Although dormer windows have walls and a roof, just like the main structure of the house below them, they are a roof penetration—the same as a skylight, chimney, or plumbing vent pipe. Once you understand this, along with the fact that all sides of a dormer must have flashings that are properly installed and maintained in places where they meet the roof—which is all the way around—you see why they can be a problem.

   This issue is compounded in some newer homes, where the designer used dormers only to dress up the roof for the curb appeal of the home. They are not part of the occupied area of the house and open into the attic, or are simply applied over the roof sheathing. Many people them called “fake dormers,” but builders prefer the label “inactive” or “passive” dormers, as opposed to “active dormers” that open into a living space and provide natural light. Any minor leaks are not observed in passive dormers until they become severe enough to stain the ceiling of the home below. 

   What can you do? Assuming the dormer structure and window are installed correctly, you want to check them regularly for any wood rot at the window trim or staining around or below the windows. If you are not comfortable on a roof, looking with a pair of binoculars will do. 

    You can also check in attic for signs of leaks at passive dormers that have an opening into it, being careful to only step on the bottom chords of trusses or ceiling joists where attic flooring is not installed. Here’s a few of the defects that can cause dormers and their windows to leak:

1. Improperly installed or deteriorated roof-to-wall flashings.
2. Lack of flashing at top of trim over window.
3. Deteriorated caulk around window
4. Roofing leak at dormer roof
5. Roof damage from falling branch or hail  

    Many homeowners also have a licensed roofer walk their entire roof every year or two to report on the condition and make any minor repairs.

    Also, see our blog post The inspector says that a missing kickout flashing caused water damage inside the wall. What's "kickout flashing"?

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code? 

• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?

• Why is premature curl of roof shingles a problem?

• How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles? 

• What are the common problems with attic insulation? 

• What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof? 

• What's the average lifespan of a roof?

• Why is it a mistake to replace a roof and not replace its flashings? 

• Why is there no attic access hatch in the house?

• What is the building code requirement for an attic access hatch, scuttle, or door? 

• Does a roof with multiple layers of shingles last longer?

• What can I do to prevent roof leaks?

• Are roof trusses better than roof rafters (stick framing)? 

• Why is a popped nail in a shingle roof a problem? How do I fix it?

• What are the most common problems with wood roof trusses?

• What causes a lump or dip in the roof? 

• If my roof is not leaking, why does it need to be replaced?

• How can I be sure my roofing contractor got a permit?

• How many layers of roofing are allowed on a home? 

• What are the dark lines running parallel to shingles on my roof?

• Can metal roofing be used on a low slope/pitch roof? 

• How can I make my roof last longer?  

• What are the warning signs of a dangerous attic pull-down ladder?

• How can I find out the age of a roof? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.