windowdormer

A window dormer is a roofed projection that extends vertically beyond the plane of a sloped roof and contains one or more windows. It creates usable headroom and additional light in attic or upper-floor spaces.

There are several common dormer styles. A gable dormer has a pitched roof forming a triangular end. A shed dormer features a single, flat- or slightly sloped roof. A hip dormer has roofs on all sides that slope down to the walls. A bonnet dormer has a curved hood over the window, and eyebrow dormers are shallow, arched projections. Each style affects interior space and exterior appearance differently.

Construction and considerations: Dormers require structural support at the wall-roof junction, flashing to prevent leaks, and careful integration with insulation and ventilation. They reduce the remaining roof area for shingles and can alter drainage. Installation is typically more costly than adding skylights. Building codes and permitting requirements vary by location, with potential limits on size, setback, and fire safety. Finishes for the dormer commonly match the house and may be wood, vinyl, metal, or stucco.

Function and use: Window dormers increase usable space in upper floors, raise ceiling height in attics, and improve daylight and cross-ventilation. They are common on homes with pitched roofs and in colder climates where added light is valued in winter. Aesthetically, dormers can add architectural character and influence property value, depending on style and proportion relative to the house.