The Pros and Cons of Adding a Wall Dormer to Your Roof

A wall dormer can be a great way to add some extra space and natural light to your home, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Wall dormers can increase the value of your home by up to 10% by adding extra living space and curb appeal.

They can also be a cost-effective way to add natural light to a room, as they don't require a full roof extension.

There are several types of roof dormers to choose from, each with its own unique features.

The type of dormer you're dealing with will determine the installation process, so it's essential to identify the correct type.

Arched top dormers have a curved top, while blind or false dormers don't have any walls. Eyebrow or eyelid dormers are similar to blind dormers but have a more subtle design.

Flared gable and gabled dormers have a triangular shape, with flared gable dormers having a wider overhang. Hipped dormers have a curved shape and are often used on hip roofs.

Lucarne and Nantucket dormers have a specific design, with lucarne dormers often having a decorative feature and Nantucket dormers being a type of gabled dormer.

Pediment and polygonal dormers have a flat top and a multi-sided shape, respectively. Pyramid dormers have a triangular shape with a pointed top, while recessed dormers are set back into the roof.

Shed and steep roof shed dormers have a simple design, with shed dormers having a flat roof and steep roof shed dormers having a steeper roof pitch. Wall dormers, on the other hand, have a wall that is part of the roof.

Installing a wall dormer requires careful planning and execution. Experienced roofers will secure the first piece of step flashing with a single nail driven through the shingle beneath it.

The roofers will shingle a row along the roof up to the dormer, then install the shingle above the first piece of step flashing, extending it beyond the flashing by roughly a half-inch. This ensures the shingle rows line up perfectly when reaching the top of the dormer.

To add a dormer as an addition to your home, the roofers will need to remove shingles near it to place the dormer and new ice and water protector around it. They can leave a large gap and fill it in as they install the dormer.

The roofers should always place ice and water protector beneath dormer flashing and dormer siding, climbing up the base and sides of the dormer at least 8 inches. They should also trim the ice and water protector to get a tight seal.

As you're about to apply underlayment, it's essential to lay down ice and water protector around the dormer first. This should cover the base, walls, and valleys at the top of the dormer, and extend at least 8 inches up the base and sides.

Roofers will need to trim the ice and water protector to get a tight seal, with the side layers wrapping around the front of the dormer. They'll also need to ensure it extends higher than the flashing will.

The ice and water protector should be placed beneath dormer flashing and dormer siding, and roofers should not install dormer siding until they're done installing the shingles. This is crucial for a watertight seal.

As roofers install synthetic underlayment across the rest of the roof, they'll roll it up the dormer as high as the metal flashing will be.

The eaves of your home are the lower edge of the roof that projects beyond the wall underneath. This is a crucial part of the roof's structure.

Rafter tails, which are the exposed ends of the diagonal beams that support the roof, are typically found on the eaves of Craftsman-style homes. These homes often showcase the beauty of exposed beams.

Brackets, exposed beams, and knee braces are projecting supports found under eaves, windows, and shelves. They may be structural, but often they're just decorative.

Adding a wall dormer to your home can have a significant impact on its overall appearance and functionality.

Adding curb appeal and increasing home value are just a couple of the benefits of installing a wall dormer. It can also increase light in an otherwise windowless attic space, making it a great option for homes with limited natural light.

A well-designed wall dormer can also encourage better ventilation, which is especially important in attic spaces where moisture can accumulate.

Here are some key features to consider when deciding on a wall dormer:

Windows can greatly impact the look and feel of a home. They not only let in natural light but also provide a way to ventilate and increase usable space.

Adding a dormer window can increase light in an otherwise windowless attic space. This can make a big difference in the functionality of the space.

Dormer windows can also encourage better ventilation, which is especially important in areas that tend to be stuffy or hot.

A dormer window can add curb appeal and increase home value. This is especially true if the window is well-designed and complements the existing architecture of the home.

By installing a dormer window, you can increase usable square footage in your home, making it feel more spacious and open.

As you consider different window options, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. Installation costs can add up quickly, and you may need to factor in the expense of permits and inspections.

Some windows may not be suitable for all house styles, which can limit your design choices. I've seen this firsthand when renovating a historic home – certain windows just don't fit with the era's aesthetic.

Installation costs can add up quickly, and you may need to factor in the expense of permits and inspections.

Potential leaks or insulation issues are also concerns with certain types of windows. Make sure to research and choose a reliable option to avoid these problems.

Here are some common disadvantages of windows to consider:

A wall dormer can be a fantastic addition to a home, and its design and architecture play a crucial role in its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Wall dormers are typically designed to match the existing roof pitch, which helps to create a seamless visual transition between the dormer and the rest of the roof.

In terms of size, wall dormers can range from small, narrow units to larger, more elaborate designs that incorporate multiple windows and a gabled or hipped roof.

They can be constructed from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and metal, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Gable dormers are a common sight on many modern homes, featuring two walls and a triangular face reminiscent of a traditional gable.

The gable dormer has two valleys where it connects to the roof, which are parts of the roof where the two planes dip as they join.

A cornice is a decorative molding at the top of a wall, typically under the eaves. It's usually divided into three parts: the architrave below, the frieze in the middle, and the cornice above.

The frieze is a broad horizontal band along the top of a wall, and it's a key feature on a Greek Revival style building. On most ancient temples, the frieze would have been covered with sculptures.

A cornice can be a plain or ornate feature, depending on the style of the building. Some buildings have a plain frieze, while others have a more decorative one.

Here are some types of moldings associated with cornices:

In some cases, a cornice can be made up of small blocks called dentils, which are arranged in a series to resemble teeth. Dentils are often used in a decorative way to add visual interest to a building.

Wall dormers can be a great addition to your home, and here's why.

They can increase the inflow of sunlight into your home, making it a brighter and more welcoming space.

In addition to natural light, wall dormers can also improve ventilation, which is especially important in areas with high humidity.

One of the most noticeable benefits of wall dormers is their curb appeal. They can add beauty and character to your home's exterior, making it stand out from the rest.

Wall dormers can also increase indoor space, providing a unique and cozy area to relax or work.

Some wall dormers can even differentiate your property from others, making it a one-of-a-kind gem in your neighborhood.

Here are some of the key benefits of wall dormers in a concise list: