We’ve been in the roofing business for over 30 years now. And in that time. We’ve repaired and installed an incredible number of dormer roofs and windows. As such, we’ve been asked a lot of questions about the types of dormer roofs available, such as their advantages and what kind of buildings they can be added to. So, we thought it’d be helpful to pass on some of our expertise to help you make an informed decision on whether getting a dormer fitted is right for your property.
And in the video below, you can see Phil Dalton providing a short explanation of a dormer and its advantages.
What is a dormer roof?
A dormer roof is a built-in structure which adds space and height in a loft. Many people invest in dormer roofs as they can transform dark, stuffy loft spaces into bright and spacious living areas. Although dormer roofs require major alterations to a roof’s structure, the payoff is definitely worth the effort.
What are the different types of dormer roofs?
There are many different types of dormer roofs available. Here are descriptions for typical dormers which we regularly install for our customers.
- Gable-fronted dormer. The gable dormer is probably the most common type of dormer. It features a basic pitched roof with two sloped planes which are supported by a vertical frame to form a triangle below the roofline. It looks similar to a traditional dog house and is often called a dog-house dormer.
- Hip roof dormer. A hip roof dormer, or simply hipped dormer, features thee sloped planes which rise from each side of the frame and meet at the ridge. They are popular among many of our customers as they can be matched to the property’s original design.
- Flat roof dormer. This type of dormer comes with a single flat plane roof which is more or less horizontal. Although, many flat roofs are fitted with a slight inclination which lets rainwater run off more effectively.
- Shed Dormer. This roof also features a flat plan roof. However, the roof slopes in the same direction as the main roof but at a much shallower angle. This dormer type offers more headroom than a gabled dormer but is likely to require a different roof covering to account for the shallow pitch.
- Wall dormer. This dormer is less common than your typical roof dormer. Rather than setting the dormer partway up the roof’s slope, a wall dormer appears to be a continuation of the wall above eaves level.
What are the advantages of a dormer roof?
There are many advantages to installing a dormer roof in your property. Aside from their incredible ability to spruce up an otherwise ‘ordinary’ looking house from the outside, dormer roofs can increase the space available in your loft and add value to your home. Not to mention the following additional advantages, too.
- Add natural light
- Improve ventilation
- Provide more room and headspace
- Provide a new emergency exit
As you can see from the video below, our Phil has reclaimed an enormous amount of space by adding a dormer window and roof into our customer’s attic area. The room has been transformed from being barely usable into a wide-open and bright living space.
Is a dormer possible on my property?
It’s entirely possible to fit a dormer into your attic providing the frame of your building features a stick-framed roof. Unfortunately, newer truss framed roofs don’t usually include any space to add a dormer. It’s also important that the planning of your dormer considers the weight of materials used and modifications in the roof’s construction.
And remember, you can get in touch with the Dalton Roofing team who will provide expert advice and a free quote.
Do I need planning permission for a dormer?
If you’re thinking of getting a dormer roof installed then the good news is that you don’t need planning permission under the following circumstances:
- No part of the extension is higher than the highest part of your roof.
- No part of the dormer projects more than 15cm out of any existing roof slope facing the road and is the principal or side elevation of your house.
- No part of the dormer is closer than 0.5 meters to the roof ridge, eaves, partition wall or ridge.
- The materials used are in keeping with your property’s original aesthetic.
- Any window within 15 meters of the boundary with another house is obscure glazed and non-opening. Unless the opening parts are more than 1.7 meters above the floor of the room where the window is installed.
- Your house is not in an area of conservation.
So, there you have it. Now you have plenty of expert information to help you decide what type of dormer roof you want installing on your property. And if you need more advice or assistance then call the Dalton Roofing team today on 0114 2799 799.