Roof window removal opinions

[MattyP182]

Hi all,

Just looking for some opinions on this. We have a window in our attic, it's original mid 1960's and it's leaking around the frame and also a little around the glazing bars which are heavily rusted, it's all metal cast iron maybe. It seems it's time for this window to be replaced or removed. Our attic has a glazed hatch to allow light onto landing as there is no window. Although I can stand in the attic, only along the roof line, i.e. it's a good storage space but will never be a functional room. Therefore it doesn't really need a window other than to allow light to the landing. We are planning to remove the window and tile over with spare tiles we have. Obviously it would be possible to replace the window with new i.e. small velux or equivalent but that is more expensive option and a window always seems like a weak point where you will get leaks at some point. We thought we might put a glazed door on the bathroom to allow light onto landing and there is a window at the bottom of the stairs so not completely dark. The roof will look a bit patched as the tiles going in won't be weathered but hoping they will bed in after a few years. Attached a couple of images. The other possible advantage of no window is that the glazed hatch could be removed and a drop down hatch/ladder could be fitted. At the moment the hatch sits by gravity and lifts up into the roof by hand so makes fitting a ladder a bit awkward. Does this all sound sensible? Any strong feelings on keeping a window in roof? Thanks for the advice.

 

[catlad]

Been in plenty of properties where people have removed the landing skylight and its a fail every time!
plenty of options to replace this like for like for about £200 + fitting

 

[DAZB]

Why don't you have a trial run for a few weeks and cover up the glazed hatch from above and leave the bathroom door open "when possible of course !!" and see what you think and if you could cope with the glazed hatch gone for good with light from the bathroom door then go for it. You could also get reclaimed slates which match the aged look your slates will have.

 

[MattyP182]

Been in plenty of properties where people have removed the landing skylight and its a fail every time!
plenty of options to replace this like for like for about £200 + fitting

Ok thanks, I think for now we'd leave hatch as is and maybe think about changing it to a drop-down in future. Why do you think people struggle? Is it because they do it themself and it's harder job than it looks?

 

[MattyP182]

Why don't you have a trial run for a few weeks and cover up the glazed hatch from above and leave the bathroom door open "when possible of course !!" and see what you think and if you could cope with the glazed hatch gone for good with light from the bathroom door then go for it. You could also get reclaimed slates which match the aged look your slates will have.

Thanks for that, good suggestion. It's so dark at the moment anyway outside it's not doing much. Probably in summer we'd notice it more though. But yeah think thats worth doing.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The last house we lived in had no direct natural light source in the upstairs hallway but with light coming in from all rooms (ie three bedrooms and a bathroom and doors left open) it never lacked light.