An independent roofing contractor based in the West Midlands specialising in domestic roof projects throughout the UK


07521 528 930

info@stomicroofing.co.uk

Gable Roof: Design Types, Structural Components, Advantages & Disadvantages

Table of Contents

Different Design Types of Gable Roofs
Get a Quote today for your domestic roofing project

Gable roofs have been in use since the Greeks and have sustained their existence for millennia. They have been a signature architectural component within the whole Western world for centuries. It provides an attractive look to the building as well as extra ventilation space.

Gable roof has been a signatory component of Gothic architecture throughout. Its use in the construction of churches, cathedrals and other religious buildings represents the inclination of European architects towards the gable roof.

In this blog, we will explain all the structural components of a gable roof along with its types. We will also discuss its advantages and disadvantages here.

Structural Components of a Gable Roof

Ridge: It is the highest point where both sloping sides meet. It is a horizontal line that usually spans the total length of the building.

Eaves: They are the lowest edges of a gable roof that are usually overhanging from the walls. They provide protection to the walls from rainwater and other environmental elements.

Rafters: They are the beams that span from the ridge to the eaves. They are load-bearing components and hold the complete weight of the structure and transfer it to the walls.

Gable End: It is the triangular face of the wall between two sloppy sides of the roof. It is formed due to the intersection of both planes.

Soffit: The underside of an eave is called a soffit. They can be both closed or left open. Leaving the soffit open can reduce moisture accumulation in the roof by keeping the air in circulation.

Fascia: it is a board that is installed along the lower edge of a gable roof at the intersection of walls and eaves.

Pitch: This is the slope angle of the roof. Higher pitch provides better and more effective drainage to the rainwater, which is highly beneficial for areas which receive heavy snow or rains every year.

Get a Quote today for your domestic roofing project
Structural Components of a Gable Roof

Different Design Types of Gable Roofs

Box Gable Roof

The box gable roof is the most liked type of gable roof. It not only enhances the beauty of your house but also makes it look longer than it is. In a box gable roof, both sloppy sides of the roof extend further from the walls on the sides and front. This provides a triangular section at the front which attracts more than a normal gable roof.

Cross Gable Roof:

In the cross-gable roof, more than one gable structure is constructed at a certain design angle to each other. In two gable roofs, generally, both ridges are kept at a right angle to each other.

This kind of gable roof is used where the house has a large floor space and an intricate plan. Construction of cross gable is a bit more complicated than other gable roofs because of a sudden change in the shape at valleys.

Dutch Gable Roof:

A Dutch gable roof combines a hip roof and a gable roof on top of it. This type of gable roof not only provides unique aesthetic appeal but also creates a large and relatively straight loft area as well.

Front Gable:

The front gable roof is the simplest form of a gable roof with a simple sloppy roof. Unlike box gable roofs, in front gable roofs, sides do not extend from the walls, and usually, the front door is installed right beneath the gable. This style of gable roof is getting more recognition in modern constructions.

Gable Roof with Addition of Shed Roof:

This is generally a result of alteration or extension to the existing gable roof. In this style, a shed roof is extended from the ridge of the existing roof. This kind of extension adds both to the floor space and the aesthetic value of the building. That is why it is a highly popular choice for house extensions these days.

Get a Quote today for your domestic roofing project
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gable Roofs

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gable Roofs

Advantages:

  • Gable roofs are comparatively easy and simple to design.
  • Gable roofs require a very simple and straightforward method of installation.
  • They come with a vast choice of materials like metal sheets and clay tiles etc.
  • Owing to their simple designs and installation, they are highly affordable.
  • The slopy roof provides fast and efficient drainage to the rainwater. Hence there are minimum chances of their leakage.

Disadvantages:

  • Gable roof requires skilled professionals for its installation. Otherwise, there are chances that it may collapse.
  • Owing to its materials, it is prone to cracks under constant sunlight and requires continuous maintenance.

Copyright © 2023 S. Tomic Roofing Ltd

SEO by BRANDIX SOFT