You can draw a gabled dormer in just a few seconds with our in app sketching tools!
Using the dormer label in the Facets menu, you can remove attic space and account for overhang sections surrounding the dormer. Following these tips will provide you with more accurate roof measurements, estimates and material orders. Check out the steps below to learn how to DIY!
How to Draw a Gabled Dormer, Step-by-Step:
Before You Start - Dormers should be drawn last. Make sure that the main sections of the roof are sketched and that all facets are closed. Select the Facets tab to ensure that the facet the dormer is sitting on is shaded blue, as shown below:
Step 1: Switch to the Draw tab and outline the dormer, labeling with the corresponding line labels.
The majority of gabled dormers will consist of Rakes, Eaves, Ridges, and Valleys, as shown below:
Step 2: You'll need to balance your Rakes and Valleys. Images may be slightly warped and you'll want to draw the dormer as it appears in reality. Hover over the point in the center where your Rakes connect with the ridge. Your curser will turn from red to green.
- On a computer (Web App), right click with your mouse or two finger tap with your track pad and the curser will turn blue.
- On mobile (iOS or Android), hover over the point until the curser turns blue.
Move your curser right to left to adjust your Rakes and click or tap to drop the point. Then repeat the process where your Valleys and Ridge meet, lining up the top and end points for the Ridge. Your Rake measurements should now mirror each other.
Tip: When balancing Rakes, if your curser is continuing to snap back into line with the current point connecting your Valleys and Ridge, pick up the Valleys/Ridge point and move it further away. Then, align your Rakes and move the Valley/Ridge point back so it snaps.
Step 3: Switch to the Facets tab to make sure your dormer facet is enclosed. It should be a darker shade of blue than the facet it's sitting on.
Step 4: Go back to the Draw tab and sketch in the overhang sections. Begin by drawing a line one foot inside where the Valley meets the Eave. Label this line a Wall since it's running parallel with the ground, where you would apply apron flashing.
Step 5: Then draw a Step line from each Wall, stopping one foot inside the Rakes. Connect the two Step lines with a Wall where the front of the dormer/window would be located.
Step 6: Switch to the Facets tab. Click on the Dormer label and apply it to the center of the facet. It will turn a green color, resembling an arrow, and say DM above the 0.
This removes the attic space and only accounts for one layer of shingles. The darker blue section around the dormer (between your Step/Eave and Wall/Rake lines) will account for two layers of shingles - those coming up under the overhang and touching the siding, as well as the shingles covering the top of the dormer.
Step 7: Apply your pitch values by selecting Pitch and clicking directly on the rise/run label. Tap on the 0 within the dormer to update the value.
If you have any issues with sketching a gabled dormer, we're happy to help! Please contact our Support Team or give us a call at 877-766-3762!