
How to Shingle a Gambrel Roof Directions
- Acquire and install a safety harness for working on a steep roof.
- Measure the length and width of each sloping section of the roof.
- Multiply the dimensions of each section individually to calculate square footage.
- Add together the square footage calculated for all individual sections.
- Increase the total square footage by 5% (multiply total by 1.05)
What are the advantages of a gambrel roof?
What are the advantages of gambrel roof trusses?
- An affordable option. Because of their simple design and limited number of supports, gambrel roofs are often an affordable option.
- More space. Since the lower slope of the roof is almost vertical, it gives the upper part of the building more usable space than traditional gable roofs.
- Possibility of adding windows. ...
- The roof slopes can be customized. ...
How to Shingle a turret style roof?
- An octagonal plan. In this example, the octagon segments are 4 ft. ...
- Plan first, cut rafters, then assemble the base. ...
- Build the base, and raise the eight common rafters. ...
- Assemble the rafters. ...
- Hip rafters: Bevel the plumb cuts, and adjust the bird’s mouths. ...
- Add a pair of jacks to each hip. ...
How to Shingle an outdoor storage shed roof?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Drip Edge and Felt Paper
- Nail a drip edge onto the edge of your roof. A drip edge stops the rain from dripping back underneath your shed and onto the walls.
- Cut strips of felt paper slightly wider than your roof. Felt paper is the underlayer of a shingled roof.
- Nail the felt paper to your roof. ...
- Overlap your next piece of felt paper, then attach it. ...
What is the average replacement cost of a shingle roof?
The average cost to replace 3-tab shingle roofing is about $3.75/sqft, or $375 per square (100 square feet) for a simple roof that needs little to no prep work, installed by a local roofer near you. This price generally includes covering all bushes and areas around the roof with tarps to catch the falling debris.

What is the disadvantage of a gambrel roof?
The gambrel roof can be susceptible to wind damage. The size and shape of the gambrel roof can make it more susceptible to wind damage in some areas. This issue occurs because the aerodynamics of the structure don't allow the air to move smoothly over the steep surface of its lower slopes.
What are the angles for a gambrel roof?
What are the angles for a gambrel roof? Gambrel roofs are symmetrical two-sided roofs, with two slopes on each side. The lower slope is positioned at a steep angle while the upper slope tends to be more shallow. For a standard gambrel roof, the peak is built at a 30-degree angle with the second slope at 60 degrees.
How do you replace a gambrel roof?
Modifying a gable roof to a gambrel roofSelect a roof slope.In the Inspector, click the Add segment below selected button.Change the Angle of the lower segment to 60 degrees.Adjust the Height of the lower segment, if necessary.Repeat steps 1–4 with the opposite roof slope.
Do gambrel roofs need gutters?
For gutter installation, gambrel roofs do not require gutters along the entire perimeter of the home like hip roofs, which makes it easier to install and gives you options for choosing higher-end materials or possibly some bolder colors.
How far can you span a gambrel roof?
16 to 24 feetBraced Rafter Framing A gambrel roof plan that can span 16 to 24 feet.
What is the advantage of a gambrel roof?
Like mansard roofs, gambrel roofs allow additional space for an extra floor or garret. It's for this reason that gambrel roofs are so popular among barns and sheds. They can provide additional storage without taking up any additional space.
What architectural style is a gambrel roof?
traditional Dutch architectureThere are two slopes are coming down from a central ridge instead of two. Gambrel roofs were a very popular style in traditional Dutch architecture, which is why you might associate this roofline with an old barn. This style of roof leaves plenty of room in the attic space.
What style of house has a gambrel roof?
Old Dutch colonial homesIt's not seen in modern houses; this roof is found only in Old Dutch colonial homes or ancient buildings. A gambrel roof is also called a Dutch, German, French, or New England roof. The gambrel roof is usually used for barns or warehouses as these buildings require extra storage space, which these roofs can provide.
What does a gambrel style roof look like?
A gambrel or gambrel roof is a usually symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side. (The usual architectural term in eighteenth-century England and North America was "Dutch roof".) The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep.
How do you vent a gambrel roof?
0:4116:37How to Vent a Gambrel Roof Using Reflectix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey just put little half-inch holes in each bay of the ceiling truss.MoreThey just put little half-inch holes in each bay of the ceiling truss.
Are gambrel trusses more expensive?
