Dormer window, overhang, panel filling or other woodwork

The front of the dormer may be fitted with painted woodwork panels or filler strips . There is a higher risk of wood rot, particularly along the sawn edge (bottom) of this woodwork. This end grain is usually unpainted but is the most vulnerable because rainwater adheres to it as droplets and is drawn upward by capillary action.

• The 5 benefits of a dormer window

The front of the dormer can be covered with cement-bonded wood fiberboard. This is an excellent and low-maintenance material for a dormer. Regular cleaning is recommended.

• Cement-bonded wood fibreboard is a high-quality board material with exceptional properties.
• Cement-bonded wood fibreboard is obtained by pressing wood fibres, Portland cement and water glass.

• If there are any defects in the attachment of the cladding and/or finish, this should be improved by applying missing or additional mounting materials.
• Are there any defects in the cladding, finish (or filler) at the front of the dormer? In the worst-case scenario, repair or restoration is no longer possible. The best option is to replace the entire finish. If this is the case, we recommend using a low-maintenance solid core material. Alternatively, the lead strip between the finish and the roof surface can be replaced at the same time.

Wood rot may be present in the cladding and/or finish at the front of the dormer. Is wood rot present? This should be professionally repaired. Any previously repaired wood rot should also be inspected and professionally repaired. Wood rot repair is generally possible, but it is best carried out by a professional using the correct materials and tools.

• The disadvantage of wood rot repair is that the painting work must also be carried out immediately afterwards.
• If the repair reveals that more wood rot is present, it may still be decided to replace the entire finish.
• Replacing the material with a low-maintenance solid core can in any case be considered.

If the dormer overhang is covered with painted woodwork, there's a higher risk of wood rot, especially along the sawn end edges. This is a common problem with such structures.

If the dormer overhang is made of low-maintenance material, it is recommended to clean the materials regularly and check the fastening.

If the dormer overhang is clad with coated steel sheet: the materials behind these finishes cannot be assessed.

• The advantage of this covering is that painting is unnecessary.
• It cannot be determined from the visible side whether the cladding has been applied in a ventilating manner

If the dormer overhang is covered with zinc plating : This is a low-maintenance material for a dormer overhang. Regular cleaning of the materials and checking any soldering is recommended. Because a dormer overhang generally doesn't experience much wear and tear, a 40-year lifespan is possible for these materials.

If the dormer overhang is covered with cement-bonded wood fiberboard, this is a low-maintenance material for a dormer overhang. Regular cleaning is recommended.

• Cement-bonded wood fibreboard is a high-quality board material with exceptional properties.
• Cement-bonded wood fibreboard is obtained by pressing wood fibres, Portland cement and water glass.

• Is wood rot present? This needs to be professionally repaired. Any previously repaired wood rot should also be inspected and professionally repaired. Wood rot repair is generally possible, but it's best done by a professional with the right materials and tools.
  • The disadvantage of wood rot repair is that the painting work must also be carried out immediately afterwards.
  • If the repair reveals that more wood rot is present, it may still be decided to replace the entire overhang or cover it with a low-maintenance material.
  • Replacing the overhang with a solid core (low-maintenance) material can in any case be considered.
  • Regular, expert, and proper maintenance is therefore essential! Pay particular attention to connections, corners, and seams to ensure they are sealed and moisture cannot penetrate!
  • Note: Wood rot can always be present in other invisible places! Wood rot can also become visible when removing layers of paint. Wood rot may have been professionally repaired in the past. Unfortunately, wood rot can also be deliberately concealed without professional expertise.

• Clad with a solid core or synthetic material? The materials behind these finishes cannot be assessed. The fact is, an overhang is usually clad with such a material for a reason. The underlying woodwork may no longer be in good condition. Furthermore, the material may not have been installed with ventilation. This may prevent ventilation between the different materials, and there is a high risk of condensation forming, resulting in damage to/wood rot in the underlying woodwork. If this is the case, we recommend removing the material with which the overhang is clad and reapplying it professionally (on rubber) and with ventilation, and/or restoring or restoring the overhang to its original condition. Defects in the underlying woodwork may become visible after removing the solid core or synthetic material.
• Is the zinc bead and/or roof trim (of the roof or gutter) not covering the fascia board cladding that was added later? The detail can no longer function as intended due to the applied cladding. The bead is intended to make the whole thing attractive and sturdy, but (like roof trim) it also has a lesser function. Water that wants to drain towards the bead/roof trim can be obstructed and can get behind the cladding. With insufficient ventilation or cold installation of the cladding, this can cause wood rot, etc., to the underlying structure, or it may already be present.
  • If such a (roof) detail is covered or panelled, this detail should also be replaced.
  • The risks are limited, but certainly a point of attention to improve when replacing the roof covering.
• The overhang may be made of multi-layered bonded sheet material. Due to insufficient maintenance or production errors, these layers can separate, a process called delamination . Delamination is the phenomenon where the cohesion between the layers of a multi-layered product disappears.
• If you choose to cover an existing overhang, make sure the covering is ventilated to prevent condensation and any potential risks between the materials.
• During the building inspection , all mentioned components are carefully inspected. After the inspection you will receive a comprehensive building report.