Recommended test
Place one regular gable dormer on a simple conventionally framed roof before trying pairs or wall extensions.
- Generate a gable building with roof sheathing and conventional rafter framing.
- Start Dormer Framer, choose Gable and Regular base, then select roof side A or B.
- Set a modest width, face height, depth and slope; place the dormer near the center of the roof.
- Inspect the host opening, cheek walls and dormer roof from outside and inside.
- Save before testing Pair layout, Wall dormer or the experimental building extension.
Supported starting point
Dormer Framer requires a gable main roof; skillion roofs are rejected, and Hip roof V1 also excludes dormers. Conventional rafter hosts and supported A-frame truss openings are available. The A-frame gable path includes collar-tie connections and Flush Wall front-wall and loft-floor framing. Other truss configurations retain their existing limits; choose the framing system before adding dormers.
The gable extension and A-frame dormer update was released on 14 September 2026. It covers rafter seats, valley framing, counter battens, aligned extension eaves and the loft deck beneath the raised front plate.
Dormer choices
Create Gable or Shed dormers with a Regular roof base or supported Wall dormer arrangement. Set width, face height, depth, roof slope, rafter dimensions and eave overhang. Choose roof side A or B and use Single or Pair layout; pairs add a center-spacing control.
Wall dormers support Closed Eave and Flush Wall styles. Gable framing can be Standard or Full height. The optional front building extension is explicitly experimental and should remain isolated to test projects until its corners and wall transitions are verified.
Covering and opening limits
Roof sheathing is required for the host cut. Simplified covering can follow the opening accurately; fully detailed roof tiles are currently visual and are not cut around the dormer in the same way. Main-wall sheathing and special shed wall-dormer placement also carry guided limitations shown by the interface.
Inspect the junction
Check host trimming, dormer rafters, cheek walls, front wall, eaves and every roof intersection. Then add windows with Opening Framer only after the dormer geometry is stable. Real flashing, loads and water management require independent design.