Menu path
Mod-Roof > Dormer
Access this feature through the dormer insertion tools when working with hip roof sections.
🧾 What it does
The Insert at apex tool allows you to place dormers precisely at hip apex points, where the ridge meets the hip. This advanced technique is particularly useful for creating Dutch gables and other architectural features that require precise positioning at the highest point of a hip.
🔧 Prerequisites
Before using this technique, ensure you have:
A roof structure with hip sections already created
The dormer insertion tools accessible
Basic familiarity with dormer creation
🛠 How to create dormers at hip apexes
Select the [Insert at Apex] button from the dormer tools
Snap to the point at the hip apex where you want to place the dormer
The dormer will appear in preview mode, ready for you to accept or modify the parameters
The dormer dialog box will automatically change to display specialized apex parameters
🔧 Apex dormer parameters
When inserting at hip apexes, the dormer dialog box displays modified parameters with toggle functionality:
Parameter | Description |
Offset from eave | Distance from the eave to the face of the gable (toggle button) |
Width | Dormer width measurement (toggle button) |
🛠 Using toggle button modes
The offset and width fields function as toggle buttons. When you click them, the dialog box changes to provide alternative measurement options:
Toggle Mode | Function |
Offset to gable | Set the offset with respect to the base of the higher hip |
Hip-to-hip width | Force the dormer to adopt the width at the face of the dormer from hip to hip |
🧾 Creating Dutch gables
This apex insertion approach can be used to create Dutch gables by utilizing the hip-to-hip width setting. The technique allows precise control over the dormer's relationship to the existing hip structure.
💡 Key behavior
When using this approach, the ridge apex point remains fixed in position, ensuring the dormer integrates properly with the hip structure while maintaining the roof's structural integrity.
⚠️ Important notes
The preview mode allows you to verify placement before finalizing
Toggle between measurement modes to achieve the desired dormer dimensions
The fixed apex point ensures proper structural alignment