
Dormers are notorious leakers. Just like skylights and plumbing vents, it is another area in your roof where water can get in. They also slow water down. How so?
Think of it this way: If you drive on a perfectly straight road you can drive pretty fast. But once you hit a few curves then you have to slow down. It is the same thing with how water sheds off your roof. If it has a clean, straight run of roof then off it goes. Once you add things like dormers, it slows the water down and gives it more opportunity to leak in.
So does this mean that you should go out and tear down your dormer? Obviously not. They are great features to many homes. It just means that they need to be watched closer and maintained more than other parts of your roof. Have questions? Get in touch!