Dormer Roof

Dormer roofs add a certain elegance to a house. They are also great for making lofts come alive. So, if you are considering building a dormer roof for your home, I have only one piece of advice – do it. This article will define what a dormer roof is, before exploring the advantages and disadvantages of dormer roofs. What is a Dormer Roof? A dormer roof is a pitched roof with a protruding window(s). This window is called the dormer window. It increases living space and allows more light and natural ventilation to enter the loft. The dormer roof can be sloping on all four sides (like a hip roof), on only two sides (like a gable roof), flat or have only one slope. In other words, there are several types of dormer roofs. The protruding window is the key defining factor.  Finally, a dormer roof can have more than one window. Now, let’s talk about dormer roof pros and cons. Dormer Roof Pros Here are five dormer roof advantages. Curb Appeal A dormer roof will make your house charming and elegant. Your neighbours will become jealous. However, it’s not just about curb appeal. The market value of your house will also increase.  Abundance of Natural Light What a way to add more natural light to your loft. It also reduces energy bills. This is one of our favourite dormer roof advantages.  Natural ventilation The dormer window will also improve natural ventilation and airflow within your loft. It improves temperature regulation, too. You can open the dormer window(s) to let in fresh air or close it to keep out the cold. Living space The dormer window will turn your loft into the perfect bedroom or office. How? By adding natural light, ventilation and a nice vice. It also increases headroom and living space. Fire escape/emergency exit A dormer roof adds one more safety feature to your home. The dormer window can also serve as an emergency fire escape. Dormer Roof Cons Here are four dormer roof disadvantages. Cost Dormer roofs are relatively expensive. They cost more than standard flat, gable and hip roofs. These price differences are mainly due to supply needs and design complexities. Maintenance Dormer roofs are relatively high maintenance. This is mainly due to the window. It’s not as strong as the rest of the roof. So, it is a weak point prone to wind and snow damage.  Valley Leaks The valleys are another weak point. A roof valley is the meeting point between two different roof sections. A dormer roof has two sections: the main roof and the roof of the protruding dormer window(s). Valleys are a major weakness of any roof that has them. They are prone to leaks. However, this is usually caused by poor installation. That’s why you need a reliable and experienced roofer. Still, this is one of the biggest dormer roof disadvantages. Planning permission Dormer roofs are permitted developments. However, there are rules. So, sometimes, you may need planning permission for a dormer window.  Contact FixMyRoof today for specialist roof repair Those are the most important dormer roof pros and cons. In my expert opinion, the pros win. Plus, a good roofer knows how to work around those cons. For example, at Fixmyroof, we pay extra attention to roof valleys. Therefore, they won’t leak. Cost and maintenance needs are different beasts entirely. Good roofs cost money and maintenance is crucial. Still, there are ways to save money and make your life easier. So, reach out to Fixmyroof. Let our roofing experts build or repair your dormer roof. We are here to provide you with all sorts of roofing solutions.

Dormer roofs are very stylish and unique. They are so unique that some people don’t even think of them as roofs. Technically, those people are right. A dormer roof is actually a roof extension. It can be installed on all sorts of pitched roofs.    Either way, the dormer roof is deeply entrenched in the UK’s culture. It has been around since the time of the Tudors. It remains popular and breathtaking even today. So, you are right to consider it for your home. As a roofing expert, I can help you with this. This article will explain what a dormer roof is, then cover the benefits and types of dormer roofs. Finally, it will tell you whether you need or don’t need planning permission to build a dormer roof. What is a Dormer Roof? A dormer roof is a window extension built into a pitched roof. People build dormers to add living space, ventilation, and natural light to their lofts. However, a dormer roof is not just functional. It also adds a lot of curb appeal to a building. Basically, a dormer roof is a window built into a roof. Sometimes, that’s the original design of the roof and house. Other times, the dormer is an extension that was added later. What are the Different Types of Dormer Roofs? There are different types of dormer roofs. Each of them has unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most common types: Gable Dormer This type of dormer has a gable roof. It has one flat (gable) end that forms a triangle with the top of the dormer window. The two sloping sides connect at the ridge of the dormer roof. The gable dormer is very popular amongst homeowners. It is sometimes called the dog-house dormer because it resembles a dog house. Hip Dormer A hipped dormer has a hip roof. All three sides are sloping and connected at the roof’s ridge. This design is usually built for houses with hip roofs. This way, the dormer matches the main roof. Flat Dormer A Flat dormer has a flat roof. The main roof itself could also be flat or pitched. The flat dormer is common in smaller extensions. Shed Dormer The entire roof of a shed dormer is a single slope. This type of dormer roof is commonly used for larger extensions and flat roofs. The Benefits of a Dormer Roof Here are four incredible benefits of installing a dormer roof. Additional living space Dormer roofs provide extra space in the attic. They are perfect for creating additional space for storage, living or work. Natural light Dormer roofs allow natural light into the lofts. Without windows, the loft can only rely on artificial light. With dormer windows, natural light can enter the loft. Improved ventilation The dormer windows also allow natural ventilation to enter the loft. This improves air quality and reduces dampness. Increased property value A dormer roof will increase the market value of your property. Do I Need Planning Permission for a Dormer Roof? Most times, you don’t need planning permission to build a dormer roof. This is because dormers are allowed as permitted developments. However, there are conditions. Here they are: If the dormer roof doesn’t meet these requirements, you need planning permission. You can get it from local authorities.  The application process is sometimes stressful and time-consuming. However, you don’t have to do it yourself. Your roofer can handle this and other paperwork on your behalf. They can also offer lots of helpful roofing tips. Conclusion A dormer roof could be a great addition to your home. It adds additional space, ventilation and natural light. It also improves property value. Plus, there are a variety of design options to choose from. Maybe that’s why dormer windows have always been popular among homeowners. Installation is a little complicated. There are also regulatory requirements. So, make sure you hire a skilled and experienced roofer. Fortunately, you are already at Fixmyroof. We specialise in roofing solutions. That includes the installation and repair of hip, flat, gable and dormer roofs.