Dormers are architectural features that add both charm and practicality to a home. These roofed structures project from the main roof, enhancing curb appeal while providing added space, natural light, and improved ventilation. Whether your home is traditional or modern, dormers can seamlessly integrate to transform an attic or loft into a usable living space, potentially increasing the overall value of your property. However, adding dormers requires careful consideration of roof styles, proportions, materials, waterproofing, and insulation to ensure a successful outcome. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, types, and key considerations of dormers, and how they can elevate your home’s design and functionality.
What is a Dormer?
A dormer is a window that sticks out from a sloping roof, often described as “the eyes” of a house. It has its own roof, which can be flat, curved, hipped, pointed, or decorative. Dormers on a house usually match the main roof or other design features and help give a low house more visual height. They are commonly added when converting an attic, providing extra light and better airflow.
Keep reading to discover the different types of dormers on a house, their benefits and drawbacks, and what it might cost to install them.
Definition and Purpose of a Dormer
A dormer on a house is a part that sticks out from a sloped roof and usually has a window. The word ‘dormer’ comes from the Latin word ‘dormitorium,’ meaning ‘sleeping room,’ as dormers were originally added to create extra space in upper parts of homes, like attics or lofts.
Dormers on a house serve both practical and decorative roles:
- Functional Purpose: Dormers add usable space by increasing the height inside rooms and providing more square footage. This extra space is often used for bedrooms, home offices, or storage. Dormers also make these areas more livable and energy-efficient by letting in natural light.
- Aesthetic Purpose: Dormers enhance the look of a house and add character. Whether it’s the classic symmetry of gable dormers or the gentle curve of eyebrow dormers, dormers on a house can change its overall style and curb appeal.
Dormer Meaning and History on a House
The word “dormer” comes from the same root as “dormitory,” which comes from the Latin word dormitorium, meaning “a place for sleeping.” Dormers on a house were originally designed as windows in attic sleeping rooms in French homes. They became popular in the 1600s thanks to French architect François Mansart and were widely used during the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods in French and British architecture.
Dormers on a house first appeared in Britain in the 16th century. The name “dormer” comes from the French word dormer, which means “sleeping room.” This type of window was created to let natural light and air into attics, lofts, and other spaces used as sleeping areas, which often had steep ceilings that couldn’t accommodate regular windows.
Adding dormers on a house allowed homeowners to increase floor space and bring more natural light into the attic, making it a more usable and pleasant living area. This was a smart way to expand a home’s space without changing its footprint. While dormers on a house still serve the purpose of adding space and light today, they are often chosen more for aesthetic reasons, enhancing the home’s character and charm.
Benefits and Considerations of Dormers on a House
Dormers on a house are great for bringing natural light into dark spaces like attics. They make the interior brighter and more inviting. Dormers also add visual interest to the roofline, improving curb appeal and making a home look taller and more attractive.
Before adding dormers to a house, there are some things to think about. These include installation costs, the compatibility of dormers with your home’s design, and choosing the right type of dormer that suits your house best.
“Installing dormers on a house can be very beneficial, but they can also be quite expensive. If dormers are not done properly or don’t match the house’s style, they can actually take away from its overall appearance.”
What’s the Difference Between Dormers on a House and Gables?
The terms “dormer” and “gable” are often mixed up, but they mean different things, so it’s important to understand them.
A dormer on a house is an architectural feature that sticks out from the main roof. It includes a window and small walls, creating extra space and allowing more light into the upper floors.
On the other hand, a gable refers to a type of roof structure. It’s the triangular section of the wall between the two slopes of a roof. The confusion comes from the fact that there is also something called a gable window, which is a window placed at the end or side of a house on a steeply pitched roof. Unlike dormers, gable windows do not stick out from the house; they are flat against the wall.
You can have dormers on a house with a gable roof, and you can also have a gable without any dormers. The key difference is that dormers add extra space and light to a home, while a gable is just part of the roof’s shape.
What to Expect During Dormer Installation on a House
If you’re planning to add dormers on a house, keep in mind that you’ll need approval from your township or county. Dormers on a house are considered a major structural change, and during installation, your home will become a construction zone.
For new homes, this approval isn’t required, but the process is still time-consuming. The contractor will build the dormer frame at the same time as the main roof structure. They’ll add sheathing to the dormer’s exterior walls and the rafters of the main roof. Next, they’ll install a vapor barrier wrap over the vertical walls, then the window, and finally, the shingles for the roof. Once the exterior is complete, the interior can be finished to match the rest of the room.
If you’re adding dormers on a house that’s already built, a licensed roofing contractor and window specialist can handle the installation after obtaining the necessary approvals. However, you can’t separate the dormer installation from its impact on the interior space.
Expect not to use the room during most of the construction period. The area will be an active work zone with an open hole to the outside, which can be unsafe for second-story spaces. The goal is to minimize the time the roof is open, but there will still be moments when it’s exposed.
