January 21, 2022
If you own a multi-story home, adding roof dormers can improve the aesthetic of your house, create additional living space, and improve ventilation by adding windows for airflow. In this article, we will discuss the different types of dormers, the advantages of adding dormers, and considerations for matching the dormers to the style of the house.
A dormer is defined as a window that projects vertically from a sloping roof. However, there are many different styles of dormers that have different advantages, disadvantages, and aesthetics.
Gabled Dormers – Also referred to as, “doghouse dormers,” gabled dormers are the most common style as they can be installed on almost any roof. These dormers sport a triangular shape with two sloped planes, allowing them to easily drain rainwater or excess snow.
Flat Dormers – Flat dormers are a great way to maximize the space of your addition on a tight budget. These dormers have a completely flat roof, allowing for maximized headspace, with the tradeoff of poor drainage.
Shed Dormers – Shed dormers are similar to flat dormers but feature a slight slope that aids in water drainage, while still providing additional headroom.
Eyebrow Dormers – If your primary goal is increasing the curb appeal of your home, consider adding eyebrow dormers. These striking dormers can give your home a statelier appearance while also increasing its natural lighting. Due to their shape, eyebrow dormers are more expensive to add and do not create as much space as other styles of dormers.
Arched Dormers – Another aesthetically-appealing option, arched dormers do not create a great deal of additional space, but they can improve the natural lighting of the room.
There are many reasons to consider adding dormers to your home. To begin, dormers can increase the natural lighting of the area they are added to – this is particularly important for attic conversions, as attics typically have very little natural lighting. Dormers can also improve the ventilation of a home by adding windows to let in fresh air when needed. If you are looking to increase the usable space of your attic, adding shed or gabled dormers can create some additional room. Lastly, adding a dormer can create a potential exit from the attic in the event of a fire or other emergency.
When considering the style of dormer that you would like to add, keep in mind that the dormers should be an accent on the roof, not the focal point. Generally, the dormers should not occupy more than half the width or depth of the roof. Additionally, dormer windows are typically smaller than the windows below them. If your primary goal is to increase your living space, shed dormers are a great option. If you mainly want to improve the natural lighting and aesthetic of your home, arched or eyebrow dormers are a perfect fit. There are nearly endless styles of dormers – RSU Construction can adopt any of these into your renovation, adding space and visual appeal to your home. If you are considering remodeling your attic, or already have a beautiful space that you would like to add onto, trust the professionals at RSU Contractors with your next big renovation. Call (615) 269-3906 today to get started and request a consultation!