
How to add a gable roof to Your House?
Tips and Considerations When Designing a Gable Roof Addition
- Placement of the new roof (front or back) More often than not, a homeowner wants to know if adding a gable roof to an existing roof is best done ...
- Type of roofing material and other relevant details. Study the material, color, and design of your current roof. ...
- Keeping the gap between the roofs watertight. ...
- Don’t let a new garage be the main focus. ...
Is a hip roof better than a gable roof?
Research has confirmed that hip roofs deal with even extreme winds better than gable roofs. When tested in a wind tunnel, roofs with four hips and a square footprint performed best. They require less diagonal bracing than gable roofs and don’t have a flat face where wind can catch.
Is a hip roof more expensive than a gable roof?
Remember that hip roofs are more expensive to build than gables, as a gable roof requires less material. The slope of your roof can also narrow down your choice of style. Gable roofs work better on low slope roofs (less than 3:12) since there are fewer valleys.
How to install soffit to a gable roof?
How to Install Soffit to a Gable Roof
- Measure. Measure the total perimeter of your roofline at the eaves from corner to corner. ...
- Cut the Material. Once you have taken the measurements, it’s time to start making your cuts. ...
- Prefit. ...
- Perform Final Assembly. ...

What is meant by gable roof?
A gable roof is a roof consisting of two sections whose upper horizontal edges meet to form its ridge. The most common roof shape in cold or temperate climates, it is constructed of rafters, roof trusses or purlins.
What is a gable roof in architecture?
gable, triangular section of wall at the end of a pitched roof, extending from the eaves to the peak.
What is the difference between a gable roof and a hip roof?
The main difference between a gable roof and a hip roof is that a gable roof has vertical sides and a hip roof has no vertical sides.
What are the different types of gable roofs?
There are four main types of gable roofs – side gables, crossed gables, front gables, and Dutch gables. Side gables are the most common and simple style of gable roof, with two sides pitched to form a triangle.
How does a gable roof look like?
2:023:21What is a Gable Roof? (Gable Roof vs Hip Roof) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you have any question on what a gable roof is just remember it looks like a triangle.MoreSo if you have any question on what a gable roof is just remember it looks like a triangle.
What housing style has a gable roof?
Front gabled roofs are used on many styles of houses, including Colonial-style homes. A-frame homes and Swiss chalets in snow-prone areas often have steeply pitched gable roofs to let snow slide off and down to the ground. Steeply sloped gable roofs are also used on Cape Cod and Victorian style homes.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of gable roof?
Advantages: These are easy to design, and they keep costs down, while also providing a slope for water to drain off. Disadvantages: High winds can be a problem for gable roofs if they're not well constructed, especially if there is too much overhang, in which case, the entire roof could be torn free.
Why is it called a gable roof?
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.
Why are gable roofs used?
Gable Roof Advantages While gable roofs need additional support against wind, they provide excellent drainage for rain and snow and are more weather resistant than flat roofs. They also allow for better ventilation in your house.
What is the other term for gable?
Words related to gable ceiling, house, canopy, covering, crown, cupola, dome, gambrel, palate, parapet, rafter, shelter, slate, summit, truss.
What are the 3 main types of roofs?
Three Common Roof Designs and Their AdvantagesHip. A hip roof has slopes on all of its sides. The roof doesn't have even a single vertical side. ... Gable. A gable roof features two sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. ... Flat. A flat roof has an extremely low pitch and is almost horizontally level.
What are the 4 types of roofs?
4 Types of RoofsGable Roof. This roof type is known for its distinguishable triangular shape feature. ... Mansard Roof. This roof type was adapted from the French and has a much steeper lower slope. ... Flat Roof. This roof type may not be entirely flat but have a low-sloped pitch that makes them appear flat. ... Hip Roof.
What is a gable roof and why is it called gable?
The gable roof is one of the most basic kinds of superstructures used in architecture. This roof consists of two pitched or sloping sides, which meet along the roofline ridge and are open at the end. The vertical wall at the end of the structure, between the sides of the roof, is known as the gable.
Why are gable roofs used?
Gable Roof Advantages While gable roofs need additional support against wind, they provide excellent drainage for rain and snow and are more weather resistant than flat roofs. They also allow for better ventilation in your house.
