Attic Dormer Framing

In this drawing board article designer michael maines shares his general guidelines for shed dormers then describes three variations on the shed dormer style.

Attic dormer framing.

If you have trusses it will be next to impossible to reconfigure them to allow for clear space. Misconceptions of stick framing. Wall dormers are found in houses of many styles including gothic revival romanesque and mission. The roof and ceiling can be attached to the same member steep hip roofs can be constructed easier by stick framing last minute changes can be made one piece at a time with the framing to construct half stories built into the roof that have large dormers or shed roof style openings out of the roof.

Trusses are considered a superior method of framing a roof because of the additional support. You can still add a purely decorative make believe dormer to a truss framed roof but not a real dormer. It depends on the type of your roof frame. The elegant and regal biltmore estate in asheville north carolina exemplifies the 19th century mansard roof dormer on a chateauesque style large home.

A stick framed roof with an attic has room for adding a dormer while a truss framed roof doesn t have any attic space to add a dormer to. Building a dormer requires a tool belt loaded with all the basic carpentry tools plus a few extras a circular saw reciprocating saw framing square and 2 and 4 ft. Instead as their name implies they rise from a wall. Framing a dormer refers to the first and most important step in constructing an upper level addition to your home.

Even a more modern building with a mansard roof likely will have dormers sometimes both wall dormers through the cornice and roof dormers. Ironically though it s the rafters that provide a better environment for an attic conversion because of the clear space. Whether you re expanding a cramped attic into a bedroom office or playroom if you have any carpentry experience you can accomplish this home renovation goal yourself. Dec 7 2015 a shed dormer can be the best way to add space to a one and a half story house but not if it s designed poorly.