Gable Roofs

Gable roofs are versatile and easy to customise. So, you can easily find the right type of gable roof for any building. That’s one of the reasons gable roofs are so popular. However, one type of gable roof may not be ideal for a certain building or location, while another could be the perfect fit. You need to know what’s what. That’s the only way to choose the right roof for your home. That’s why I created this article on gable roof types. There are five main types. Let’s talk about them.   Front Gable Roof For this type of gable roof, the sloping sides run along the side of the house. So, the gable ends (aka the flat sides) are at the front and back of the building. Sometimes, the eaves (of the gable end) extend over the front door of the house, providing shade. Front gable roofs are usually used for Victorian, Tudor, Cape Cod, farmhouses, and craftsmen houses. Side Gable Roof The side gable roof is the opposite of the front gable roof. Here, the sloping sides are at the front and back of the house. Therefore, the gable ends are at the sides of the house. That’s where this gable roof type gets its name. The gable ends are on the side. Hence, the name. Side gable roof types are usually used for ranches and A-frame homes. Box Gable Roof This type of side gable roof extends beyond the roofline of the house. The roof overhangs the house on all four sides. With a regular side gable, there are no overhangs. The roof is trimmed perfectly to the roofline of the building. Box gable roofs are perfect for Victorian and traditional homes. Cross Gable Roof The cross gable roof has intersecting gables. Obviously, this means the roof must have more than one gable. Usually, there is a primary gable/roofline and then a minor one(s). However, the rooflines can also be of the same size. This gable roof type is perfect for structurally complex homes. It also suits Tudor and Gothic architecture. Dutch Gable Roof This gable roof type is a hybrid of gable and hip roofs. In other words, it has both gable and hip roofs. The hip roof is usually the main roof. The gable roof is just a secondary roof built on the hip roof. A Dutch gable roof is complex to design and build. However, it adds aesthetic value and living space (in the loft) to a house. Dutch gable roofs are usually used for structurally complex and suburban houses. It is also common in home extensions. Conclusion Once again, the five main types of gable roofs are front, side, box, cross and Dutch gable roofs. They all have two sloping sides and two flat (gable) ends. However, they also have unique design elements that differentiates them.  We have talked about those differences. I have also listed the type of house that suits each type of gable. So, look for your house on the list. Then, try to learn more about the gable roof type (or any other roof type) that you are interested in. Find out its pros and cons. Also, find out how it compares and differs from other roof types.  Fixmyroof can help with that. We have many articles on other types of roofs. You can also contact me directly to learn more about roofs. I am a roof specialist with experience in all sorts of roofing solutions. So, reach out for any sort of roof installation and repairs.

The gable roof is arguably the most popular type in the UK and the rest of the Western world. However, it’s not perfect. Like any other type of roof, it has pros and cons. So, read this article before choosing a gable roof for your office or home. After all, it is crucial to choose the right roof. The safety of your building depends on it. What Is a Gable Roof? A gable roof has two sloping sides and two flat sides. The flat sides are called the gable end of the roof. When you are at either of the flat sides, a gable roof looks like a triangle. The two sloping sides form the vertical sides of the triangle. The base of the roof, usually the top of the wall, forms the base of the triangle. Gable Roof Pros Here are the advantages of gable roofs. Affordable and easy to build Gable roof installation is fast and relatively easy. This is because the design is simple and most roofers use prefabricated materials. You can reduce costs further by using affordable materials or installing the gable roof yourself. Strong and classy Gable roofs are sturdy and durable. They are also very classy and aesthetically pleasing. It’s rare to find this level of affordability, reliability and elegance. That’s why gable roofs are such a great value for money. Good drainage Water, debris and snow can’t settle on a gable roof. Water, especially, will flow right down the sloping sides. So, you don’t have to worry that water or any other sediment will build up on your roof. In other words, gable roofs have good drainage qualities. A large storage space With a gable roof, you get a large loft space that you can use for storage. Obviously, you have to brace the base (of the roof) to make the loft safe. Good ventilation Gable roofs have a large surface area. This is good for ventilation and natural lighting. The gable ends are also perfect for windows. A larger surface area increases the exchange of air and heat between the building and its surroundings. However, this is both a gable roof advantage and disadvantage. We will discuss the disadvantages later.   Gable Roof Cons Here are five disadvantages of gable roofs. Vulnerable to wind The pitched shape of a gable roof makes it vulnerable to wind damage. Wind can peel, damage, rip or lift the roof. So, I don’t recommend using a gable roof in windy areas. The steeper the pitch of the roof, the more vulnerable it is. Gable roofs with extended eaves (aka overhangs) are also more wind-prone. Needs repairs more often Wind damage is a problem. So, you might constantly need to refit lifted areas and repair damaged singles. Other times, you may have to replace certain parts of the roof. Reinforcing the roof will increase the cost You can reinforce a gable roof to increase wind resistance and load-bearing capacity. Doing this helps against wind shear and snow load. However, it also increases the cost of building the gable roof. The loft has less headroom Therefore, there will be issues if you want to turn the loft into an extra living space. You probably won’t mind the low ceilings if you only use the loft for storage space. However, as an extra living space, there will be problems. Poor energy efficiency Remember when I said, “A large surface area is both a gable roof advantage and disadvantage. We will discuss the disadvantages later.” This is later.  A larger surface area gives heat more opportunity to escape. Likewise, the cold also has more opportunities to enter the building. Therefore, gable roofs are not energy efficient. However, you can fix this by adding insulation. Conclusion There you have it. Now, you know ten gable roof pros and cons. You will notice that the pros outweigh the cons. Besides, there are ways to fix or work around these gable roof cons. That’s why gable roofs remain so popular. Still, other types of roofs have their benefits, too. So, reach out to me to learn more about them. You can also hire me to repair and install roofs for your home, office and other buildings. This website, Fixmyroof, is not just a hub of information. It’s also a way for you to contact me for your roofing solutions.

