When it comes to choosing a roof design for your home, there are many factors to consider. One important factor is the climate in which you live. If you live in an area with high winds, for example, you’ll want to make sure your roof is designed to withstand those conditions.
Another important factor to consider is the overall look you’re hoping to achieve for your home. Gable roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners because they offer a number of benefits and can be designed to suit a variety of different styles.
In this article from T. Simpson Roofing, we’ll explore five of the most popular gable roof designs to give you a better understanding of what’s available. We’ll also touch on the functions and benefits of each design, as well as some of the things you should keep in mind if you’re considering a gable roof for your own home.
What Is a Gable Roof?
Before we dive into the different types of gable roofs, it’s important to understand what a gable roof is and how it works.
A gable roof is a type of pitched roof that has two sloping sides that come together at a ridge in the middle. The two sides are usually symmetrical, which gives the roof a triangular shape.
Gable roofs are one of the most popular roofing designs for both homes and businesses. They’re often used on traditional-style homes, but they can also be used on more modern designs.
There are a few reasons why gable roofs are so popular. One reason is that they’re very good at shedding water and snow, which makes them ideal for areas with high rainfall or heavy snowfall.
Another reason is that gable roofs offer good ventilation. The design of a gable roof allows hot air to rise and escape through the ridge vent, which helps to keep your attic cool in summer.
Finally, gable roofs add extra living space to your home. Because the slope of the roof creates additional space, many homeowners choose to use this space for an extra bedroom, home office, or storage.
What Are the Differences Between a Gable Roof and a Hip Roof?
It’s important to note that gable roofs are not the same as hip roofs. Although both types of roofs have sloping sides, hip roofs have four sides, while gable roofs have only two sides that meet at the ridge of the roof, forming an “A” shape.
Hip roofs are more popular in areas with high winds, as the additional sides help to add stability to the roof. However, hip roofs can be more difficult and expensive to build than gable roofs.
When it comes to choosing between a gable roof and a hip roof, it’s important to consider your climate and the overall look you’re hoping to achieve for your home.
If you live in an area wi
th high winds, a hip roof may be a better option. However, if you’re looking for a traditional-style roof with good ventilation, extra living space, and the potential for more aesthetically-pleasing decor — such as pediments and gable brackets — a gable roof is likely a better choice.
What Are Decorative Gables?
Speaking of aesthetically-pleasing gable decor, let’s briefly touch on decorative gables. As the name suggests, decorative gables are simply gables that have been enhanced with extra design elements to create a more pleasing look.
Some of the most common design elements used to decorate gables include pediments, cornices, and brackets.
- Pediments are triangular-shaped pieces of wood or stone that are placed at the top of the gable.
- Cornices are horizontal pieces of wood or stone that run along the edge of the gable.
- Brackets are small, decorative pieces of wood or metal that are placed underneath the cornice.
Decorative gables can be used on both traditional and modern homes, and they can be customized to suit your personal taste and style.
A Look At Popular Gable Roof Designs
Now that we’ve covered the basics of gable roofs, let’s take a closer look at five of the most popular designs.
1. The Classic Open Gable Roof
The classic open gable roof is the most traditional type of gable roof. It’s characterized by its two sloping sides and triangular shape. This type of roof is often used on Cape Cod-style homes and other traditional designs.
One of the benefits of a classic open gable roof is that it’s very good at shedding water and snow. The steep slope of the roof allows rain and snow to quickly run off, which helps prevent pooling water and leaks. In line with other gable roofs, this type of roof offers efficient ventilation.
2. The Box Gable Roof
The box gable roof is similar to the classic open gable roof, but it has a boxed-in shape at the ends of the roof. This type of roof is often used on ranch-style homes and other contemporary designs.
One of the benefits of a box gable roof is that it offers more headroom than a traditional gable roof. This extra space can be beneficial if you’re using your attic for storage or if you want to add an extra bedroom or home office.
3. The Gambrel Roof
The gambrel roof is a type of gable roof that has two slopes on each side. The lower slope is steeper than the upper slope, which gives the roof a distinctive barn-style look.
This type of roof is often used on barns but also on Dutch Colonial-style homes. If you’re going for a unique, distinctive look, a gambrel roof is a good option. And just like the other gable-style roofs, the gambrel is great for plenty of additional space in the upper parts of your home.
4. The Cross Gable Roof
The cross gable roof is a type of gable roof that has two or more sloping sides that intersect at the ridge. This type of roof is often used on homes with complex layouts that require multiple gables, such as homes with attached garages, porches, or separate wings.
Besides the benefits of shedding water and snow, and creating better ventilation and more space, the cross gable roof also offers good stability. The intersecting gables help to reinforce the structure of the roof, making it less likely to collapse or suffer damage during a severe storm.
5. The Saltbox Roof
The saltbox roof is a type of gable roof that has two slopes, but the lower slope is longer than the upper slope. This type of roof gets its name from its resemblance to the wooden boxes that were used to store salt in Colonial America. Saltbox roofs are often used on Colonial-style homes and other traditional designs.
The great thing about saltbox roofs is that they offer plenty of additional space in the upper part of the home, and the asymmetrical design adds a touch of character to your home.
Need Help Deciding Which Roof Is Right for You? T. Simpson Roofing Can Help!
If you’re not sure which type of gable roof is right for your home, T. Simpson Roofing can help. We have over 25 years of experience helping homeowners in Ontario and the Greater Ontario Area choose the right roof for their homes.
We’ll work with you to understand your needs and budget, and we’ll help you choose a roof that will not only look great but also perform well for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
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