Many potential homeowners think about a gable roofs and imagine their high and lofty peaks, and the beauty they can bring to a home. Their architectural elegance is reminiscent of stories from long ago. The historical New England Turner-Ingersoll seaside mansion inspired Nathaniel Hawthorn to write his 1851 novel, House of the Seven Gables, which serves even today as inspiration for gable roofed homes.
Gable Roof Characteristics
So what makes a gable roof so desirable and striking? For one thing, it is a common roof shape throughout the world. It is a classically shaped and is characterized by two sections of roof that slant in different directions. They come together to form a main point or ridge, which can make the pitch of a gable roof quite steep.
Gable Roof Considerations and Composition
Gable roofs are considered good choices for regions of the country that experience extended periods of rain and heavy snowfall. Their pitch allows for rain, snow and moisture accumulation to run off in a consistent basis. They also provide for additional attic space, ventilation and vaulted ceiling use, plus their simple design saves construction time and building expenses.
A gable roof is composed of different sections. If it were to be removed from a house for inspection, it would appear like a long triangular figure. The sides of the roof are slanted at an angle and are pitched, and the slanted or pitched sides come together along a main ridge that runs alongside or parallel to the house’s length. The actual gables themselves are the triangular sections or pieces of the exposed wall that falls between the pitched end pieces and runs from the eave bottom to the ridge peak.
Gable Roof Types
Gable roofs can usually be classified under four categories that include:
- Front gable
- Side gable
- Cross gable
- Dutch gable
A front gable faces the front of a house, at the entryway or primary entrance of a home. It means that the front of the home structure contains the gable.
A side gable signifies a pitched roof that contains two equal sections or sides that are slanted in an angular fashion. The sides of the gable come together at the ridge of the structure. The triangle shaped section can remain open as in an open gable roof style or it can be enclosed as in a boxed gable style roof.
A crossed gable consists of two gable roof sections that are placed together on a right angle. The two meet at the roof ridges and are perpendicular to one another Their overall lengths and pitches may be different or the same, depending on the architectural roof design.
A Dutch gable roof is a combination of a gable and hip roof. A hip roof is one that contains slopes on all four of its sides. The sides are equal in length and meet together at the top of a roof to make a ridge. A gable roof is positioned at the top of the hip roof to provide additional space and enhancement to the roof’s appearance.
Gable Roof Advantages and Disadvantages
Gable roof designs have maintained their popularity over hundreds of years and their familiar triangular shape has made them recognizable in homes and buildings across the world. Advantages of a able roof include their affordability and their ability to shed moisture as well as provide added space to a home and natural ventilation.
Wind and areas prone to disastrous storms can pose problems for gable roofs. Strong winds can cause roofing materials to be stripped away from a gable roof, and if the framing of a gable roof is inferior and lacks proper support, the roof can face damage or collapse. Overhang can be a problem as well with gable roofs as winds can get underneath them and literally uplift them and detach the roof from its structure. Braces are a necessity when it comes to gable roofs that are located in windy areas and inspections should be part of any maintenance routine with gable roofs.
Gable roofs can enhance a home and provide just the right touch to a roof line. If you are interested in learning more about gable roofs and whether they would work with your home design, complete the online contact form and a roofing expert will return your inquiry. Your dreams of a gabled roof design may just be fulfilled. Get in touch with RGB Construction by calling 856-264-9093.