Where is gable roof used?
A gable roof is the type of roof that is extensively used in regions with cold climatic conditions. It is also commonly referred to as the classical or Gabled roof. It is made up of two roof sections sloping in opposite directions and placed such that the highest horizontal edges meet to form the roof ridge.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of gable roof?
Advantages: These are easy to design, and they keep costs down, while also providing a slope for water to drain off. Disadvantages: High winds can be a problem for gable roofs if they're not well constructed, especially if there is too much overhang, in which case, the entire roof could be torn free.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Gable Roof?
A typical gable roof can last around 30 years on average. But it can last even longer if an adequate supporting framework has been used for the construction of the roof.
Why are gable roofs not recommended?
When compared to the adverse weather tolerance of hip roofs, gable roofs don’t perform as well. This is because of the flat surface of the roof, which is susceptible to wind damage. If there is an overhang on the gable, the powerful force of the wind can pull up the roof’s truss or lift the roof away from the walls of the home. This roof style is therefore not recommended for areas prone to hurricanes. If the high wind is a concern, it’s safer to keep the roof overhang under 30 inches. Having said that, always discuss your concerns with an architect or roofing professional.
Why are gable roofs so popular?
If you have a tight budget, a gable roof is a more affordable option. When compared to other roof designs like mansard, the overall installation costs work out much lower because of the simpler design of this roof. This is the biggest advantage of gable roofs, hence the reason why they are more popular than hip roofs. Since a gable roof only has two roof planes instead of four (hip roofs have four!) you will spend less money on the siding material.
Why are gable roofs so hard to build?
The reason such homes are harder to construct is due to the different heights of the roof shape. In addition, they may need extra brackets in order to enhance their wind resistance.
What is a gable roof?
The gable roof design is one of the most popular in the US. Often seen in ranch-style homes, this type of roof shape is a common style found in Cape Cod, New England. Most of these homes feature garages, front porches, or dormers with gable roof structures that add to the visual appeal of the buildings. If you’re in the process of framing your roof ...
How many gables does a gable roof have?
A gable roof can have a single or multiple gables, but it almost always has two sloping sides that form a ridge like a triangle.
What is a hip roof?
A hip roof doesn’t have vertical wall space reaching up to its peaks. It is more likely to be sloped on all sides, forming a ridge between the adjacent slopes, hence being called a hip. There are four sloped sides on a hip roof as well as one as a horizontal ridge on top.
What is a Victorian gable roof?
Victorian: Both Queen Anne and Stick-style Victorian homes often have a steeply pitched gable roof. Queen Anne homes include elaborate details include cross-gabled roofs, towers, chimneys, and porches. Gingerbread trim is often added to the gables. Stick homes are a little less elaborate but often have a steeply pitched gable roof with an overhang.
What is an A frame home?
A-frame: A-frame homes and Swiss chalets, often found in mountain communities, have a triangular shape with a steeply pitched gable roof designed to allow snow to slide to the ground. These homes typically have front and rear gables.
Why are gable roofs not good for hurricanes?
Gable roofs are not well-suited to locations with frequent high winds or that are prone to hurricanes. A gable roof can collapse if the frame lacks well-constructed support. Their deep overhang can detach from the home in high winds, which can also cause materials to peel off from the sloping sides of the roof. If you have a gable roof and a windstorm hits, you should have it inspected after the storm.
What materials are used for gable roofs?
Materials for Gable Roofs 1 Asphalt is one of the most common materials used for a gable roof, especially if it has a dormer, hips and valleys, because it can reduce the chance of a leak. Asphalt shingles are weather-resistant and come in a variety of colors and styles. 2 Metal roofs are resistant to extreme temperatures, wind, and hail. While metal roofs are more costly than asphalt shingle roofs, they are durable and require little maintenance. 3 Tile roofs are also durable and can last 60 to 100 years. The material is weather resistant and easy to maintain, but the weight of the tiles means installation can be more complicated and therefore more expensive than asphalt shingles. 4 Cedar shake, which is made of wood, is a popular option for gable roofs because it resists leaks around a dormer and other areas. While cedar shake roofs are attractive, they require more maintenance than some other materials and are vulnerable to water damage.
What is a gable roof?
