Gable Window Vs. Dormer Window: What’s The Difference?
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a gable window and dormer window? It’s hard to keep up with the many different window types associated with Colonial traditional architecture. The most popular windows are gable windows, dormer windows, and eyebrow windows.
We’ve already explained the differences between bay windows and bow windows, but now it’s time to go deeper.
Gable windows vs. dormer windows. What are they are how are they different?
What Is A Gable Window?
A gable window sits at the end of a pitched roof on the side of the house. They have a flat surface and allow natural light to flow through the room. Gable windows aren’t placed on sloping roofs nor are they protruding from the house.
Gable windows often look just like any other type of window. They are simply placed on the end of a house. If they were placed on a roof like dormers are, they would then be called skylights because they would still be flat.
What Is A Dormer Window?
A dormer window has three sides and sits away from the house. The window is set on a vertical sloping roof. Uniquely shaped and distinct, a dormer has a separate roof, which is either arched, pointed, hipped, or flat. Dormer windows are a highlight feature of Colonial and cottage-style architecture.
The most common type of dormer is a gabled dormer. This is where the confusion sets in. Let’s talk more about what a gabled dormer is to clear up any further misunderstandings on the differences between a dormer and gabled window.
What Is A Gabled Dormer?
A gabled dormer is a standard dormer with a gabled roof. There are two roof panels and three wall panels. They are called gabled dormers because they are in fact, gabled.
The word “gabled” means, “constructed with a single slope on each side of the ridge supported at the end by a gable or vertical triangular portion of an end wall.”
Thus, a “gable window” also called gabled window.
What’s The Difference Between A Gable Window And A Dormer Window?
Now that we’ve outlined what a gable window is and what a dormer window is, it’s easier to notice the differences between them. Some people, even companies, will use the words interchangeably, but they are different windows.
A gable window is a flat window on the flat end of the house. A dormer window is a protruding window coming out of the roof of the house. There aren’t many different types of gable windows, but there are a lot of dormer windows.
Types Of Dormer Windows
There are many different types of dormers. We’ve covered them all before, but it’s always nice to go over them as often as possible so we can memorize the different kinds. It may come in handy later!
Gable Dormer
We’ve talked about this one. A gable dormer has a pitched triangular roof that extends from the original roof. It also has three walls, the front usually having a window installed in it. This is similar to a doghouse dormer.
Hip Roof Dormer
A hipped roof dormer has a roof slope on three sides, rather than two like a standard gabled dormer. The slope in front is built on to protect the window from the rain. This is preferred in areas that get a lot of hail.
Bonnet Dormer
A bonnet dormer has a curved roof and two walls coming down each side. The soft arch makes the roof look like a bonnet that fits snuggly over the window. The ends don’t curve to meet the roof but leave room for additional walls.
Nantucket Dormer
A Nantucket dormer is actually two dormers connected by a middle dormer. The two main dormers are gable dormers on most occasions that are connected by a bridging dormer in the center. If you only get one dormer, this is a good option.
Lucarne Dormer
Think gothic architecture with this one. These steep dormers are seen in cathedrals and chapels. They are tall and point, looking very much like they should belong in a castle. They are very rare in modern architecture.
Flat Dormer
Flat roof dormers have flat roofs. It’s as simple as that. There are no slopes, just a flat roof. There are pros and cons to flat roofs of any kind. Here is what you need to know about flat roofs and the safety concerns involved.
Shed Dormer
A shed dormer is the type of dormer you’d normally see on sheds. They look like flat dormers only the roof is slightly sloped. This is to prevent a buildup of snow or rain. They are often seen on lodges and cabins.
Wall Dormer
A wall dormer doesn’t protrude from the wall like other dormers but is a continuation of it. There are two walls on the side and a roof. But the front of the dormer is level with the wall on the front of the house.
Flared Gable Dormer
A flared gable dormer is just like a regular gable dormer. The only difference is that a flared gable dormer flares out at the ends of the roof. This makes it look like a spinning skirt or molded clay pinched at the ends.
Pedimented Dormer
A pedimented dormer is different than other dormers because it is supported by pillars rather than the roof or another wall. It extends beyond the roof like a deck or a balcony might.
Pyramidal Dormer
Pyramidal dormers are very unique. They are like a hipped roof dormer but they have a polygonal shape that looks like a pyramid on top. This gives you more room to interpret it into your design style.
Link Dormer
A link dormer doesn’t usually have a window. Instead, it’s more about the roof aspect of the dormer that surrounds a chimney or other structure. It is used to connect other structures rather than stand-alone.
