Dormer Styles

A dormer is structure that is set vertically on the slope of the roof. Dormers are not always a part of the original building structure, but are added later. However, of late, there are many houses that are constructed with dormers, as these structures not only provide a way for natural light to enter the house, but also create cozy corners and increase usable space in the house. Dormers have their own roof, and have a window that allows light and ventilation in the house. Dormers can be used as small head rooms, providing more functional space. There are many different dormer styles to choose from, and in the following article some of the more popular and prevalent styles have been discussed.

Popular Dormer Types

Since ancient days, dormers have been a part of British architecture. If you are planning to add a dormer to your house, then it is advisable that you know about the various dormers that are there. Dormers come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that complements your home decorating ideas. Different styles and types of dormers are characterized by its roof designs. Dormer roofing can be straight, curved, hipped, or combination of various basic shapes.

Shed Style
It is one of the basic roof styles, that has a single flat roof panel. Shed dormers were part of the Colonial revival architecture. They were seen in Craftsman and Dutch Colonial architecture.

Eyebrow Style
This is one of the most popular styles. As the name suggests, eyebrow dormers resemble the human eyebrow, as they have a low curved roof and are similar to arch dormers. Hard edges or vertical sides are not present in this dormer, which is very typical of the Shingle style architecture.

Hipped Style
These are characterized by a hip like triangular design on the roof. In this dormer style, there are three plane slopes, which meet at the top. It is common to the Craftsman and Prairie architecture.

Gabled Style
This is another dormer style that looks like a small roof coming out of the roof of the house. They are one of the iconic dormers, that are perpendicular to the main roof of the house. These have a flat front with two plane roofs meeting at the top from both sides. It is typical of the English Tudor style architecture.

Apart from this, people who do not wish to build new dormers go for inset dormers. They can only be seen from outside the house, as they are placed back into the roof. Such dormers do not provide any extra place to use. They just enhance the beauty of the house and give a stylish look to the house. Inset dormers are also known as blind dormers or recessive dormers.

How to Add Dormers to House

Before adding a dormer to the house it is necessary to get the legal permission according to the city building code. Once you get the permission, it is advisable that you call a professional person to build the dormer. But if you want to do it yourself, then you need to have some really good carpentry skills and carpentry tools with you. You will need ladders, toe boards, glasses, gloves, scaffolding, and other essential tools to complete this home improvement project.

• First you need to decide the size and location of the dormer depending on the size of the room. Once you decide that, you need to remove the sheathing or shingles that cover the roof and other obstructions such as electrical wires, insulation, etc.
• Then you need to determine the slope of the roof with help of a speed square and measuring tape, so that you can cut the right angles in the studs. Now you will have to start building the window frame. Once the window frame is built, you need to check if it fits properly. If this sounds like too much work, or is too difficult, you can always opt for ready-made window frame.
• After this you need to build the dormer walls and ceiling. You will need lumber to construct the dormer. Now install wall sections, trusses, ceilings, and window assemblies properly.
• Once that is fixed properly, the next step is to build the roof of the dormer. You can select the design of your choice from various roof dormer styles.
• The next step is connecting the dormer to the main roof. Once you do that, give a finishing touch to the roof by installing plywood sheathing and siding. Decorate the room with minimum furniture and your dormer is ready to use.

You can use dormers as a small bedroom, study room, head room or just as a quiet corner in the house. Dormers are a cost-effective choice to add extra space and ventilation in your house, and with the plethora of styles available, these additions will also make your house look elegant.