What Is A Dormer?
A dormer is a structure that makes up part of a roof. While not all roofs will have dormers, they are extremely common. A dormer consists of a small roofed structure attached to the main portion of the roof. Usually, it will be a protruding section of roof with a window.
It should be noted that not all dormers have windows, but most do. A dormer sticks up from the roof vertically, but it will always have a sloped roof of some kind so as to shed water more effectively. Dormers may or may not have gutter systems.
The word “dormer” is derived from the word “dormitory.” This connection exists because it is common to place a bed in a dormer. Usually, it is placed right under the window so as to get plenty of fresh air, and the structure of the dormer provides a convenient place to put a bed so that it’s out of the way.
What Is the Purpose Of A Dormer?
The purpose of a dormer is mainly decorative. Each style of architecture has its distinctive types of dormers, and this can be an important stylistic element. Of course, there is a more practical side to the equation.
Dormers are ideal for those who use their attic as an extra room. In a room with sloped sides, it can be very difficult to find a good place for a window. Thus, a dormer becomes a way to create those straight lines that are needed for proper window placement. Not only that, but it also adds some extra space to the room.
A dormer can also be a great way to add a little bit more sunlight and/or ventilation to your attic. This may not be an issue for those who rarely use their attic, but those who want to make full use of their space will find that sunlight and ventilation will both make the room feel more pleasant and provide a little bit of soft, natural light. There is also evidence to show that adequate sunlight helps to prevent disease and infection.
Different Types Of Dormer
There are so many different types of dormers that we could never hope to cover all of them in a single article. However, we will discuss some of the most common types of dormers that you are likely to see.
False Dormer
We began with this one because it is usually something to avoid. A false dormer usually doesn’t have a window, and it generally doesn’t have a gutter. You might describe this as the bare minimum of what could actually be called a dormer. What’s more, these dormers are simply built onto the roof with no connection to the interior, negating the space-creating benefits. The usual lack of windows negates the benefits of ventilation and light, so these things are good for decoration and nothing else.
Pedimented Dormers
These are dormers with a touch of classical style. When we say “classical,” we are referring to the architectural masterpieces of the Greeks and Romans. Their buildings usually had columns in the front, and these columns would usually hold up a triangular section of wall at the top. This section is called the pediment, and it often had structures that could be described as dormers.
Gabled Dormer
This is a dormer with a vertical construction and a two-slop roof that comes to a point in the middle. These might be described as standard or “normal” dormers, as this is about the simplest design you can get.
Arched Top Dormers
Originating in France, this style of dormer looks a lot like a gabled dormer, except that it has a rounded roof instead of a gabled one.
Eyebrow Dormers
These curvy dormers are just the thing for homeowners who want to break up some of those straight lines. They have a rounded arch in the middle which tapers to flatness on either side. Often, these dormers will have 2-3 windows set in a row.
Wall Dormer
This one is named because it does not protrude very far from the wall. In most cases, these dormers will be in line with the front face of the house, so that they do not stick out from the roof itself. Some people prefer the look of these dormers, though some also consider them to be boring.
Conclusion
That’s just a small sample of the variety that can be found in this particular area of home design. Dormers, while not a structurally important thing, are very important when it comes to the style and uniqueness of a home. For those who want a home improvement that will allow them to incorporate their preferred style, the addition of custom dormers would seem to be a fine choice. If you agree, please fill out the contact form below.