On average, a gable roof costs around £7,000 to £11,000. This is a rough estimate because gable roof installation costs depend on roof size, type, material, support structure, local rates and accessibility. So, keep reading to get a more exact estimate. I will tell you how much a gable roof costs per square foot. I will even discuss the cost factors and benefits of choosing a gable roof for your home or office building. What Is a Gable Roof? A gable roof is a type of pitched roof with two sloping sides. It is the triangle-shaped roof that we all know and love. In fact, the gable roof is the most popular and one of the oldest types of roof in the world. The sloping sides rise from the top of the walls and meet in the middle. This meeting point at the top of the triangle is called the roof ridge, peak or top point. The flat sides of the roof are called the gable ends. Although this affects design complexity, a gable roof can be as steep as you like. The sloping sides can also be asymmetrical, although they are usually symmetrical. Finally, a roof can have more than one gable. How Much Does a Gable Roof Cost? A gable roof costs around £7,000 to £11,000. More specifically, a gable roof costs around £4 to £8 per square foot. Remember that these depend on certain factors. We will discuss them in the next section. Please note that this doesn’t include the cost of removing an existing roof. The estimate is just for building the gable roof. What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of a Gable Roof? Here are the six factors that affect the cost of a gable roof. Roof size It costs more to build a larger gable roof. That’s because a larger roof will use up more supplies and labour. Here is a good way to determine how much the gable roof will cost. Multiply the cost per square footage (£4-£8) by the total surface area of the roof space. You can get a ladder or measure the roof from the ground. Gable roof type The simplest type of gable roof is the side gable. It’s the easiest to build and, therefore, the most affordable. The front and boxed gables are also pretty affordable. However, the cross and Dutch gable roofs are the most expensive type. The more complex the gable roof is, the more expensive it will be.  Gable roof material The cost of the gable roof also depends on the choice of roofing materials. Options include asphalt shingles, wood shingles, metal, stone, slate, tiles, metal and membrane. Asphalt shingles are common, durable and affordable. However, there are also other more expensive roofing materials. Accessibility In some cases, the roofers may have difficulty accessing the roof. This will affect how much the gable roof costs. For example, you may have to spend more money on a complex scaffolding. The job will also take longer. Therefore, the gable roof will cost more. Local rates Gable roof prices will also vary depending on your location. Prices are usually lower in small cities and the north.    Roof support structure One of the biggest disadvantages of gable roofs is their vulnerability to wind. Wind can peel, lift and damage the roof. You may want to include additional bracing and support structures to make the roof more stable and secure. This protects the roof from wind and snow load. However, it also affects how much the gable roof costs. Why Choose a Gable Roof? Gable roofs have been around since the time of the ancient Greeks. We have developed other types of roofs since then. Yet, most people still choose gable roofs for their homes.   It’s time to talk about why this is the case. Let’s discuss the advantages of gable roofs and why you chose them. Simple to build The design is so simple. Plus, all the parts, including the rafters, ridge boards, wall plates and trusses, are prefabricated. So, installation is fast. Good roofers can install a gable roof within one day.  Affordable Gable roofs are very affordable. You already know how much a gable roof costs. So, compare that to the cost of a hip or mansard roof. Only flat roofs are cheaper. Most importantly, gable roofs give you incredible value for money. Sturdy, durable and secure Despite being simple and affordable, gable roofs are sturdy and secure. You and your loved ones are safe. The average gable roof can last for 20 to 50 years. Classy and versatile That triangle-shaped roof is classy and unique. It is also versatile enough to suit different houses, including Victorian, modern, cottage, and Tudor buildings. Great drainage The sloping sides of a gable roof are perfect for drainage. Water, snow and debris will simply fall off. They can’t build up on a gable roof. You can’t say the same for a flat roof. Abundant storage space in the loft The inside of a gable roof is perfect for adding additional storage space to your home. Because of the sloping sides, the space may not be conducive as an extra living space. But as a storage space, it is perfect. Conclusion A gable roof costs around £4 to £8 per square foot or 7,000 to £11,000 per project. Remember that this depends on the size, type, material, support structure and accessibility of the gable roof. Location is also important. If you would like more information on Gable roofs, check out my other articles or contact me directly. I’m happy to help. What if you want to hand everything over to a professional roofer so you can focus on other things? I can do that as well. I am a roofer with several years of industry experience. Let’s talk.

