Gable roofs are one of the most popular roofing designs in the United States.
You can typically find them on ranch-style homes across Cape Cod, New England.
Houses with these roofs tend to feature front porches, dormers, or garages, which adds to the overall appearance of the property.
If you are looking to redesign your roof or are in the process of framing your roof, then you may be considering a gable roof.
With this in mind, this article will explore everything you need to know about gable roofs: the history, the pros and cons, and different variations to help you make an informed decision.
So, What Is A Gable Roof Design?
As early as the 1600s, gable roofs were introduced to American homes. Most old colonial buildings during the period featured gable roofing.
What makes this design unique is its flat-faced shape which resembles an A.
The triangular point of the roof is known as the gable and is typically constructed with stone or siding to match the exterior of the home.
These roofs can be single or multiple gables, although the only thing that usually remains the same is the two sloping sides which for a ridge looks like a triangle.
History Of Gable Roofs
Gable roofs can date as far back as the 1600s in Ancient Greece where they were the favored design choice for temple roofs.
Before long, these became popular in the US and North Europe.
During the medieval gothic period, these types of gable-fronted buildings were prominent in Germany.
These variations of roofing became popular in the US in the 19th century.
Whereas during the Renaissance era (between the 14th and 17th centuries), these were desired due to their Italian architectural inspiration.
Advantages Of Gable Roofs
More Affordable
If you’re looking for a stylish roof on a budget, then you can’t go wrong with the gable roof.
When comparing roof types such as the mansard, the installation costs are much more affordable with the gable roof as a result of its simpler design.
This is one of the main advantages of the gable roof, which makes it one of the most popular roofs in the United States – even more popular than hip roofs!
Since these gable roofs only consist of two roof planes as opposed to four (such as hip roofs) it means that you’ll be spending less money on siding materials.
More Attic Space
The beauty of gable roofs is that they offer large attic space.
This is great for growing families who plan to convert the attic into an additional room in the future. Whether this is a playroom or a bedroom.
Variety Of Material Options
When constructing your gable roof, there are plenty of material options to choose from.
Whether you choose metal sheets, clay tiles, or concrete shingles, you can use practically any tile material to complement and build your roof depending on your personal preferences.
Drawbacks Of Gable Roofs
Low Wind Protection
When up against extreme weather conditions, gable roofs don’t perform very well.
This is largely due to their flat roof surface, making it susceptible to damage caused by the wind.
Any overhang located on the gable will be a prime victim to the wind’s force, which has the ability to pull the roof’s truss or even lift the roof away from the home.
As a result, this style of roof isn’t recommended for areas that are prone to hurricanes.
If you’re concerned about high winds, it’s best to keep the roof’s overhang below 30 inches.
Although, you should always discuss any concern with an architect or roofing contractor for professional advice.
More Difficult To Build
Unless compared with mansard roofs, typically, gable roofs are hard to build. This is largely due to the different heights of the roof’s shape.
Likewise, to protect them from the wind, you may need to install more brackets to give them a fair shot against powerful forces.
Not only is this incredibly time-consuming, but it also requires much installation skill.
Variations Of Gable Roof Designs
Gable roofs can come in many different variations, some include:
Box Gable
These box gables consist of an additional gable on each side of the roof, with a section that is boxed at the end.
Here, the triangular section is much more distinguished than the other variations; therefore, making them more noticeable than the standard gable roof variations.
Cross Gable
This type of gable features two or more gable-shaped roof lines which intersect in the middle.
These rooflines typically contain two ridges which are installed at perpendicular sections.
Homes that feature this type of gable design typically contain a more complex layout due to the specific shape of the roof.
Sometimes, these houses will even contain separate wings, large porches, and even an attached garage.
Front Gable
As its name implies, this type of gable is installed at the front of the home.
A common feature that can be seen on many houses with this design is a door located underneath the gable.
Moreover, these are typically found in Colonial-style homes.
Side Gable
Rather than placing the gable at the front of the house, this design positions the gable on the side of the gable roof.
Hence, it is made up of two equal-sized panels pitched at an angle.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking to upgrade your roof, build a house, or are simply curious about the gable roof, well you’ve come to the right place!
While there are many different variations of gable roofing – including the box, cross, front, and side gables– they all share a similar distinctive triangular shape – making them a popular design choice across the world.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you about everything you need to know about gable roofs.
Hi, my name is Joel Adams and I like to think of myself as a professional DIYer. Whatever odd jobs a person needs to be done around the house, I’m their guy.
I’m talking shelves, making sideboards and tables, painting feature walls… the list is neverending!
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