The construction starts with interior framing, followed by building the exterior frame of the dormer. The roof is cut, and framing is added before the window is installed. The whole project, from demolition to finished roofing, typically takes at least a week but may take longer, depending on the scope of the work.
Key Design Considerations for Dormers on a House
When adding dormers on a house, it’s important to keep several key design factors in mind to make sure the project is successful.
Roof Pitch and Compatibility With Existing Roof Style
The angle and style of your existing roof will influence what kind of dormer you can add. For example, a gabled dormer might not look right on a hipped roof, and a hipped dormer should blend with a gable roof. Choosing dormers on a house that match your roof style is essential for a cohesive look.
Proportions and Scale
Getting the right proportions and scale for dormers on a house is important. A dormer that’s too big can overpower the main structure, while one that’s too small might look out of place. The size of the dormer should balance with the size of the house to maintain visual appeal.
Material Selection
Pick materials for dormers on a house that match or complement the existing materials of your home. Whether it’s roofing materials like asphalt shingles or slate, or the type of windows and frames, each choice should blend with the rest of the house for a unified look.
Weatherproofing and Insulation
Dormers on a house need to be weatherproofed and insulated properly to prevent leaks, drafts, and energy loss. It’s a good idea to work with a window specialist or roofing contractor to make sure the dormer fits well with the roof and keeps out the elements.
Key Design Considerations for Dormers on a House
When adding dormers on a house, it’s important to keep several key design factors in mind to make sure the project is successful.
Roof Pitch and Compatibility With Existing Roof Style
The angle and style of your existing roof will influence what kind of dormer you can add. For example, a gabled dormer might not look right on a hipped roof, and a hipped dormer should blend with a gable roof. Choosing dormers on a house that match your roof style is essential for a cohesive look.
Proportions and Scale
Getting the right proportions and scale for dormers on a house is important. A dormer that’s too big can overpower the main structure, while one that’s too small might look out of place. The size of the dormer should balance with the size of the house to maintain visual appeal.
Material Selection
Pick materials for dormers on a house that match or complement the existing materials of your home. Whether it’s roofing materials like asphalt shingles or slate, or the type of windows and frames, each choice should blend with the rest of the house for a unified look.
Weatherproofing and Insulation
Dormers on a house need to be weatherproofed and insulated properly to prevent leaks, drafts, and energy loss. It’s a good idea to work with a window specialist or roofing contractor to make sure the dormer fits well with the roof and keeps out the elements.
Functionality and Benefits of Dormers on a House
Dormers on a house not only boost the home’s appearance but also offer many practical benefits that make living in the home more comfortable and increase its value.
- More Headroom and Usable Space
A major benefit of dormers on a house is the added headroom and usable space. They can transform an attic or loft into a bedroom, office, or bathroom, increasing the home’s total square footage without needing to expand the walls.
- Better Natural Light
Dormers on a house help bring more natural light into the home. They can turn a dark attic into a bright, welcoming space. Different types of dormers, like gable or bay windows, make rooms look larger and more inviting by letting in more sunlight.
- Improved Ventilation
Dormers with windows also improve the ventilation of a home. Opening these windows allows fresh air to flow through, which improves indoor air quality and creates a healthier living space.
- Increased Property Value
Adding dormers on a house can boost its value. By creating more space and improving the home’s look, dormers can make a house more appealing and raise its appraisal value—an advantage if you plan to sell your home.
- Enhanced Livability
Dormers on a house make it more comfortable for families by adding space, boosting natural light, and improving air circulation. They make the home feel more open and cozy.
- Customization and Personalization
Dormers offer chances for customization. Homeowners can choose different types of dormers and window styles that match their personal taste and fit the home’s overall design.
Pros and Cons of Adding Dormers on a House
Pros of Dormers on a House:
- Aesthetic Appeal: “Dormers on a house can greatly enhance the exterior look and add character,” says Patrick. When done well, they make a home more attractive and visually interesting.
- Increased Natural Light: Dormers on a house can bring more sunlight into rooms, which can help lower heating costs when placed in areas that allow sunlight to warm up the space.
- More Living Space: By adding dormers on a house, attic areas become more usable. “Without dormers, you often have to crouch to avoid hitting your head,” Patrick explains. With dormers, you can stand taller and make the space more comfortable.
- Improved Airflow: Dormers on a house bring better ventilation, especially helpful for areas with stagnant air.
- Higher Curb Appeal: “Dormers on a house can add to its exterior look and potentially increase its value,” says Patrick, making them a good investment if your home’s exterior needs a boost.
Cons of Dormers on a House:
- Long Installation Time: Adding dormers on a house can take a while to complete. The process often involves leaving an open section in the roof, which can take time to fix.
