Dormers can enhance your roof’s functionality and your home’s curb appeal, as well as allow more natural light and ventilation into your living areas. However, dormer installation is not as simple as dropping it in — it requires planning like any other change to your home’s exterior. The local roofers at Earl W. Johnston Roofing discusses in this post the things you have to consider before adding dormers to your roof.
- Structural Integrity. As with any other addition, your first consideration should be whether or not the roof is going to be able to support the additional weight. This means you have to have your roof assessed by a roofing professional. There’s also the matter of the roof’s condition: a roof that’s well beyond its life span wouldn’t be suitable for such a project, but incorporating dormers as part of a roof replacement project would be perfect.
- Building Codes. International building codes require dormers that are of the same construction as the roof — that is, they should be built as if they’re part of the original structure. There may also be community-specific building codes or rules that may pertain to dormers, which are worth looking into before embarking on such a project. This is where working with a locally-based roof repair company makes the process easier, as they’d have more than just a passing familiarity with such codes.
- Energy Efficiency. Dormer installation involves creating holes on the existing roof, which means there will be an increased risk of air leaks that could affect the roof’s energy efficiency. There’s also the matter of the windows that will be installed on the dormers. In the hands of a capable roofing contractor, you could instead incorporate features that may improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper seals under the flashing, installing ENERGY STAR®-rated windows…these are but a few examples of the opportunities afforded by dormer installation.
- Dormer Style. When discussing dormers, you’re probably thinking of the traditional gabled roof protruding from a roof. This style is perfectly fine, but it is not the only style that you can choose from. The roof on the dormer can be shaped like a shed, or a hipped roof. The eyebrow dormer, which is typically shaped like an eye, is another shape that may be more appropriate depending on your home’s architectural style. This underlines the importance of consulting with design experts who have a keen eye for detail, as they can help ensure not just the success of your project, but also your satisfaction over the long run.
Learn more about what the roof cleaning and installation contractors at Earl W. Johnston Roofing can do for your roof. Give us a call at (954) 989-7794, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.