If you are considering a new roof on your house or you are in the process of building a new home, you may be surprised to learn how many different roofing styles are available. Before choosing your roof style, RGB Construction believes it is important to understand the differences between each so that you can make the right decision for yourself and your family.
What is a Gable Roof?
A gable roof consists of two sections with upper edges that form a ridge. It is a common roof style in colder areas and the pitch of the roof can vary greatly. A gable roof is very common because it is one of the simplest styles of roof. It is usually constructed using rafters, purlins, or trusses. Gable roofs are often less expensive and are more weather resistant than flat roofs.
Why is Gable Roofing Popular in Delaware?
Delaware experiences a significant amount of rainfall, especially in the winter and spring. In the northern part of the state, snowfall can be significant while throughout Delaware, icing is common during the winter. A gable roof is sloped so that water and snow are easily shed, reducing the chance you will experience leaks or water damage. Gable roofs also provide a larger attic space which offers homeowners additional storage space.
Gable vs. Hip Roofing
Another popular style of roofing in Delaware, according to RGB Construction, is the hip roof. A hip roof has sides that slope downward toward the walls while the other two sides extend to the peak from the bottom of the eaves. The area where the two adjacent sides meet and form an external angle is where the term hip comes from. Gable roofs are usually less expensive than hip roofs as hip roofs can be more complex to design and build. Hip roofs have several advantages over gable roofs They are self-bracing and require less diagonal bracing and they allow you to have consistent guttering all the way around. They can also be combined to create a unique roofline. Hip roofs are popular in areas with high wind or heavy snow. In Delaware, this makes them popular in the northern part of the state as well as along the coast where winds can often be significant. However, hip roofs also provide less attic space than a gable roof which is simpler to design and less expensive. A gable roof also provides better ventilation, and it can also be combined with a hip roof for a unique look. Gable roofs are susceptible to damage in high winds and are often viewed as “plainer” than hip roofs.
Other Popular Roofing Styles in Delaware
There are other popular roofing styles in Delaware as well. Some of these include:
- Clipped gable roof – Also known as a bullnose roof, the clipped gable roof looks similar to a gable but has peaks that appear to be bent in. This creates a hip roof on the ends to create a flat area on one or both ends of the home.
- Dutch gable roof – Another combination of hip and gable roofing is the Dutch gable. In this roofing style, a small gable roof, also called a gablet, is placed on top of a traditional hip roof. This roofing style offers more attic space and it is possible to add a window for additional natural light.
- Flat roof – Although this type of roof is usually found on commercial buildings, it is not uncommon to see a flat roof on a home in Delaware, especially in coastal communities. In those communities, wind can be a significant problem and flat roofs have historically been used to prevent damage from wind. However, flat roofs are also prone to leaks so they must be sealed well. Also, keep in mind that flat roofs do have a small slope that allows for water drainage.
- Gambrel roof – Commonly found on barns and sheds, a gambrel roof has two sloped sides, one that has a gentle slope and another with a steeper slope. This allows you to create a loft or additional room on the top floor and also permits the addition of windows to bring in light.
- Mansard roof – This type of roof comes from French architecture. It has a four-sided design with steep lower slopes on all four sides. The slopes can be curved or flat and either option provides a much larger attic space than other roof styles. This roof style looks even better with dormer windows added.
- Shed Roof – This type of roof gives a building a “lean-to” appearance and is used mostly for modern architecture. It looks like half a gable roof and has most often been seen on porches or sheds. The slopes are usually steeper in Delaware due to the amount of rainfall. This type of roof provides limited attic space but offers unique options for window placements in the lower part of the home.
Roof Slopes
When choosing the style of your roof, you will also want to know the slope of the roof. The slope is important, especially if you live in areas of Delaware that see significant rain and snow. You will want a slope that allows ice, water, and snow to run off quickly which means you need a roof with more of a slope. Usually, roofing contractors express the slope as a ratio. For instance, they may say the roof is 6:12 or 6/12. This means that for every 12 inches of roof, it rises six inches. The slope also has aesthetic purposes, so you want to be sure the style you choose works well with the rest of your home.
If you are building a new home or considering changing your roof completely, contact RGB Construction today to see how we can help. We take excellence seriously and all our technicians have extensive expertise, knowledge, and skill. As a veteran-owned company, we are committed to workmanship and integrity, completing every job in a timely manner to your satisfaction. We treat every home as if it were our own. Contact us by calling 856-264-9093 or fill out the easy online form.
