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.