3 Classic Dormer Styles That Can Add More Space To Your Home

4 August 2015 by Marvin Carroll

Do you wish you had more space and light in the upper levels of your home but don't have the time or budget to add another story? A roof dormer could provide a solution. Dormers are architectural protrusions built into the roofing that offer an extension to the room or attic space inside. Many architectural styles come standard with dormers, but it's also possible to add a dormer or several as a new construction.

Gabled

The roof of a gabled dormer has two side pieces that slant upwards to connect as a peak. One of the more popular types of dormers, the gabled style allows for the most standing room within the gable. So this is a great option for attics or upper floors that have a lot of used living areas where you want to use the space to its full advantage. Dormers are also a good way to add a bit more space to overly small living areas.

Gabled dormers suit a wide range of architectural styles but look particularly attractive on Craftsman or Colonial Revival homes. Those architectural styles feature gabled roofs on the main house that can both match and contrast with the dormer. The setup looks best when the dormer and its sharp roof angle is facing the opposite direction of the main roof's gables.

Shed

A shed dormer is characterized by wide length, short height, and a roof style that's high in the back and slants forward -- similar to the roof of a yard shed. To a passerby, a large shed dormer can simply look like another level on the home. In reality, the dormer can add something similar to loft space or provide a vast floor plan extension for smaller rooms. The dormers are also a great way to add extra light since the long span allows for multiple windows.

Shed dormers are characteristics of Colonial and Craftsman architecture styles but new designs are easy to modify to suit nearly any style home. This style of dormer pairs well with other dormer styles but particularly well with gabled dormers positioned on each end. This can further the illusion that the dormer is an entire new floor rather than extra storage space in the roof.

Hipped

The roof of a hipped dormer slants the opposite direction of a shed dormer -- protruding out the most at the bottom and then sloping upwards. There are three dormer roof segments that follow this pattern: a main piece in the front and one on each side of that main piece. The side pieces are arranged as if the main piece's hips.

A hipped dormer is good for adding a small amount of space and light into a room that has some vertical height but not a lot of width. Hipped dormers are stylistic features of American Foursquare and Shingle homes. The hipped dormers work well on roofs of any style that don't have the space for a larger style of dormer.

For more information about adding space to your roof, contact a company like Murray Shaw Roofing.

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