Simply reversed

Roof window roller shutters rethought

With our many years of experience in roller shutter construction and a little inventive talent, we turned something well-tried into something innovative “new”. Baier has designed a roller shutter for the latest Velux window generations, especially for the additional elements of the Velux Cabrio and the Velux roof balcony. The additional window brings more brightness – but here, too, one does not want to do without sun and privacy protection. To not restrict the view outside with a disturbing roller shutter box, it was moved to the underside of the additional element without further ado – and the running direction of the roller shutter was thus turned by 180 degrees. The roller shutter runs from bottom to top. The patented mode of operation of the Baier roller shutter makes this possible.

Various convenient operating modes

This roller shutter can also be operated in various ways. The most convenient type of drive is the electric one utilizing a tubular motor. Please note that a connection to the mains power supply must be ensured. If a timer is connected, the roller shutter opens and closes at the programmed time. Radio or solar control is also possible. Manual operation is the most cost-effective solution. The joint crank is set in motion by rotary movements using an operating rod, and the shaft winds the roller shutter up and down.

Historic preservation watch out!

Under the roof, dormers or skylights provide sufficient natural light.

If an old house is not a “listed building” in the sense of the Office for the Protection of Historical Monuments, the focus can be on energy and structural renovation. The taste and style of the building owners decide how old building substances can be used to advantage in combination or contrast with modern materials.

Skylights can be installed cheaply and efficiently and, according to the building regulations of most German states, do not require a permit as long as the building code regulations are observed. As an efficient light source, skylights also provide comfortable ventilation for the newly acquired living space. The matching skylight roller shutter darkens when required, provides sun and heat protection, and should not be missing.

Roof windows in listed buildings

It is not quite so simple in the case of a so-called “listed building”. The respective listed building authority must approve every externally visible change to a listed building. Roof windows for listed buildings are subject to stringent requirements of the heritage protection authorities; the appearance of a building should be changed as little as possible.

Listed buildings authorities preserve the “testimonies” of earlier architecture. Particular attention is paid to the colours, shapes and sizes of the materials used for renovation – after all, restoration should be as true to the original as possible. Skylights speak for themselves, as they can be easily installed with minor loss of the original building substance.

The natural incidence of daylight enormously enhances the rooms. To effectively prevent an unwanted reflection of the windowpane, the skylights should still be shaded with a so-called Z-slat. The roof windows covered in this way are not visible from street level when closed – the classic overall appearance of the main view is preserved. Good preconditions for approval by the heritage protection authority have been created.

Since, in the worst case, costly demolition can be demanded in the event of unauthorised installation, it is inevitable to obtain the approval of the monument protection authority.