Dormer Framing And Construction

The timber used is usually a softwood with the studs constructed from 4x2 inch lengths.

Building the Frame

Once the existing roof tiles and battens have been removed to leave a gap in the roof it is time to begin the dormer construction.

The first component in scratch building a timber dormer is the base plate.

This is the horizontal timber that lays the horizontal length of the dormer to which the bottom ends of the vertical studs are fixed.

The usual procedure is to fit the base plate to a new steel beam with bolts or sometimes directly to the joists of the new floor.

The vertical studs are attached to the base plate with framing anchors or simply nailed into place.

It is important that structural calculations are taken into consideration here because there may be a minimum strength requirement for the studs if the new structure is load bearing.

The top of the vertical studs are then connected to the head beam.

This beam will take the loading from the front of the dormers roof so its specifications will have previously being noted in the plans submitted to the councils building control officers.

The sides, or cheeks, of the structure are not normally load bearing so the dormer framing studs are often fixed to the existing rafters in the roof.

Although not always needed it is always best practise to install at least one row of noggins throughout the dormer framing.

The noggins won’t add significantly to the weight of the dormer and but will increase its strength.

Once the timber structure is in place the sheathing needs to be added along with breather membrane before the new structure if finished off with cladding.

For more info see the related pages below or complete the form at the bottom of the page for a free no obligation quote from tradesmen near you...

Dormer Designs

Loft Conversion Building Regulations

How To Get A Free No Obligation Loft Conversion Quote

Dormer Construction

Loft Conversions Planning Permission

A Gable Dormer

Bungalow Loft Conversion

Loft Conversions London

Return To the Home Page