Gable: A standard gable is a slanted or pitched roof that creates flat areas on the front, side or back of the house known as a gable. Homes can have multiple gables.
Why are gable roofs so popular?
Simple gable roofs can be easier to build and therefore less expensive than more complex designs. The main benefit of gable roofs is their ability to resist snow and water accumulation. Leaves can also slide more easily off a gable roof than a flat roof.
What is the roof of a Colonial home?
Front gable: Colonial-style homes often have a gable roof above the front door with the flat gable serving as a pediment above the entrance.
Why are gable roofs so bad?from digsdigs.com
Gable roofs can be problematic in high wind and hurricane areas. If the frames are not properly constructed with adequate supports, the roof can collapse. High winds can also cause materials to peel away from gable roofs. If there is too much of an overhang, winds can create an uplift underneath and cause the roof to detach from the walls.
What is a Gambrel roof?from digsdigs.com
Gambrel roofs are commonly associated with Dutch building traditions and barns, they break each sloping roof section into two parts—one close to the ridge that is relatively flat and one closer to the eaves that drops down steeply. This design makes maximum use of space under the roof.
What is the easiest roof to shingle?from decoist.com
Gable roofs are the easiest roofs to shingle using asphalt because of the structure of the roof running from the top sloping down, and the asphalt shingles are installed in that order. The asphalt shingle roofing is best if you are aiming at reducing costs and want the best value for your money.
What does a Dutch gable roof look like?from decoist.com
The roof looks like a hip roof with a gable roof at the top. This type of design can also work if you have already constructed your roof and want an addition. The Dutch gable roof is beautiful and different, and what it does essentially is to provide more space. So for example, if you’re looking for more attic space but don’t want ...
Why do you need a side gable roof?from decoist.com
You could install a side gable roof to improve the view of your house from a particular angle other than the front/rear.
What is a front gable roof?from digsdigs.com
This type of roof dates back to the pre-colonial era. The front gable or front porch gable is usually a false front roof which is not an actual roof itself. This kind is suitable if your house is already built and you want an addition for decoration or other purposes. It’s very good as a form of aftertouch if you’ve already finished with your roofing and want an extra touch. The only disadvantage of the front gable is its vulnerability to wind. For your front porch gable roof, you can switch up the aesthetics with different shapes of wooden or brick designs directly under the roof, you can also give it a nice color as well so that your front porch can make the perfect first impression for your home. One elegant thing you can use to add aesthetic for this roof is beautiful bright windows that call attention.
Why do people prefer gabled roofs?from decoist.com
A gabled roof is usually preferred because it prevents water from dripping from roof sheds and it is low cost compared to other kinds of roofs like the gambrel or flat roof . Gable roof designs can be tweaked using colors, shapes, and location, although there are not so many existing types.
What Is a Gable Roof?
This type of roof features two peaked sides that meet at a ridge line. The two sloping sides create end walls to form an "A" shape—a triangular extension called a gable —at the top on each end of the house. Traditionally seen in ranch-style or Cape Cod homes, gable-style roofing systems shed water well, making them one of the most popular options across North America.
What Styles Do Gable Roofs Come In?
Some builders combine both hip roofs and gable roof types. What is a gable roof doing alongside elements of a hip roof? The end result often creates a more interesting design. For instance, a Dutch gable roof is a hip roof with a small gabled section on the upper section. Another variation is a half-hip roof, which adds a small hip section sloping toward the ridge onto a gable roof. Bringing elements of both types of roofs together can result in beautiful designs that offer better overall curb appeal.
How Does a Gable Roof Compare to a Hip Roof?
Both hip roofs and gable roofs are popular choices for residential homes, but they're quite different. Hip roofs slope back from all four roof sides down toward the walls of the home, which sit under the eaves. A hip roof has no vertical ends, and the "hip" is actually the angle formed where two sides meet.
What is a Gable Roof Design?
It’s important to know exactly what a gable roof is before you go ahead and have one installed. It’s the most common roof shape you’ll see today, with two sides that meet together at the highest point at a ridge and create two slopes down either side. On the side where the slopes come together, they form a triangle shape.
Benefit: Good For Rain And Snow
This is one of the biggest reasons why a gable roof design is used so frequently. They have one of the steepest slopes out of all common roof designs, and that works well in wet or snowy weather. In these cases, you don’t want that rain or snow sitting on your roof for longer than necessary.
