Guide to Michigan Gabled Dormer Windows

You see them on Cape Cod-style homes, country cottages, Craftsman homes, and even Tudors. There’s no doubt that gabled dormer windows add character and style to a home, and they also have other benefits. Here’s a closer look at this popular style of dormers, the benefits they offer your Michigan home, and some things to keep in mind when installing or updating gabled dormer windows.

What are gabled dormer windows?

Dormers, in general, are windows that project vertically from a home’s roof. There are several styles of dormers. Segmental dormers have an arched top, and hipped dormers have a top that slants back as it rises. Gabled dormers, however, are the most popular style. They have a peaked “cap” or top that slants downward sharply. Some say they look like miniature houses mounted onto a home’s roof.

What are the advantages of gabled dormers?

Gabled dormer windows add character to a home and are a quintessential element of many architectural styles, from the Arts and Crafts style to Gothic Revival. However, they’re just as functional as they are attractive.

Since they project outward from the roof, gabled dormers create more interior floor space in the top floor or attic floor of a home. Inside the home, you can typically stand “in” the dormer and gaze out the window, taking in a view of the outdoors from a comfortable spot. Many people like to create window seats and little reading areas to the inside of their dormers.

A gabled dormer also protects the window it houses. Its peaked roof sheds water very well, preventing that water from coming into contact with the window frame and accelerating its deterioration.

If you currently have gabled dormers on you Michigan home and are looking to replace the windows, keep these points in mind:

• Grilles are typically seen on gabled dormer windows. Opt for a Colonial grille, which divides the window into equally sized squares, for the most traditional appearance.
• Choose a durable frame material, like Fibrex®. Even though the dormer protects the window from the elements, wind-driven rain and temperature fluctuations will still cause weaker frame materials to warp or deteriorate.
• Opt for glass that blocks UV rays, such asAndersen’s SmartSun™ glass. This will protect your skin if you sit inside the dormer to read or relax. An protect carpet and furniture from fading.

If you’re having a contractor add dormers to your home, here are a few style tips to consider:

• Make sure all of the dormers and windows are the same size for the most cohesive look.
• If your home currently has some dormers and you’d like to add more, make sure the new ones are carefully styled to look as similar to the older ones as possible.
• Work with a reliable window replacement contractor who can recommend the best glass for your needs. In Michigan homes, double-pane glass is standard as it protects against the winter cold.

Whether you’re looking to replace the windows in your gabled dormers or add new dormer windows to your Michigan home, Renewal by Andersen carries the top-quality windows you need to keep your home protected and attractive. Contact us today to learn more about our window styles. We will provide a free in-home consultation and estimates are good for one year.