- Costly: Installing dormers on a house can be expensive, especially if you choose high-end designs or add multiple dormers.
- Risk of Leaks: “Any time you add a hole to the outside of a house, there is a risk of water getting in,” says Patrick. Dormers on a house can be prone to leaks and water damage.
- Professional Installation Required: Dormers on a house are not suitable for DIY projects. Finding a skilled contractor can be costly and challenging, and securing necessary permits can add to the expense.
- Higher Maintenance: “Dormers on a house require more upkeep than a standard roofline,” says Patrick. They need to be cleared of debris yearly to prevent ice dams and other water damage. The windows themselves also need regular cleaning.
Dormers on a house offer great benefits but come with their own set of challenges. Weighing these factors can help you decide if adding dormers is the right choice for your home.
Types of Dormers on a House
Gable Dormers on a House
A gable dormer has a peaked roof that slopes down on two sides. These dormers on a house were very popular in mid century Cape Cod-style homes. Simple gable dormers were added to the gable roof to bring in more light, air, and space, while also creating symmetry. You may also see a flared gable dormer, which has a roof that flares out for shade over the window.
Shed Roof Dormers on a House
A shed dormer has a roof with the same pitch as the main house and features narrow, elongated windows. These dormers on a house are common in Craftsman-style homes and bungalows.
Steep Roof Shed Dormers on a House
A steep roof shed dormer is set deeply into the main roof, making it nearly flush with the roof itself. This type of dormer on a house allows for windows in steep spaces like an attic without disrupting the roof line or needing skylights.
Extended Shed Dormers on a House
An extended shed dormer stretches almost the entire width of a house. This type of dormer on a house provides significant additional interior space without changing the home’s exterior footprint. Extended shed dormers became popular in the 1960s and are still a favorite architectural feature today.
Flat Roof Dormers on a House
A flat roof dormer is a type of shed dormer with a modern touch due to its flat roof, which has a slight angle for water runoff. These dormers on a house offer a contemporary twist on traditional design.
Hipped Roof Dormers on a House
A hipped roof dormer is an elegant option that stands out from gable or shed dormers. It mimics the style of a hipped roof, which has four sloping sides meeting at a peak, unlike a gable with only two sides.
Arched Top Dormers on a House
Arched top dormers are iconic in British cottage architecture. These dormers on a house feature arched windows that sit low on the roof, letting in more light and creating a charming look.
Eyebrow Dormers on a House
An eyebrow dormer is a curved dormer that appears to rise over the window like an eyebrow. These dormers on a house add a unique and lively character to the home.
Mansard Roof Dormers on a House
Mansard dormers are intricate and are often found in Second Empire-style homes. French architect François Mansart modified the traditional gambrel roof by making its sides steeper and adding windows, making mansard dormers some of the earliest examples of dormers on a house.
Through-The-Cornice Dormers on a House
Through-the-cornice dormers are a unique and complex design. Unlike typical dormers, these are built straight up through the cornice or the edge of the roof, acting as a continuation of the wall above the roof eaves. These dormers on a house create a seamless look with the wall.
Nantucket Dormers on a House
A Nantucket dormer is an iconic style found on Massachusetts’s namesake island. This dormer type features two gable dormers on each side of a flat shed dormer, creating a distinctive look for dormers on a house.
Recessed Dormers on a House
A recessed dormer is set into the roof rather than sticking out. This style creates a small landing outside the window before the roof line continues. Recessed dormers on a house have a deep design that adds more square footage inside the dormer.
Reverse Dormers on a House
A reverse dormer is inverted into the roof rather than projecting outward. This type of dormer on a house is often used to create patio or garden spaces.
False Dormers on a House
A false dormer, or faux dormer, is a decorative element that adds detail or symmetry to a roof without being functional. This type of dormer on a house appears as if it could be a window, but it does not provide any actual space or light inside.
Prefab Dormers on a House
Prefab dormers are premade dormers that can be added to an existing home. While this involves removing part of the roof, installing a prefab dormer can speed up the process. Prefab dormers on a house usually require a plan and permit as they involve modifying the structure.
Key Takeaways on Dormers on a House
Dormers on a house are roofed structures that extend from the main roof’s slope, adding both style and functionality. They improve a home’s curb appeal and provide extra space, light, and ventilation.
Different types of dormers come with their own unique styles and benefits, making them versatile additions for various home styles, from traditional to modern. Dormers do more than just enhance appearance; they can convert an unused attic or loft into a livable space, potentially boosting the home’s value.
Adding dormers on a house involves thoughtful planning. It’s important to consider the current roof style, choose the right proportions, use suitable materials, and ensure good waterproofing and insulation.
If you’re looking for houses with dormers, check out the listings at eXp to find a range of beautiful homes for sale across the country. If finding homes with dormers on your own is difficult, working with a professional real estate agent can help you locate your ideal property with the perfect dormer design.