A look of a home can be elevated by the selection of the right roof type. It brings instant aesthetic appeal and makes it an excellent part of the whole infrastructure. One of the most common and recognisable roof types is a gable roof, which can be observed in many homes and buildings.
A gable roof features two sloping sides that meet at the top in a triangular shape called a ridge or peak. It is well-suited for places susceptible to heavy rainfall. They are available in various types and can be easy to construct and maintain. With this article, you can learn about its types, designs, price, and advantages.
What is a Gable Roof?
Gable roof is characterised by its triangular shape, containing two sections whose inclined surfaces meet at the top to form its ridge. This is the most common type used in very cold or temperate climates as its design promotes water and snow runoff and provides additional attic space.
Types of Gable Roof
Gable roofs are classified into several types, some of which are explained as follows:
Box Gable
A box gable gives a more finished look to your home. It has two sloping sides that end with a triangular extension. Such roofs generally do not have any overhang and create a closed box-like shape.
Cross Gable
It refers to a roof that contains at least two gable rooflines intersecting each other at a 90-degree angle. The height and length of each section can significantly vary, creating different styles.
Dutch Gable
A Dutch gable roof has a small gable at the top of a hip roof. A small gable roof is installed at the top of the roof to add aesthetic appeal to a space or to provide shading for windows and other openings. It efficiently sheds off the snow and rainwater and also costs less compared to other roof overhangs.
Front Gable
It is a pitched roof with two sloping sides containing a gable roof in the house’s entrance or front side. The ridge at the top runs perpendicular to the front wall of the building. This design standard is particularly suitable for Colonial-style houses and acts as a statement piece.
Gambrel
Gambrel roof is a symmetrical, two-sided roof consisting of two slopes on each side. Each side consists of a steeply angled lower roof surface attached to an upper roof surface which has a shallower angle.
Saltbox Gable
A saltbox gable is asymmetrical in design and consists of two inclined surfaces that end at different heights. Most commonly, the front side is short, while the back side is long and has a slight slope.
Shed Gable
It is also known as a lean-to roof or skillion, containing a single sloping surface. Shed gable is easy to construct, and it provides some storage space in the attic space. This simple design is often used in modern and contemporary homes.
Advantages of Gable Roofs
Gable roofs offer several advantages to your homes, such as:
Simple and Elegant Design: A gable roof may seem like a simple design but improves the overall look of your home. It is simple, easy to construct, and maintain. The entire process can be completed much faster than other roof types.
Water Drainage: Since the roof top features a slope, it acts as a strong drainage system. It allows rainwater and snow to slide off naturally and efficiently.
Excellent Ventilation: A gable roof is primarily known for its excellent ventilation. The triangular shape of the roof regulates the temperature range and prevents moisture buildup.
Affordable Option: A gable roof on your home is an effective investment since it is easy to build and maintain. It uses the most affordable materials, involving very few labour charges when compared with other roofing choices.
Disadvantages of Gable Roofs
Although gable roofs offer numerous benefits, they also have some potential drawbacks, including:
Prone to Wind Damage: If you are located in areas prone to high winds, then a gable roof is not an apt choice. The top of the roof actually overreacts to wind and the roof starts peeling off.
Less Living Area: Whether it is an office or a home, a gable roof is not an option to have more space. Homeowners cannot maximise their attic space with these sloping ceilings and the terrace area also gets eliminated.
Repairs and Maintenance: Gable roofs can undergo wind damage often. You have to end up with additional repairs and maintenance that may cost more than the cost of installation upfront.
Price to Build a Gable Roof
Gable roof installation has no fixed price range and can be influenced by several factors such as materials preferred, location, and design complexity. In general, it costs around Rs. 300-400 per square feet in India. When installing any additional features, such as dormers or skylights, the cost may go even higher. In general, gable roofs are less expensive than complex roof types but more expensive than flat roofs.
Components of Gable Roofs
Gable roofs consist of various components, including:
Ridge Board
Ridge board is a horizontal board that runs along the top of the gable roof and connects two sides effectively. It provides long-bearing support to the structure and elevates its strength.
Rafters
Rafters are compulsory for traditional-method homes or buildings to frame roofs. It connects the ridge board to the top of side walls as the sloping structural members provide sufficient support to the roof.
Fascia
Fascia is a vertical board or any other roofing material that runs along the roof’s edge, often supporting gutters. It is primarily responsible for protecting the roof from any exterior elements. Fascia prevents the interior of the home from moisture content and plays an aesthetic role as well.
Soffit
Soffit basically means any finishing material installed to cover the underside of your roof overhang. They perfectly cover the underside of the rafters and provide excellent ventilation inside.
Final Thoughts
A gable roof is a well-known and versatile roofing option that benefits you in numerous ways. It provides a classic look, increased space, and excellent ventilation. Though gable roofs have some drawbacks, they become a great choice to create attractive roof designs.