5 Different Types of Gable Roofs and Their Pros & Cons

A gable roof is a type of roof that has two sloping planes that come together at a ridge, creating a triangular shape. This type of roof is very common in the US, as it is a simple and efficient design.

Gable roofs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be adapted to different climates and weather conditions. Gable roofs can be either simple or complex and can be constructed with a variety of materials.

The most common type of gable roof is the symmetrical gable roof, which has two Equal slopes that come together at the ridge. This type of roof is easy to construct and is very stable in high wind conditions.

If you are looking for a more complex gable roof, you can opt for an asymmetrical gable roof, which has two unequal slopes.

This type of roof is more difficult to construct, but it offers more design options and can be adapted to different weather conditions.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of gable roof and their advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Gable Roof

A gable roof, also known as a peaked roof or pitched roof, is one of the most common roofing styles. Here are some types of gable roofs:

1. Box Gable Roof

Box gable roofs have a triangular extension at each end of the house, with the roof section boxed at the end.

This design is extremely similar to the standard Roof gable but distinguishes the triangular section of the design more.

2. Front Roof gable

Front gable roofs are simply placed at the front of the house, with the front door typically placed under the gable. This is a common feature amongst Colonial-style homes but is becoming increasingly popular as a design.

3. Cross Gable Roof

A cross-gable roof consists of two or more gable rooflines that intersect at an angle, most often with the two ridges placed perpendicular to one another.

Houses with this design will often have a more complex layout due to the change in shape a cross-gable roof will have on the house’s structure.

For example, homes with a cross-gable roof extension may have separate wings, a larger porch, or an attached garage.

4. Gable Roof With Shed Roof Addition

A typical alteration for an extension to an existing roofing system is to add a shed roof to the gable roof ridge. This hybrid design is a popular solution for property owners looking to extend, as it provides the opportunity for more headroom and space without having to completely alter the structure and aesthetics of the roof.

5. Dutch Gable Roofs

Dutch gable roofs are a hybrid of a gable and hip roof. In types of a roof generally, the gable is placed on the hip roof, providing more space within the loft.

This is a popular design with many property owners, adding an enhancing aesthetic appeal to a house as well as providing the practical function of added space.

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What Is a Gable Roof?

A gable roof, also known as a peaked roof or pitched roof, is a roof design that consists of two sloping sides that meet at the ridge or peak of the roof.

It is one of the most common roof designs and can be found on a wide range of building types, including residential homes, barns, and garages.

The gable roof provides ample space for an attic or storage, and its simple design makes it easy to construct.

There are several types of gable roofs, including the simple gable roof, the cross gable roof, and the Dutch gable roof. Each type offers different benefits and can be used to create unique architectural styles.

History of Gable Roofing

Gable roofs date back to the early ancient Greek times when they were used in temples. It passed gabled roofs as considered an architectural staple in northern Europe and America ever since.

A building that faces the street with its gable is called a front-gabled building. On the other hand, a side-gabled building has its ridge parallel to the street and faces it with its cullis or gutter.

In the medieval gothic period, front-gabled buildings were considered the norm on German city streets.

In the Renaissance period, between the 14th and 17th centuries, side-gabled buildings became popular and were influenced by Italian architecture. Between the early 19th century and 1920, front-gabled houses became popular in America.

Parts of Gable Roof

Following are some main gable roof parts,

While the concept of the gable roof may seem simple, it’s actually composed of a few different pieces. Imagine plucking that roof off of the house – what shape is it? It’s essentially a long, triangular prism, right? There are three vital components to this roof structure.

The two sides of the roof are sloped at an angle. In architecture, we say that the roof is pitched. These pitched (sloped) sides meet along a central ridge that runs parallel to the length of the house.

So what’s left? How about that vertical, triangular section of the wall exposed between the pitched sides on each end?

Those are the gables themselves, the parts of the wall that extend from the bottom of the eaves to the peak of the ridge. The gables are what give this style of roof its name.

Gable Roof Design

A gabled roof has two sections sloping on opposites of the roof ridge. These are placed in a way that the highest, horizontal edges come together to form the top point or roof ridge.

In gable roof design, the pitch and the height of the gutters can vary depending on the size of the property.

A ridge board runs along with the highest point or peak of the roof and is parallel to the outside walls.

The ridge board has the top of the common rafters nailed to it, these rafters slope in a downward direction where they are nailed to the ceiling joists and the outside walls.

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How Long Can The Roof Last?

The life of a roof depends on how well it has been installed and the materials that have been used. On average, a properly installed roof can last 40 years and even longer provided that it has an adequate supporting framework.

Gable Roof Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

1. Water Drainage

The sloped design of a roof serves as a reliable water drainage system. The angled pitch means that water and snow can easily slide off the roof.

This aspect of the roof minimizes the risk of leaks, which, in turn, ensures that the roof can remain damage-free and last longer.

2. Easy to Build

Gable roofs are simple and easy to build. These roofs require very simple construction methods as compared to other roof alternatives.

3. Additional Space

The sloped or triangular design of a roofing system provides more space for the homeowner. Homeowners can benefit from additional attic space as well as better ventilation in the property.

4. An Affordable Option

A roofing system is an economical roofing option for those who have financial limitations. Since a gabled roof is far simpler to build than other complex roofing alternatives, the overall costs of building and installing roofs are lower.

5. Materials

One has the option to use a variety of materials when it comes to the construction of roofs. Depending on the requirements, metal sheets, clay tiles, and concrete tiles can all be used to construct the roofs and complement the home.

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Cons:

1. Prone to Wind Damage

Gable Roofs are not the most favorable option when it comes to hurricane regions. The roof design is more prone to wind damage since it has a steeper pitch as compared to other roof types.

The upper part of the roof can easily create a trap that can attract winds. Strong winds can exert a lot of pressure against the gable and can cause the roof to peel off.

2. Proper Installation

While gable roofs are fairly simple to install, they should be installed by a professional. A good gabled roof can last long if it has been installed using the right materials and has been supported adequately with its framing. If the framing has not been installed properly, the roof is at risk of collapsing.

Cost of Gable Roofing Construction

Generally, the cost of construction is around $8 to $16 per square foot. For a 1000-square-foot roof, costs work out to be anywhere from $ 8000 to $16,000 on average. Additional gables and dormers can bring up the costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the gable roof is a versatile and popular roof design that offers numerous benefits. Its simple design and ability to provide ample space for attics or storage make it a popular choice for a wide range of building types.

With several types to choose from, including the simple gable roof, cross gable roof, and Dutch gable roof, it is possible to find a gable roof design that fits the specific needs and architectural style of any building.

Additionally, the gable roof is relatively easy to construct, making it a cost-effective option for many homeowners and builders.

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