We begin by taking a look at the dormer area of an older home. The dormer's ancient double hung windows and the surrounding roof area have been plagued with leaks and rot. For this project, we will be repairing and/or replacing the damaged structures, as well as taking steps to assure that this part of the home is more efficient and thus less prone to this sort of damage in the future. The first step is the removal of the damaged, curled shingles and ruined sheathing from the surrounding roof area, which in this photo is already underway.

Shifting our view to the roof area below the dormer, we can see that the damaged shingles and sheathing have been removed. The remaining structural members are then inspected, and any which are determined to be rotten or unsound will be replaced as necessary. This also provides an excellent opportunity to improve the air flow in this normally difficult to access area. While the roof boards are exposed, crews can get into the cavity below to take proper insulation and ventilation steps, which can include the installation of ventilation chutes to help create a "cold roof" that is less susceptible to moisture problems. Once these inspection and ventilation steps are completed, the crew is ready to proceed to the next step.

Now it's time to start making this look like a roof again. Sturdy plywood sheets (never particle board, chip board, etc.) are secured to the roof, and are then covered over with a layer of roof sheathing. The lowermost portions of the roof will be covered with a special ice and water shield to help fight the menace of ice dams come winter. The necessary seals are then applied, after which the new shingles can be installed.

With the roof issues largely dealt with, we turn our attention back to the dormer area. The old and leaking double hung windows have been replaced with new, energy efficient units. Any rot from the window frame area has been removed and replaced with new materials. All cavities surrounding the window frame area have been insulated as well, so as not to sabotage the effects of the new window units. The dormer's exterior has also been sheathed with foam insulation in preparation for the last stage of our project.

Finally, we've installed new aluminum siding over the dormer to replace the old, dilapidated shingle-type siding that had been present before. With the siding in place, the final sealing steps can be taken, and our newly energy efficient dormer will be complete. Leaks and rot should no longer be a problem here, much to the delight of the homeowners.