Gable roofs are one of the most common types of roof design used for residential buildings. They have a simple and elegant design. They are also a great roofing choice for areas with severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow and rain.  In this article, we will explore what a gable roof is. Then, move on to its parts, types, benefits, and disadvantages. We will also discuss the key differences between a hip and a gable roof.  What Is A Gable Roof?  A gable roof is a type of roof that has two sloping sides. These two sloping sides meet at a peak point called the ridge.  The two remaining sides of a gable roof are flat. They could be made out of rafters like the sloping sides or part of the wall. They can also be fitted with windows. You can do this with the sloping sides as well.  The entire gable roof (at least the sloping sides) is made with rafters, supported by horizontal beams, joined at the ridge by seams and held to the wall by wall plates.   What Part Of The Roof Is A Gable? The gable is the flat side of the roof, which looks like a triangle or inverted V shape. It (the gable) is formed by the two sloping sides and the base of the roof.  Types of Gable Roofs While the basic gable roof design remains the same, there are several variations. These variations of the gable roof have their unique architectural styles and designs. Here are some of the common types of gable roof designs.  Front Gable Roof A front gable roof features a gable that faces the front of the house. This design is commonly used in traditional and classic architectural styles. Box Gable Roof A box gable roof overhangs the walls. This makes the building feel boxed in and provides additional support to the roof. It also reduces weather damage but can increase wind vulnerability.  Cross Gable Roof A cross gable roof features two or more intersecting gables. The intersection usually happens at an angle of 90 degrees. This design is commonly used in larger homes and can provide additional space for living areas or storage. Dutch Gable Roof  A Dutch gable roof is a hybrid. It has both a hipped roof and a gable roof. This increases visual interest and living space within the loft.  What Is The Difference Between A Gable Roof And A Hip Roof? Gable and hip roofs are two of the most common roof designs used for residential buildings. Both designs provide excellent protection against weather elements. Here are the key differences between them. A gable roof has two sloping sides, while a hip roof has four.  Essentially, for hipped roofs, all the sides are sloping. There is no flat side. Hip roofs are generally more sturdy and resistant to wind and weather damage. However, gable roofs are more affordable and easier to install. Gable roofs also have more space and headroom in the attic.  What Are The Benefits Of A Gable Roof? Here are a few benefits and disadvantages of gable roofs.  Excellent weather protection and drainage  Gable roofs perform well in areas with a lot of rainfall and snow. The sloping sides stop water, snow and debris from accumulating on the roof. Design versatility  Gable roofs can be designed to fit into a variety of architectural styles. Whether your house is modern or Victorian, grand or simple, you can’t go wrong with a gable roof. Affordable Gable roofs are cost-effective. That’s why so many homeowners choose them. Gable roofs are more affordable than hip roofs. That’s because the design is simpler and doesn’t need as many roofing materials.  What Are the Disadvantages of a Gable Roof? Here are two disadvantages of gable roofs. Vulnerable to wind damage Because of the flat ends, gable roofs are susceptible to wind damage. These could lead to frequent and expensive repairs. You can add braces to make the roof sturdier, but this increases installation costs.  Poor energy efficiency  Gable roofs have a large surface area. This is not energy efficient as the loft will lose heat through its surface area. You can add insulation to fix this. However, that comes at an additional cost.  Conclusion A gable roof is a classic and versatile roof design. It’s also easy to build, maintain and repair.  However, there are some disadvantages. The main one is wind vulnerability. We have discussed how to fix this. So, you have enough information to decide if a gable roof is the right or wrong choice for your home.  However, if you still need to know more. Contact us, and I will respond to you myself. I will answer your questions about gable roofs and other roofing solutions.  At Fixmyroof, we are also available to install and repair your roofs. I am a roof specialist. That’s why I know the information I am sharing on this website. So, reach out to us. Let’s talk about roofing solutions.