Drawback: Not Great For More Extreme Weather Conditions
While a gable roof can handle wet weather without any issues, it’s not as great at handling more extreme weather conditions. You’re not going to see them in areas that are prone to hurricanes and tornados, as they can’t take these conditions.
Benefit: Can Be Used On Different Styles Of Home
One of the best things about a gable roof is that it fits in with all kinds of different home styles. You’ll find gable roofs on everything from Victorian homes to modern ranch style homes and everything in between. This is thanks to the simplicity and the customizable style of the roof that can be designed in any way you see fit.
Drawback: More Repairs
As your gable roof is more prone to wind damage, then you may find that you have to have it repaired more frequently. That’s true even if you don’t live in a high wind area. Even the odd storm could lead to you needing shingles replaced or the dormers and chimney flashing resealing.
Benefit: Less Costly To Construct
Your roof is one of the most costly things you’ll have to replace in your home. As such, you will be looking for ways to reduce the costs without cutting corners. There are lots of ways to do this, such as using asphalt shingles rather than more costly materials. Another way is to use a gable roof design.
Drawback: Can Be Dangerous When Badly Built
No matter what kind of roof you’re having constructed, you need to take real care with finding a roofer to do the work. Good roofers will always have the experience, tools, and equipment needed to create a roof that will last for years and years.
What is the easiest roof to shingle?
Gable roofs are the easiest roofs to shingle using asphalt because of the structure of the roof running from the top sloping down, and the asphalt shingles are installed in that order. The asphalt shingle roofing is best if you are aiming at reducing costs and want the best value for your money.
Why do you need a side gable roof?
You could install a side gable roof to improve the view of your house from a particular angle other than the front/rear.
What does a Dutch gable roof look like?
The roof looks like a hip roof with a gable roof at the top. This type of design can also work if you have already constructed your roof and want an addition. The Dutch gable roof is beautiful and different, and what it does essentially is to provide more space. So for example, if you’re looking for more attic space but don’t want ...
Why do people prefer gabled roofs?
A gabled roof is usually preferred because it prevents water from dripping from roof sheds and it is low cost compared to other kinds of roofs like the gambrel or flat roof . Gable roof designs can be tweaked using colors, shapes, and location, although there are not so many existing types.
What is a front gable roof?
This type of roof dates back to the pre-colonial era. The front gable or front porch gable is usually a false front roof which is not an actual roof itself. This kind is suitable if your house is already built and you want an addition for decoration or other purposes. It’s very good as a form of aftertouch if you’ve already finished with your roofing and want an extra touch. The only disadvantage of the front gable is its vulnerability to wind. For your front porch gable roof, you can switch up the aesthetics with different shapes of wooden or brick designs directly under the roof, you can also give it a nice color as well so that your front porch can make the perfect first impression for your home. One elegant thing you can use to add aesthetic for this roof is beautiful bright windows that call attention.
Is a wooden gable roof good for all weather?
That’s why the wooden gable roof is a most formidable idea to many minds. Having a wooden Gable roof could be the perfect choice of roofing for you as it’s best for all weather. Another good thing about them is that they are heat-resistant to sun rays providing a perfect temperature in the room. View in gallery.
Is a gable roof a good idea?
roofwithcrown.com. Gable roofs are definitely a beautiful addition to your home, and like all other design ideas, you can tweak, add, remove, and adjust to your taste. There is a wide range of gable roof designs to pick from, and they are all durable and astonishing.
Gable Roof
The gable roof has its own significance in the different roof gables used in houses. The g able roof house is triangular in shape, which corresponds to the English alphabet A.
What Is Gable Roof?
In this type of roof, the roof is constructed of two sloping sections in opposite directions. Gable roofs are commonly found in some parts of the world in areas with cold or temperate climates.
Historical Development of Gable Roof
The history of the gable-style roof is found in Greek culture. In ancient times a gable style roof was used to create a roof for a Greek temple. The gable roof was gradually used in countries like Europe and America.
Gable Roof Design
The gabled roof structure consists of two opposite side sections from the roof ridge point. The two side slope sections of the gable roof connect at the top. Which is called the ridge point.