Recessed Dormer
A recessed dormer is a “recessed dormer” of course. This dormer is concave instead of convex. It pulled back into the house and often leaves floor space outside on a deck rather than inside like other dormers.
Related: Floor To Ceiling Windows: A New Way To Define Your Home
Blind Dormer
A blind dormer isn’t even a real dormer at all. It’s a cheap way to add curb appeal to your house. But it isn’t a functioning dormer, it’s simply a “dormer” added to the exterior of a house to look fancy.
Eyebrow Dormer
Eyebrow dormers are narrow dormers that curve down and look like eyes peeking out from beneath the roof. There are legends that houses with eyebrow dormers are actually alive like the house on Monster House.
Reasons For Dormers And Gable Windows
There are a lot of reasons for dormers and gable windows. Some reasons only apply to one while some apply to both.
Natural Light – Both
Both dormers and gable windows offer natural light, as all windows do. Dormers offer light from the sides of the house while gable windows offer light coming from the end of the house. If you have both, you can have light all day long.
Resale Value – Both
The more windows you have in general, the more you can sell your house. But when you add special windows like dormer windows or gable windows, you can add even more profit to what you put into adding them.
Extra Space – Dormer Windows
Gable windows don’t protrude from the house so they don’t offer any additional floor space. But dormer windows do add at least a few square foot, sometimes enough space to add a bed or window seat.
Ventilation – Both
Both types of windows offer ventilation. More often than not, both dormer windows and gable windows open. If you want to know more about different types of windows that you can use, check out this article on window width.
Attic Windows – Both
Since both windows can be put high on a house, they can both be used in attics. In fact, having both is favorable, but if you have to choose only one then dormer windows are better because they do offer more space.
Security – Dormer Windows
Although you can exit through a gable window during a fire or emergency, you won’t have anything to climb on in most cases. But with a dormer window, you can climb out onto the roof, which is a great way to escape.
Curb Appeal – Both
Both dormer windows and gable windows look amazing from the curb. You can add either of them to make your house look more attractive. Doing something like eyebrow windows can really make a place look special.
Symmetry – Gable Window
Dormer windows can add symmetry, but not in the same way that gable windows do. With gable windows, the slope of the windows matches the slope of the roof. This makes for a truly aesthetically pleasing combo.
Should I Get Gable Windows Or Dormer Windows?
This all depends on what you’re looking for. If you can afford both, then there’s really no cons to doing so. But if you have to choose between the two, then there are a few things to consider before committing to a choice.
Gable windows are perfect if the end of your house is your feature side. If this is where the front door is or if this is where you have clerestory windows. Because gable windows can be clerestory windows too.
But if the side of your house is facing the road and you want it to stand out, then dormer windows should be your choice. They are expensive because you probably need to add more than one to balance things out.
However, windows always make a big statement are almost always worth the investment. So choose wisely, but don’t look back! Both gable windows and dormer windows can bring a house from an 8 to a 10!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What Is A Gable On A Window?
A gable window sits at the end of a pitched roof on the side of the house. They have a flat surface and allow natural light to flow through the room. Gable windows aren’t placed on sloping roofs nor are they protruding from the house. Gable windows often look just like any other type of window.
What Part Of The House Is The Gable?
A gable is a section of wall located at the end of a pitched roof, between the edges of the intersecting pitches. It is usually triangular and extends from the eaves to the ridge, although the shape and detailing depends on the particular structural system used for the roof.
Whats The Difference Between A Gable And A Dormer?
The main difference between gable and dormer is that the gable is a generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a dual-pitched roof and Dormer is a structural element of a building. The gable ends of newer buildings are treated the same way as the Classic pediment form.
Why Are Gable Roofs Used?
While gable roofs need additional support against wind, they provide excellent drainage for rain and snow and are more weather resistant than flat roofs. They also allow for better ventilation in your house.
Where Is The Gable On A Roof?
Gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. The shape of the gable and how it is detailed depends on the structural system used, which reflects climate, material availability, and aesthetic concerns.
What Is An Eyebrow Window?
Otherwise known as eyebrow dormers, eyebrow windows are most commonly found in roofs. They’re small arched windows that project into the roof to allow light into an upper story.
Gable Window Vs Dormer Window Conclusion
It should be much easier for you to tell the difference between a gable window and a dormer window. As a quick reminder, a gable window is a flat window on the flat end of the house.
A dormer window is a protruding window coming out of the roof of the house. Although many people may think they’re similar, the window styles don’t look like each other.