Dormer window with a pitched roof

A pitched-roof dormer is the nicest variant among dormers, as it integrates well into your roof. In this article, you will read all about this type of dormer, including the costs, options and pros and cons.

What does a pitched roof dormer cost?

Prices for the pitched roof dormer start from £7,000. The exact costs vary based on, for example, the dimensions the material of the dormer. The average sloping dormer costs can be found in the table below, which also shows the difference between a prefab (ready-made) dormer and traditionally installed dormer.

The cost of a sloping roof dormer is slightly higher than that for a flat roof dormer. This is partly due to the extra space generated, the finishing and the cost of the permit. Dormer costs for a flat roof start at £6,500.

Differences between a dormer with a sloping roof and a flat roof

There are differences between dormers with a sloping roof or a flat roof. These differences are mainly about the level of maintenance and longevity of the dormers. Read more about the differences between the two types of dormers here.

Lifespan of a pitched roof dormer

The sloping roof positively affects the lifespan of a pitched dormer. This is because rainwater and natural debris flow off the roof faster. As a result, the roof does not suffer from standing water and less from deposit formation on the roof covering. Sloped-roof dormers almost always have a tiled roof, so the lifespan of the roof is around 80 years.

There is only a difference in the lifespan of the siding and other parts, as they are made of different materials. Thus, you can see that zinc has the longest lifespan, followed by plastic, polyester and then wood. You can find the average lifespan of the materials in the table below.

Zinc80 years

Maintenance dormer window with pitched roof

In addition to the fact that the lifespan of the dormer window is positively affected by the pitched roof, it also affects the level of maintenance. A pitched-roof dormer requires a lot less maintenance than a flat-roofed dormer. You clean them with water, detergent, cloths and brushes. Do not use a pressure washer and be careful to avoid leaks. In addition, make sure the drainage of the sloping roof is functioning properly and remove anything that could cause a blockage.

Differences based on material types

Further maintenance varies depending on the material of your dormer. Do you opt for wooden side cheeks? Then they will need another lick of paint after a while. If you choose plastic or polyester siding, the siding only needs to be cleaned. Zinc is the easiest to maintain and requires the least amount of cleaning.

No matter what material your dormer is made of, a dormer cleaning should always be outsourced to a specialist.

The advantages and disadvantages of a dormer with a pitched roof

There are more advantages of a dormer with a pitched roof than with a dormer with a flat roof. However, there are also some disadvantages. Check out the various advantages and disadvantages of a pitched roof dormer below to give you a good idea of this type of dormer.

Advantages of a pitched roof dormer

• More space is freed up
  The dormer releases extra walkable space in the attic.
• More light
  More light enters the attic, making the room less dark.
• Better drainage
  The sloping roof dormer has better drainage of rainwater and natural waste, which means you need to carry out less frequent maintenance and a longer lifespan.
• Full integration
  Because the dormer has the same roof covering as the rest of the roof, integration is better than a dormer with a different type of roof.
• The value of your home increases
  The installation of a dormer almost always has the effect of increasing the value of your home. Therefore, the dormer is not only nice for the living space, but also for the value of your house.

Disadvantages of a pitched-roof dormer

• Always need a permit
  As opposed to the flat-roof dormer, a pitched-roof dormer always needs an environmental permit.
• Costs are higher
  The cost of a pitched roof dormer is on average 10 to 15% higher than a flat roof dormer.
• A slope angle of at least 35 degrees
  A pitched roof dormer can only be installed with a slope angle of at least 35 degrees. Which means that in some situations, installing the dormer is not possible. Fortunately, this is only the case with a small number of roofs. This is because the average roof pitch in the Netherlands is 45 degrees.

Permits and subsidies

As opposed to a flat-roofed dormer, a sloping-roofed dormer always requires a permit. Regardless of whether you install the dormer on the front or side of your house, it is never possible to install the dormer without a permit. The price of a dormer permit is often around 2% of the total building costs, with a minimum of £150. The exact minimum amount and total percentage varies per municipality.

In addition, there is the possibility of receiving a subsidy. Here, it is a requirement that you make the house more energy efficient by installing the dormer with sloping roof. Think for example of insulating glass or to better insulate the dormer and the surrounding roof. Want to know if you are eligible for this?

Tips to find the right dormer window specialist

Are you going for a dormer window with a pitched roof? Then of course you want the dormer specialist to deliver craftsmanship. Read here three tips and find the right dormer specialist.

Look for quality marks

There is a difference in the quality of dormers with pitched roofs and those with flat roofs. Of course, you want to make sure you get good quality. To help consumers, quality marks exist. The KOMO hallmark is one such hallmark for the construction industry, declaring that its bearers meet quality requirements. This lets you know that the materials are of good quality and the renovations will be carried out professionally.

Besides KOMO, there are many other quality marks, each with its own focus.

Read reviews from other customers

It is now possible to leave a review about any dormer specialist on the Internet. Hence, when you are going to choose between different specialists, it is wise that you read the reviews. This will give you a good impression of the specialist and his previous work.

Compare different quotations

By requesting several quotations from different dormer window specialists, it is possible to compare the quotations. Compare the work, costs, guarantees and quality marks, so that you choose the specialist that suits you best.