Dormer Window Definition, Kinds, Benefits, and Installation
If you want to increase light and ventilation in your home or even add extra room, consider installing dormer windows. Dormer windows are found on the sloping roof of a structure rather than its walls.
The goal of a Dormer window is to create usable loft space as well as a roof entry that allows natural light into the loft and nearby rooms. Let investigate more.
What Exactly is a Dormer Window?
Dormer windows, which are positioned on the slope side of a roof, allow natural light to penetrate a vaulted ceiling area. Dormer windows, unlike skylights, are positioned vertically rather than at an inclination to the roof. They are in a frame structure that protrudes from the home\’s roof.
The phrase \”dormer\” derives from either the French word dormir, which means \”to sleep,\” or the Latin word dormitorium, which means \”sleeping chamber.\”
Dormer windows were popular throughout Europe throughout the Renaissance and acquired prominence in the seventeenth century, particularly in France, England, and Scotland.
Types of Dormer Window
Generally, the style of a dormer window is defined by the roof design above it. In modern architecture, popular dormer window designs and patterns include:
Window With a Gable Dormer
The presence of a gable, which is a triangular-shaped roof with equal-pitch slopes above the window, distinguishes the most prevalent type of dormer window.
Window With a Gambrel Dormer
A gambrel dormer has a roof with a gable at the top and two steeper roof slopes on the sides. As a result, the gambrel dormer will have the look of a barn.
Window in the Hip Dormer
Three roof planes—one on each side of the dormer and a third that runs parallel to the front face of the dormer—identify a hip dormer. The highest point of each of the three planes rises to a common point that acts as the roof\’s apex.
Shed Dormer Window
This dormer has only one roof plane and slopes in the same way as the main roof but at a much steeper angle. The pitch of a shed dormer can be so low that it seems almost horizontal. However, for water to drain, there must be some slope.
Eyebrow Dormer window
The presence of a softly undulating wave that rises up and completely covers the window distinguishes an eyebrow dormer roof from other types of roof planes.
An eyebrow dormer, which does not have any extra vertical wall sides, can be used to create the effect of an eye peeping out from behind a hooded lid.
Dormer Window With a Bonnet
A bonnet dormer is identifiable by its curved roof and vertical walls on each end of the window. It is common practice to install windows in bonnet dormers with arch-tops so that the top of the window aligns with the arch of the bonnet.
Wall Dormer Window
This form of dormer\’s front is an extension of the exterior wall beneath it, and it can have any of the roof types described above. However, this feature designates it as a separate type of dormer.
The siding on the main body of the house continues all the way up into the dormer, making the dormer\’s front flush with the front of the home. The siding on the central part of the home extends all the way up into the dormer to accomplish this.
Lucerne Dormer Window
Residential lucarne dormers are frequently tall and thin, taking design cues from Gothic cathedral dormers. Gable roofs extend over the window apertures in the majority of cases.
Dormer Window With a Blind
Blind dormers, often known as \”false\” dormers, are not functional and are only included for cosmetic reasons. The majority of dormer windows provide light into the loft.
When viewed from the street, a blind dormer looks precisely like a regular dormer window; however, instead of the dormer window entering the home, a blind dormer merely attaches itself to the outside of the roof. While inside the building, there is no indication that the dormer exists.
Although a dormer roof is typically a duplicate of the main roof, numerous variants exist. Architectural preferences determine whether a gable-roofed house has a gambrel dormer, a shed dormer, or no dormer.
Typically, the roofing material on a dormer window will be the same as the main roof. If the main roof is covered in asphalt shingles, the roof above the window will most likely be covered in shingles as well.
The Advantages of Dormer Windows
This section will go over some of the benefits of putting dormer windows in your home, which should help you decide whether or not to do it.
Excessive Light
Many people may find it challenging to allow natural light into their houses. The installation of dormer windows is a simple technique to achieve this goal.
These windows will let in an abundance of light from the outside, making your home glow. Modifying the angle, material, and proportions of the dormer windows can change the quantity of natural light that enters the home.
Ventilation
It is impossible to stress the importance of adequate ventilation in the home. This is one of the most significant advantages of adding dormer windows.
A room with more windows has more airflow, and improving the ventilation in a room helps to make it more habitable. Dormer window installation gives the best level of ventilation possible by drawing in air from the surrounding environment.
