A dormer is an architectural element that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface. It is typically a window-featured structure that provides space for a window or ventilation opening in the roof, allowing for more natural light and air to enter the space directly beneath the roof. Dormers are often used to increase the usable space within the loft of a building, creating additional headroom and floor space that would otherwise be unusable due to the sloping sides of the roof. They come in various styles, including gabled, hipped, shed, and pedimented, each with its unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal. Dormers not only enhance the functionality of a living space but also contribute to the architectural design and character of a building, often becoming a focal point of the roofline.