Danny Looper, a commercial sales manager for Lowe's, in Cookeville, TN, notes that "a gambrel roof costs between 15 and 20 percent more than a gable roof." This means that, if it will cost $10,000 to build a gable roof, it will cost between $11,500 and $12,000 to build a gambrel roof for the same building.
What is the difference between a gable roof and a gambrel roof?
The Gable shed roof is a simpler design with slightly more open areas on the outside walls, leaving your walls slightly more exposed to the elements. The Gambrel roof, also known as “barn style” roof, has a steeper slope and pitch. It does not withstand heavy snowfall or high winds as well as other roof styles.
How do you determine the pitch of a gambrel roof?
Determine a pitch for the top slope of the gambrel roof, the rise in inches per foot from the midpoint connection to the peak; 7/12, or a rise of 7 inches per foot, is a common top gambrel pitch. Reverse that for the bottom angle; make that pitch 12/7, a drop of 7 inches per foot from the connection to the wall.
How do you layout a gambrel roof?
0:134:58Gambrel Barn Rafter Build - Learn How To Build a Barn Roof! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEach rafter is made by connecting four boards using OSP gussets to attach them together the roofMoreEach rafter is made by connecting four boards using OSP gussets to attach them together the roof pitches on our gambrel sheds are seven and twelve for the upper slope and 12 and 7 for the lower slope.
How wide can a gambrel roof be?
At best, the recommended width of a gambrel roof should be in between 16-24 ft. This is how wide a gambrel roof can be.
How do you build a 12 foot gambrel truss?
1:395:29How To Build Barn Style Shed Roof Trusses - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd H all the truss pieces are identical cut the necessary number of pieces with 22 and 1/2 degreeMoreAnd H all the truss pieces are identical cut the necessary number of pieces with 22 and 1/2 degree angles on each end and a length of H. Along. The long side. Build a temporary trusty egg by screwing.
What to do when gambrel roof slope changes?
When you reach a slope change on the gambrel roof, just keep going as usual. Do not worry if it is sticking up and out. Over time, roof shingles follow the slope and shape of a roof.
What is a Gambrel roof?
The gambrel roof offers a design that appeals to many homeowners. Despite its shape, it is relatively easy to build and uses fewer materials than a standard two-sided roof. It also adds more interior space, hence its popularity with barns and storage sheds.
How many sides does a roof have?
Because of its four sides, this task requires a bit more effort and preparation compared to a standard two-sided roof. You must determine how many shingles you need before you begin. Remove all old shingles on the roof before starting and choose which side to work on first.
How long does a Gambrel roof last?
A properly installed gambrel roof constructed with high-quality materials can last well over a century.
What is roofing felt?
The roofing felt provides extra roofing protection from the elements. Ensure that the roof and the felt are dry before installation to ensure its effectiveness. Drape the roofing felt over your roof, smoothing it down and tightening as you go. Staple in place and trim the edges with your utility knife.
What are the disadvantages of a gambrel roof?
One distinct disadvantage of a gambrel roof is its inability to prevent snow accumulation. Also, due to its relatively bulky, non-aerodynamic shape, this design does not work well with high wind events. Simply put, gambrel roofs do not hold up well in extreme weather.
What is architectural shingle?
Architectural shingles are the younger, sturdier, modern cousins of the asphalt shingle. These feature a fiber-glass mat base with ceramic-coated minerals embedded in water-resistant asphalt. Architectural shingles are twice the thickness of asphalt shingles, but they also cost 40%-50% more than the latter.
What is a gambrel roof?
A gambrel roof is also known as the barn-style roof, in which the roof has a shallow slope upon the steeper slope of the roof on each side. So, there are at least 2 sides per face. In many areas, the Gambrel roof also has shingles to cover the roof.
Does a Gambrel roof have shingles?
In many areas, the Gambrel roof also has shingles to cover the roof. In case you own this roof and want to install shingles on top of it, check the article below about ‘ how to shingle a Gambrel roof’.
Do you shingle a Gambrel roof transition?
Shingling a Gambrel roof transition will require you to shingling the lower pitch first. Then, if you’ve reached the upper edge:
Can you use architectural shingles on a Gambrel roof?
Alright, those are the steps on how to shingle a Gambrel roof. You might wonder can you use architectural shingles on a Gambrel roof. You can use any shingles while working on shingling your roof.
What is a gambrel roof?