Headroom
After installing dormer windows, you\’ll notice additional interior space. You are free to design whatever you want in order to make more room in your home.
The goal of adding the dormer windows is to provide space that can be used to store furniture. Because there is no risk of the furniture obscuring a window, you can let it contact the wall.
Increased Resale Value
The windows on the outside of your house contribute to its appealing aspect from the outside. Those looking in from the outside will notice the dormer windows rather than a plain wall.
You can expect a lot of compliments and ideas because of the sophisticated appearance that the windows bring to the home, which will improve its market value. Aesthetically conscious homebuyers will be lured to your house.
The Disadvantages of Dormer Windows
There are certain disadvantages to installing dormer windows in your home. These are some examples:
Installation is Difficult
You will need to employ an expert to install a dormer window in your home. The installation necessitates intricate angle framing and rafter modification, which a professional can only perform.
Additional Cost
Building and installing a dormer window in your home requires materials and time, which can increase the cost of your roof. Retrofitting a dormer window is considerably more expensive. Overall, the cost of a dormer window can vary greatly based on its size, style, and material.
Increased Leakage Risk
Dormer windows pierce the main roof of your home, increasing the likelihood of leaks. Flashing is required during the installation of windows, a technique of interweaving sheet metal and shingles to limit the chance of leaks. Despite the flashing, it is more susceptible to leaks than other areas of the roof.
Helpful Tips for Dormer Windows
If you want to add dormers to an existing building that already has windows, the best time to do so is when you replace the roof tiles. This ensures that the shingles used on the main roof and the dormers are of the same type and color.
The dormer windows must be smaller than the windows on the walls below them. The width or depth of the dormer windows should not exceed half of the total roof area in most circumstances. Aligning dormer windows with windows on the wall below can create a pleasing appearance.
Things to Think About Before Installing a Dormer Window
Dormers, as appealing and functional as they appear, require tremendous effort to install on your roof. There are a few things to consider before removing your roof:
Costs
Size, style, and roofing materials are some of the variables that affect how much it will cost to add a dormer. Local building permits may also drive up construction expenses.
If your property is already built and you are planning a renovation, consider retrofitting the window during shingle replacement or roof repair. You might be able to cut our labor and material costs.
House Design
House design experts recommend building a dormer that complements the style of your home\’s roof and windows. For example, barrel dormers can be an excellent way to contrast a plain roof design.
Gable dormers, in general, complement most house designs, whereas eyebrow dormers complement residences with similarly curved or arched windows or doorways.
Utility
Do you want to add a dormer for more living space, better lighting, and ventilation, or purely for aesthetic reasons?
Although using barrel and eyebrow windows to allow in more light is appropriate, they may not be the ideal choice if space is limited. In contrast, adding a shed, gable, or wall roof could have a considerable influence.
You should not build a dormer yourself unless you have substantial construction skills. You should hire a qualified and knowledgeable contractor to reduce hazards like costly roof leaks.
Dormer Window Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
A dormer is a roof projection that can be added to an existing roof to increase space, let in more natural light, and allow for artistic expression. Follow these instructions if you want to add this addition to your home.
• Hire a roofing professional to assess your property and provide an estimate; they can advise you on the best materials to use based on the current stress on your roof.
• The placement of the dormer should be carefully considered because it must be pleasing to the eye and structurally sound (think how much more weight it will need to support).
• Create building blueprints and submit them to municipal authorities for approval before beginning construction.
• Begin with the dormer, commencing with its layout on the attic level, and then open the roof.
• To ensure everything is up to code when the building is finished, have a roofing contractor inspect it.
• Consult a structural engineer about the safety of your home. This is significant for obvious reasons.
• Hire a licensed roofing contractor who specializes in creating dormers to finish the inside and, if necessary, repair the roof.
How Can You Maximize Natural Light Through a Dormer Window?
Dormer windows are one of the finest ways to increase natural lighting in your home. Dormer windows are available in a wide range of styles, patterns, and sizes to allow as much natural light as possible.
Here are some pointers for positioning the dormer windows for maximum natural light.
• Adding a dormer window above the staircase is an excellent method to bring natural light into your home.
• Installing a dormer window above your kitchen island bench helps illuminate the work area and reduces the need for artificial lighting.
