What's A Dormer Addition?

A dormer addition is a structural expansion of a building that protrudes from an existing sloping roof. Dormers can either be part of the original construction, or added later. They create usable space in the roof of a building by adding headroom and windows.

Like skylights, windows in a dormer addition are a source of light and ventilation. But unlike skylights, they also increase the amount of usable space in what used to be attic storage. Dormers are typically one of the primary elements of a loft conversion.

There are such things as "blind dormers." These can only be seen from the outside, since they are roofed off on the inside, and don't provide any extra space or light. They are usually designed into large homes, to make them appear more impressive from the street and visually break up a large flat roofline.

Then there's the "Shed dormer." See the picture at left. Often used in gable-roofed homes, a shed dormer has a single-planed roof, pitched at a shallower angle than the main roof.

You can have a "Hipped Roof Dormer" where the roof slopes back from the front of the structure to a point farther back.

And then there's the "Wall Dormer", whose face is the face of the wall below. See the last picture below.

Any questions or comments about this page, contact me about a dormer addition here.

To find pre-qualified local contractors in your neighborhood, just complete this form to get free quotes. Or, if you prefer the phone, call 866-452-3059. There is no obligation to hire.

Find pre-qualified local contractors for your dormer - call 866-452-3059 for free quotes with no obligation to hire.