Walk down almost any street in the UK or Ireland and you’ll notice windows sticking out of the roof of some houses. These are called dormer windows – windows built into small structures that project from a sloping roof. They are common, mainly in loft conversions and bungalows. And it’s easy to see why – they’re one of the easiest ways to bring more light and usable space into an attic.
Fenbro Specialists help homeowners choose the best dormer windows on a daily basis. With years of experience, they’ve seen how much the right frames can improve the comfort, insulation and overall feel of a loft space. In this article, we share some of that knowledge and explain what dormer windows are, what types are available and what’s worth knowing about their price.
What is a dormer window?
A dormer window is basically a window that pops right out of a sloped roof. It’s like a little room with its own walls and roof, built right on top of the main roof. Skylights normally just follow the roof’s angle, but dormer windows are different. They stick straight out and kind of look like a tiny house sitting on top of the roof.
Dormer windows are usually used in:
- Loft conversions
- Attic bedrooms
- Dormer bungalows
- Home offices in a space under a roof
In fact, a dormer window can make an attic space feel like a proper room and not just a cramped attic space under a roof.
There are a number of reasons why a homeowner might choose to add a dormer window to a roof. The majority of the time, it comes down to making the attic space more functional. One of the biggest advantages is that it allows for more natural light. Attic space is often a rather dark place, especially if there are no windows in the roof design. Another benefit is that it allows for more head space. The vertical wall space that a dormer window creates is ideal for standing upright and for fitting in a number of pieces of furniture or a wardrobe.
It also allows for better ventilation, and this is significantly important in attic space where hot air is known to rise. And, finally, a dormer window can make a house look better too, depending on the style that is chosen.
Different types of dormer windows
Dormer windows are not all the same. There are a few most popular types that you can notice in British and Irish homes. Below we present four of them.
Gable dormer
This is probably the most traditional type of dormer window design. It can be described as a small pitched roof with two sloping sides that form a triangular shape above the window. This classic style works well with period and traditional houses.
Shed dormer
This type of dormer has a sloping roof that is a single piece and extends out from the main roof itself. This design is very popular for loft conversions because it creates a bigger internal space and allows for larger windows. This means that the room is made lighter and more easy to arrange.
Flat roof dormer
A flat roof dormer is a box-shaped structure that extends out from the roof, with vertical walls. They are widely used for modern conversions and extensions. As the name suggests, the flat roof is sloped slightly for water runoff.
Hipped dormer
A hipped dormer window has three sloping sides, whereas the other types of dormers only have two. This style of dormer looks more subtle. Because of this, it is frequently chosen to maintain the architectural balance of the house.
Best windows for dormers
There are several types of windows that work well in dormer constructions, depending on the size and different requirements. The most commonly used options include:
- Tilt and turn windows – a popular choice thanks to their versatile opening system. They allow both tilting for ventilation and full opening for easy cleaning from inside the room.
- Casement windows – valued for their simple look and excellent airflow. They open outward and are often used in dormers where effective ventilation is important.
- Fixed windows – a good solution for larger dormers where the goal is to maximise natural light. Since they do not open, they allow for larger glass areas and unobstructed views.
When it comes to materials, many customers choose energy-efficient uPVC windows, such as our bestselling BluEvolution 82. However, we recommend investing in aluminium dormer windows, for example MB-79N SI. All because they are more durable, offer slim frames and contemporary design.
Fenbro offers a wide array of energy-efficient window systems which can be used for dormer construction – get in touch with us to talk about possibilities for your project!
Dormer window cost – what affects the price?
As soon as you plan to construct a dormer window, one of the first questions that comes up is the cost of the project. The price of a dormer window can vary considerably depending on a number of factors. Obviously, the size of the dormer is an important consideration. Larger structures mean that more materials and work are needed.
Secondly, how complex it will be changing the construction of your roof is also an important thing to take into account, as some roofs will need to have major changes made to them before the construction of a new dormer window can take place. Lastly, the type of window that you choose is also a factor that can affect how much your dormer window will cost overall. For example, a triple-glazed 1000 × 1000 mm window in the Bluevolution 82 system starts from approximately €134 for a fixed version and around €204 for a tilt and turn window.
Dormer windows in bungalows – why are they popular?
A bungalow is a house with one or one and a half floors. That’s why each meter matters. Dormer windows are used in them to reshape attic space into a fully functional floor rather than a cramped area beneath the roof. They are one of the simplest ways to expand the living area without rebuilding the entire house.
Do you own this type of house? You might be interested in our article: Windows for bungalows – what to consider.
Conclusion
By bringing in more natural light and increasing the functionality of the space, dormer windows have been able to transform the roof space in homes, making it far more convenient for usage on a daily basis. This, along with its potential to increase the appearance of homes, has made them one of the more sought-after options for home renovation.
We hope this article has been useful. If you are planning a dormer window replacement or installation, please feel free to contact us or explore our full range of Polish windows. Our high-quality products are a perfect match for this kind of project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should one consider dormer window replacement?
Think about dormer window replacement when you notice that your old windows become drafty, damaged or poorly insulated. New windows from Fenbro will for sure boost comfort and energy efficiency.
Where can I buy a dormer window?
You can buy a dormer window from trusted window suppliers, like Fenbro – just contact us and we will take care of everything.
Does Fenbro offer aluminium dormer windows?
Yes, you can buy aluminium dormer windows at Fenbro. You can count on durability, good price and amazing thermal efficiency.
What are the most popular dormer window styles?
The most popular dormer window styles that Fenbro specialist works with are: gable dormers, shed dormers, flat roof dormers and hipped dormers.
Do I need planning permission for a dormer window?
In many cases, building a dormer can be done without planning permission, but only if it meets certain size and design limits. Replacing a window in an existing dormer usually does not require permission, but it is always a good idea to check local regulations.
How much does it cost to add a dormer window?
There is no one simple answer to this question. The cost of adding a dormer window can vary based on three factors: size/shape/type of dormer, difficulty with existing structure (roof).
What materials are best for dormer windows?
Fenbro experts recommend uPVC and aluminium dormer windows – they offer durability, great thermal insulation and modern look.