• A dormer window over a long hallway allows natural light to stream into adjacent rooms, illuminating a vast portion of your home through a single window.
Tips for Maintaining Dormer Windows
Follow these guidelines to ensure that your dormer windows are appropriately ventilated without causing problems like heat gain, moisture accumulation, or damage from harsh weather:
Install the windows that Fit Well.
There are two types of window sizes: nominal and real. The window size is vital for dormers since it controls how much light enters the attic.
The manufacturer\’s recommended sizes for windows are nominal measures. Actual-size windows are more likely to fit the walls of your home, but they may be more expensive.
Insulation for Windows Against Heat Gain
During extremely hot weather, windows lose heat via the roof and sashes, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight. Windows must be insulated against heat gain to avoid heat loss outside the house.
To prevent excessive heat transmission from rising warm air into your attic, insulate your dormer windows with 1/2-inch-thick foam weather stripping. Window panels should have insulation on all four sides to keep warm air from heating up.
Finish the Trim with Crown Molding.
Install the crown molding and finish the window trim with a vapor barrier to prevent moisture buildup. If your windows are in an area with high relative humidity, installing a vapor barrier will help prevent condensation and keep moisture out.
Use Weatherstripping.
While rain may cause problems with specific windows, wind can impact any window. To protect your windows from wind damage, install weather stripping around them.
Ensure the Safety of Exposed Edges.
To avoid accidents and damage, make sure that any exposed edges of your dormer windows are securely fixed and covered. If the gap is not sealed correctly, these edges may jeopardize your property\’s safety and allow water to infiltrate the foundation if they are not securely shut.
Protect Dormer Windows with Shutters During Storms.
Even though dormer windows provide additional ventilation during hot weather, they can cause storm damage to your property if not properly protected. To protect your home during a storm, cover your dormer windows.
However, you should not cover the glass permanently with cloth because it would limit ventilation. You can use plywood with a thickness of at least 1/2 inch to permanently close the window. Fiberglass insulating sheets can also be employed.
Properly Insulate Window Frames.
The window frame must be sufficiently insulated to avoid damage from extreme weather. By placing insulation on the outside of the frame, you can avoid laying it directly against the wood trim. In addition, 1 inch of fiberglass or equivalent insulating material should be put around the window frame.
Things to Remember When Creating Your Dormer Windows
One of the most important things to remember when building a dormer window is that it should be proportionate to the roof. Due to bad planning, many people have a one-and-a-half-story house with dormer windows.
The house\’s front elevation appears out of scale due to the excessively large dormer windows, detracting from the building\’s architectural charm. Another thing to keep in mind is that having the dormer window ridges below the main ridge will make the window look much better.
It is advisable to position them slightly lower than halfway down your roof. It is acceptable to have the dormer window\’s roof pitch be steeper than the main roof. However, it is usually preferable to keep them the same.
Furthermore, to avoid the dormer\’s roof looking out of place, let it follow the style of the main roof. The best course of action is to work hard throughout the design stage. Experiment with heights until you find the perfect one, and carefully choose your materials.
FAQs
- What exactly is a dormer section?
A dormer is a small room with a window that protrudes vertically from the rest of a sloping roof. When attic space is turned into living space, a dormer allows for cross ventilation, admits natural light, and adds architectural character.
- Is it worthwhile to install Dormer Windows?
The most obvious benefit of a dormer is the extra headroom it gives by extending from the existing roof. This could provide a plethora of options for selecting how the space will be used. You can only stand in a specific room area without this projection.
- Is it possible to add a dormer to any house?
Dormers with pitched roofs and attic spaces can be added to almost any house. Loft expansions made possible by flat roofs are a different issue because they do not qualify as dormers. Adding a dormer to a loft that is just a tad too small is a terrific way to expand the amount of vertical space available.
- Should I add a dormer without first obtaining a building permit?
Dormer windows and dormer expansions must fulfill the same standards as regular roof windows and skylights in order to qualify as a permitted build. As a result, unless your dormer windows are huge or you live in a designated historic district or conservation area, you won\’t need specific permission to install them.
- What are the different types of dormer wall materials?
The bulk of dormers are constructed of wood. The roof, side walls (cheeks), and wall facing the garden are the essential components of a dormer. The cheeks can be supported in two ways: the rafters are doubled and attached together, or the cheeks are built from the rafters.