winter months, this sort of thing can be a lifesaver in terms of happiness levels.
Access to a new level
With the limited space available in urban areas, having access to the roof can give you a whole new lease on life. Imagine being able to host your friends and neighbours to watch the fireworks from New Year’s Eve, without even having to leave your home! As we mentioned before about the garden option, a roof terrace or roof access point can add value to your home.
Add value to your home
The addition of a stunning roof terrace can really add value to your home, and the first place to start is with your roof access hatch or roof window. Talk to your friendly local seller today about the various options available for your home. It might be easier than you think!
