This Old House Add Ac To Dormer Attic Space

Arched top photo by nancy andrews.

This old house add ac to dormer attic space.

Adding to the illusion of small size the top window has smaller panes so it looks farther away. Account for codes and safety photo by casey dunn. When extra space is needed upstairs the easiest solution is often to add a wide shed dormer. Needs no added insulation.

As architectural styles have shifted architects and builders have invented more ways to build dormers. After floorplan illustration by ian worpole. Dormer roofs are the little rooms that project from a roof and allow more space and light in the top floor or attic. The state of your attic has a major impact on your home s comfort and energy efficiency.

If there are asphalt shingles on your roof the attic must be ventilated to comply with the terms of the manufacturer s warranty. For a house that needs ducts the costs and work time double. Whether you envision your house s top floor as an away from it all master suite a quiet home office or a hangout spot for the kids read these 14 tips to help you finish your attic remodel. Adding ac to a house that already has ducts is relatively straightforward.

But when you need new ducts you have three types to choose from. A staircase from the ground floor led to an unfinished t shaped attic space. Most premium air conditioning units 15 seer or above have two stage compressors or dual compressors and adjustable speed blowers. Wide shed photo by nancy andrews.

But a contractor experienced in retrofitting can cleverly hide ductwork behind walls in the back of closets and up in the attic with minimal cuts into walls and the ceiling and very little mess. You can go to a much higher seer air conditioner and have all the bells and whistles. In my mind circulating air in the attic would accelerate the existing convection currents and help distribute the heat load. For this reason premium air conditioning systems may be the best choice for old houses.

Every attic is different but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation. From the exterior however these dormers can sometimes look overwhelming. This gives you the best humidity control. Don t avoid ventilating your attic for fear you re letting cold air into the house.

Adding a dormer provided 100 square feet for the home office located near the top of the stairs. Here are 12 different types of dormer roofs and their history. Lightweight and doesn t sag. Your actual living space is sealed and insulated at the attic floor the attic is outside this envelope.

Here s what you need to know about attics.