One of the great things about windows is the character and personality they offer your home, and dormer windows, if you've looked at them, offer plenty of character. But they also have so many benefits when installed on a sloped roof.
Today, in this guide, our roofing experts are looking at dormer windows - their styles, features and benefits.
What is a Dormer Window?
Dormer windows are types of windows that you'll find in the vaulted upper levels of a home - they are really ideal for increasing natural light into a property.
Now, these types of windows are linked with Greek Revival architecture and the colonial architectural style, yet they're found on a range of slope roofed homes.
They'll either be operable or inoperable, with operable dormer windows capable of being raised upward or tilted inward. These will give greater space on the interior space, working to give you ample room for a window seat or storage.
You will see them installed as a vertical window on the structure of a loft conversion - locations in which traditional windows were historically incompatible, and they get their name from the word dormer which means 'sleeping room' in French.
Dormer Window: Main Styles and Examples
It's the roof type or roof space above the window that indicates the window category. A few dormer window main styles and examples are listed just here:
- Flat roof dormer: This is a type of shed roof dormer that has a modern appearance. You will typically find these on the front and or back of the property.
- Gable dormer: This common type of dormer window features a triangular roof pitch - and the gable dormers themselves tend to be symmetrically installed just below the pitch of the roof.
- Wall dormer: These wall dormers are compatible with any type of roof pitch, but they will always be installed flush against the facade of the home as opposed to having the base of the window being placed on top of the roof.
- Shed dormer: This is a type of dormer window with only a single roof plane - and this slopes in the same direction as the main roof. It has a shallow-pitched roof compared with other types of dormer windows.
- Hipped dormer: This type of dormer window features three sloping planes, and they extend from the front and both sides of the window.
- Eyebrow dormer: These feature a curved roof but don't have any sides - the roof itself curves gradually around and over the window, taking the form of a bell curve.
- False dormer: These tend to be just ornamental structures that don't offer space on the interior space. It's one of the dormer styles that can be placed on a top floor, and can be found on newer homes.
- Bonneted Dormer: They feature curved roofs and vertical walls on both sides of the dormer.
- Nantucket dormer: This is a dormer that can be thought of as a three-in-one option that features two gable dormers plus one shed dormer.
Dormer Window Benefits You Should Consider
It's easily deduced just by acknowledging these windows' structures, that they can offer plenty of benefits for your roofing project. The dormer window benefits you should consider are listed below:
Greater Natural Light
Providing greater transmission of light, these solutions can greatly illuminate upper floors and ensure the interior is not dark. And this is also possible because the structure facilitates the light transmission.
For instance, since the dormer windows are raised upward in a vertical manner, the path of the light can easily make its way through them and brightly light the home. It can create an aesthetic appeal on the interior.
Increased Curb Appeal
Adding dormer windows can come with an increased curb appeal. For instance, it's by breaking up the roof line and making it more distinctive, adding extra space to the property and enhancing the home's overall charm that these windows can make the property more attractive and appealing.
This increased curb appeal can thus contribute to a greater property value, since it adds space and looks more appealing with a stunning-looking dormer frame.
More Usable Space
Although an attic or loft conversion can have limited space, this can change with a dormer window - they create more usable space with the vertical structure they offer.
For example, a flat roof dormer can potentially give you an extra 40 to 50 cubic meters of usable space - it's convenient for maximising the living space and making the loft more comfortable as an extra room.
How a Dormer Window is Installed
Dormer windows are the perfect choice for a range of home styles - particularly those with a sloped roof, and they are easy to install with a few specific roofing methods.
1. Measure the Roof Pitch
It begins with measuring the roof pitch - that means considering the size of the angle. This angle should be used for the dormer window's top for a greater visual appeal. You'll be able to measure the roof pitch using a level.
For instance, take measurements from the roof to the level, where the level is 12 inches away from the point it meets the surface at. Your measurement will be best interpreted as a 'rise over run' ratio. So, if your rises 7 inches over the 12-inch run, the pitch is 7:12.
2. Construct the Dormer Frame
When it comes to constructing the dormer frame, you can double up the rafters and add a beam between the gables. For instance, beside the existing rafters in the part of the roof where you will install the dormer frame, add additional ones to strengthen the structure. This will carry the extra weight.
Cut away the rafters to create an open space and consider the height of the dormer frame's ceiling. Use timber structures to create the upright structure of the dormer frame on either side and construct a wall plate for your basic dormer frame. Enhance the structure using ceiling ties arranged across the top; nail them in place with roofing nails.
3. Insert a Ridge Board
Insert a ridge board at the mirroring point of the two rafters. Ensure its thickness equally spans and spreads equidistantly on either side of the mirroring point. For instance, if you have a ridge board that is 25 millimetres, it should cover 12.5 millimetres on each side of the mirroring point.
Along each ceiling tie and against the ridge board, install additional rafters, and then add the dormer walls to complete the structure.
4. Install Sheeting and Shingles
Install sheeting on the exterior of the dormer walls and the rafters. Then, once you have installed the window, you can add the shingles to ensure that no rainfall can seep into gaps in the roofing. You can secure the sheeting with nails, spread six inches apart.
Installing roof flashing can also ensure the roof has a watertight seal and that the joining parts between the window and the roof remain weatherproof and protected.
Final Thoughts on Dormer Windows
With the newly installed dormer windows on your property and their many benefits, such as greater space and natural light, enhanced aesthetics and greater curb appeal, you can make your attic space a comfortable space. Whether you're looking to add value to your home or make the space more usable, this solution is ideal.
To gain further information or advice on the best ways to install dormer windows, check the roofstuff.com.au website and Evobuild. There, plenty of tips are available to ensure your project is a resounding success.
FAQS
What is a gable vs dormer?
Their main difference is that a gable has a triangular part of a wall that encloses the roofline (which is pitched), and a dormer window features a roof and siding. The latter typically extends beyond the roof enhancing both the light and architectural structure of the property.
How much does it cost to install dormers?
It'll depend on a few things. If you're only installing a small dormer, this will of course be less costly than a larger one. The price you might be looking at is $15,000 for the process, and this equates to around $120 for each square foot that you intend to cover.
Is an architect needed for a dormer?
Not in every case, but this has its advantages. Architects can plan and design the loft and the dormer extension for you, which can make the project run more smoothly and minimise the chances of errors. With meticulous plans comes a simpler project with greater chances of success.