When it comes to roofing, a gable roof design is the most popular out there. With a simple shape and lots of benefits, many homeowners choose this style when they have their roof replaced. Is it going to be right for you? Take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of the style so that you can make an informed decision.
What is a Gable Roof Design?
It’s important to know exactly what a gable roof is before you go ahead and have one installed. It’s the most common roof shape you’ll see today, with two sides that meet together at the highest point at a ridge and create two slopes down either side. On the side where the slopes come together, they form a triangle shape.
It is worth noting that hip roofs also meet at the highest point at the ridge, but these slant down all four sides.
Benefit: Good For Rain And Snow
This is one of the biggest reasons why a gable roof design is used so frequently. They have one of the steepest slopes out of all common roof designs, and that works well in wet or snowy weather. In these cases, you don’t want that rain or snow sitting on your roof for longer than necessary. As the slopes are so steep, the water will easily roll off into the gutters and to the ground.
That’s so beneficial for your roof as the less time the water spends on it, the less chance it has of causing leaks or allowing mold to develop.
Drawback: Not Great For More Extreme Weather Conditions
While a gable roof can handle wet weather without any issues, it’s not as great at handling more extreme weather conditions. You’re not going to see them in areas that are prone to hurricanes and tornados, as they can’t take these conditions.
The gable roof design weakness is the longer eaves. These allow wind to catch underneath, and that allows it to pull parts of the roof off, leaving it damaged.
Benefit: Can Be Used On Different Styles Of Home
One of the best things about a gable roof is that it fits in with all kinds of different home styles. You’ll find gable roofs on everything from Victorian homes to modern ranch style homes and everything in between. This is thanks to the simplicity and the customizable style of the roof that can be designed in any way you see fit.
For example, the gable triangle shape can be placed in different directions, such as facing the street or two side gables at each end of the house. You can also customize the look further with your choice of roofing materials. Whether you go for asphalt shingles or a metal roof, there’s something that will fit in with your home’s style.
Drawback: More Repairs
As your gable roof is more prone to wind damage, then you may find that you have to have it repaired more frequently. That’s true even if you don’t live in a high wind area. Even the odd storm could lead to you needing shingles replaced or the dormers and chimney flashing resealing.
Benefit: Less Costly To Construct
Your roof is one of the most costly things you’ll have to replace in your home. As such, you will be looking for ways to reduce the costs without cutting corners. There are lots of ways to do this, such as using asphalt shingles rather than more costly materials. Another way is to use a gable roof design.
As a gable roof design is simpler than other roof types out there, it’s more simple to construct than others. Thanks to this, it’s a lot cheaper too. This is partially why you see so many gable roofs out there.
Drawback: Can Be Dangerous When Badly Built
No matter what kind of roof you’re having constructed, you need to take real care with finding a roofer to do the work. Good roofers will always have the experience, tools, and equipment needed to create a roof that will last for years and years.
If you use a less than reputable roofer, then this won’t be the case. The roof ridge needs to be strong because if it isn’t, then the whole roof can collapse. You’ll need to make sure you’re finding the right roofer to handle the job for you.
Benefit: Create Extra Space
One of the best benefits of a gable roof design is that you can create all kinds of space in your home. Many think that it just makes a larger attic for you to use as storage, but it can be so much more than that. For example, you can create an extra room or two up there. That means an extra bedroom, home office, or activity room.
You can use that attic space for whatever you want, so you can get creative with that space. If you need some extra room, then a gable roof is the way to go.
Drawback: Slanted Walls In Attic Living Space
Before you go ahead and get that gable roof installed so you can have an attic room, it’s worth considering the shape of them when you do so. They’ll often have sloped walls that match the slope of the roof. In some cases, this won’t be a problem, but for others, they may worry about banging their head on the walls if they stand in the wrong spot.
There’s also a concern that the room can feel quite cavernous, as the ceiling will reach so high up. For some, this may be a problem, but for others, they won’t mind it. It’s something to keep in mind when you’re planning your renovation.
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to having a gable roof installed on your home, as well as a few drawbacks. Those drawbacks can easily be avoided, though, by finding the right contractors and ensuring that a gable roof design is right for the area you live in.