A gambrel roof is often thought of as a bard-style roof where the roof of a structure has multiple slope changes on either side of the roof. The application of shingles over a gambrel roof has very little variation from the application of shingles to a traditional roof.
Do shingles overlap?
The shingles should overlap slightly, and the amount of overlap corresponds directly to the upper ridges on the previously laid shingle. Lay the entire second row in this manner, similarly to how you completed the first row.
Can shingle stand up?
When you reach a slope change, you will continue to shingle as you have been. The shingle may stand or sit up. This is okay, as over time the shingle will naturally fall into place and lay down.
Warning
Do not use additional roofing nails to hold down the lower portion of the transitional shingle instead of adhesive. This leaves exposed openings in the points where nails pierce the shingles, which can become leaks.
Things You Will Need
If possible, wait to shingle a gambrel roof until it is warm enough to easily bend the asphalt shingle at the transition. If you shingle a gambrel roof when it is too cold for the shingles to be malleable, you must wait until it warms up enough to bend the shingles. Unbent shingles leave your roof underlayment exposed to wind damage.
How many square feet of roof shingles?
Roofing materials are sold by the square. One square of shingles is enough to cover 100 square feet. Measure the surface area of the roof you are going to shingle. Make sure to account for all the different angled sides as well as any gables you’ll be shingling across.
Is a gambrel roof more expensive than a foam roof?
Covering your gambrel roof with asphalt shingles is more expensive than using foam or rolled roofing, but often provides better protection against leaks and lasts longer. A gambrel roof has many individual sections with different slopes. Shingling this type of roof is slightly more complex than shingling a flat or biplanar roof. However, laying the shingles on the slope is not hard if you work on a hot sunny day.
What is a gambrel roof?
A gambrel roof is a popular roof style on many contemporary barns and sheds. Gambrel roofs are symmetrical, with two slopes on each side of the roof. If you plan on building and installing your own gambrel roof, you’ll have to draw out plans first to determine the proper dimensions.
How thick should OSB be for a roof?
Measure and cut OSB or plywood for the roof sheeting. Measure 4 total pieces of .5 inches (1.3 cm) thick OSB or plywood. These pieces should be half the length of your structure and the width of each piece of your rafter.
How to connect rafters to a rafter?
Trace and cut OSB or plywood joints to connect the rafter pieces. Place a 6 in × 12 in (15 cm × 30 cm) rectangular piece of OSB or 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm)-thick plywood under the joint of an assembled rafter. Trace the top of the joint so the angle is at the same degrees as where the rafters connect.
How many rafters for a 10 ft shed?
Count the number of wall studs you have. You’ll need a full rafter piece for each wall stud in your barn or shed. If you have 6 wall studs, you’ll need 6 full rafters.
Why do you need an overhang on a roof?
You can build an overhang to help with drainage, but because of the angles on the roof, it's not always necessary.
How wide is a shed roof?
If you have a 10 ft (3.0 m)-wide shed, your roof will be 10 ft (3.0 m)-wide and 5 ft (1.5 m) -tall. Lay down the piece of plywood in an area with ample space.
Where should joint plates be on rafter boards?
You should have a joint plate on each side of the rafter boards.

Step 1 – Lay First Shingle
Step 2 – Complete First Row
- Once the first shingle is in place, you simply need to work in a line laying the first row of shingles. Lay your second shingle directly next to the first, making sure they are even and properly aligned before nailing into place. Once the second shingle is in place, continue with the additional required shingles to complete the entire first row. When you reach the end of the row, you can trim the sh…
Step 3 – Shingle Slope
- You can now lay the second row. To begin the second row, start by placing a shingle directly above the last one in the first row. The shingles should overlap slightly, and the amount of overlap corresponds directly to the upper ridges on the previously laid shingle. Lay the entire second row in this manner, similarly to how you completed the first row. When you reach the third row, you s…
Step 4 – Slopes
- When you reach a slope change, you will continue to shingle as you have been. The shingle may stand or sit up. This is okay, as over time the shingle will naturally fall into place and lay down.
Step 5 – Ridges
- When you reach a ridge in the roof, this is the location you will utilize the caps. You simply lay the ridge cap over the last row of shingles, aligning it correctly over the ridge and nail into place.
Tips
- It is best to shingle your roof on a warm day rather than a cool day because the heat and warmth will help keep the asphalt flexible and more manageable.