Cost of Roofing Gable Construction
Generally, the market cost of gable roof construction is about $8 to $16 per square foot. Its exact rate depends on the market price of different materials.
Life of Gable Roof
The life of a gable roof depends on various factors. Such as the quality of the material used and the periodic maintenance of the roof. Properly installed gable roofs can last up to 40 years.
Advantages of Gable Roof
Water Drainage: This type of roof can be used as a drainage system as it is of slope type. Due to the gable roof design, water and snow can slide easily from the roof. This feature of a gable roof reduces the risk of leakage from the roof and ensures the safety of the roof. Such a feature can last a long time.
What is a Gable Roof or Gabled Roof?
A gable roof is the typical pitched triangular roof that you see on many houses in the U.S., and it’s probably what you think of when you picture what a suburban home looks like in most states with the standard peaked roof lines.
What Is A Hip Roof?
Hip roofs or hipped roofs are perhaps the second most common type of roof after gable roofs.
What is a Jerkinhead Roof?
If you see a roof that combines design elements from both gable and hip roofs, chances are that it is a jerkinhead roof.
What is a Mansard Roof?
Mansard roofs or French roofs are a style of roof originally designed by architect Francois Mansert (hence the name) that is made up of four double sloped sides that meet to form a low-pitched roof in the middle.
What is a Gambrel Roof?
Gambrel roofs – also referred to as barn roofs or barn-style roofs – are similar to mansard roofs in several ways.
What is a Saltbox Roof?
Saltbox roofs are commonly found on earlier Colonial or Cape Cod-style homes, and they are characterized by their distinctive asymmetrical design.
What is a Pyramid Roof?
As you might guess, this is a type of roof that is shaped like a pyramid.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Gable Roof?from homenish.com
A typical gable roof can last around 30 years on average. But it can last even longer if an adequate supporting framework has been used for the construction of the roof.
What is an A frame home?from newhomesource.com
A-frame: A-frame homes and Swiss chalets, often found in mountain communities, have a triangular shape with a steeply pitched gable roof designed to allow snow to slide to the ground. These homes typically have front and rear gables.
Why are gable roofs not recommended?from homenish.com
When compared to the adverse weather tolerance of hip roofs, gable roofs don’t perform as well. This is because of the flat surface of the roof, which is susceptible to wind damage. If there is an overhang on the gable, the powerful force of the wind can pull up the roof’s truss or lift the roof away from the walls of the home. This roof style is therefore not recommended for areas prone to hurricanes. If the high wind is a concern, it’s safer to keep the roof overhang under 30 inches. Having said that, always discuss your concerns with an architect or roofing professional.
Why are gable roofs so popular?from homenish.com
If you have a tight budget, a gable roof is a more affordable option. When compared to other roof designs like mansard, the overall installation costs work out much lower because of the simpler design of this roof. This is the biggest advantage of gable roofs, hence the reason why they are more popular than hip roofs. Since a gable roof only has two roof planes instead of four (hip roofs have four!) you will spend less money on the siding material.
What materials are used for gable roofs?from newhomesource.com
Materials for Gable Roofs 1 Asphalt is one of the most common materials used for a gable roof, especially if it has a dormer, hips and valleys, because it can reduce the chance of a leak. Asphalt shingles are weather-resistant and come in a variety of colors and styles. 2 Metal roofs are resistant to extreme temperatures, wind, and hail. While metal roofs are more costly than asphalt shingle roofs, they are durable and require little maintenance. 3 Tile roofs are also durable and can last 60 to 100 years. The material is weather resistant and easy to maintain, but the weight of the tiles means installation can be more complicated and therefore more expensive than asphalt shingles. 4 Cedar shake, which is made of wood, is a popular option for gable roofs because it resists leaks around a dormer and other areas. While cedar shake roofs are attractive, they require more maintenance than some other materials and are vulnerable to water damage.
Why are gable roofs so hard to build?from homenish.com
The reason such homes are harder to construct is due to the different heights of the roof shape. In addition, they may need extra brackets in order to enhance their wind resistance.
What is a gable roof?from study.com
Gable: A standard gable is a slanted or pitched roof that creates flat areas on the front, side or back of the house known as a gable. Homes can have multiple gables.
