It’s time to replace the roof on your home. It’s one of the largest home improvement jobs you’ll ever do, so you want to ensure that you do it right. There’s lots of roofing types to choose from, so which one is right for you? Gable and hip roofs are the most common choices in the US, so which one is right for you?
Gable Roofing
A gable roof is one that is sloped on two sides. They are also sometimes known as pitched or peaked roofs. They’re very recognizable, thanks to their triangular shape. It’s this shape that lends a lot of benefits to the gable roof.
Gable Roof Pros:
Firstly, thanks to the peaked design of a gable roof, you’ll never have to worry about snow stacking up on your roof. If snow sits on your roof and keeps collecting for too long, then you could see several issues arise. As the gable roof is slanted though, you won’t see this happening. Eventually, the snow will just slide off.
The same goes for water, too. Water is the number one enemy of your roof. If it’s allowed to collect on your roof, it creates moisture that leads to mold and mildew. This leads to rot which will prematurely end the life of your roof. You want a roof that will repel water as well as it possibly can. Water will run down a gable roof when it rains, heading straight into the gutters. You will, of course, need to keep your gutters clear to ensure this happens, but it’s a simple job that you don’t need to worry about.
Another benefit of a gable roof is the space it gives you in your attic. Having that large, peaked roof gives you a lot more vertical space. This is perfect if you’re thinking of eventually using that space to create another room in your home. Higher ceilings are vital for good attic conversions. Even if you’re not going to do this, having that space for storage is very welcome.
It’s also worth knowing that because a gable roof is such a simple design, they’re much easier to design and build onto your home. Because of this, it makes building them much cheaper overall.
Finally, gable roofs can be tiled in a wide variety of materials. You can use asphalt shingles, terracotta tiles, metal, clay, or concrete tiles. Again, the simplicity of the design makes them easy to use any kind of tile on without issue.
Gable Roof Cons:
There are a couple of aspects of gable roofing that you’ll need to consider carefully, before you go ahead and get one on your home.
In high wind areas, a gable roof can be more susceptible to damage. If they’re not constructed properly, then you’ll find that the wind will get underneath the eaves and pull at the roof. High winds can also peel materials off the roof. If you get a gable roof, you’ll need to ensure it’s properly constructed, and that there are adequate supports underneath to stop any issues.
Hip Roofing
Your other option is hip roofing. These roofs are slanted equally on all four sides, coming together at a point at the top to form the ridge.
Hip Roofing Pros:
Like gable roofing, hip roofs allow for water and snow to run down them, thanks to their sloped design. If you have well maintained the roof and the guttering, then you’ll never have to worry about water damage in your roof.
Hip roofs are very stable, thanks to their design. The inward slope is what makes the roof so sturdy, so you won’t have to worry as much when you have storms and high winds. It is recommended, though, that you do still check it after any storm has passed.
If you want extra living space, you can add a dormer crow’s nest to create an extra room.
Hip Roofing Cons:
The biggest drawback of a hip roof is its price. It’s more expensive to build than roofing types, as it has a more complex design. Because there’s more to the roof, you’ll need more building materials too, and the costs mount up quickly.
You’ll also find that with a hip roof, there are more joins and seams that you need to be aware of. These need to be sealed and flashed properly, or they’re a risk for letting water into your roof. Checking that flashing after heavy storms is a must, as it can be pulled off with enough force. You’ll need to ensure you have an expert installing your roof, so that you won’t have any problems in the future.
Which Roofing Type Is Right For You?
Now you need to decide which roof you want to put on your home. There are so many choices that it can be hard to decide. Mostly, it comes down to personal choice. There are a few factors you’ll need to keep in mind, however:
- Price: What’s the cost of that roof? Is it within your budget? The cost will be a big factor in which roof style you choose.
- Style: Do you like the look of the gable or hip roof? If there’s a style that appeals to you more, that’s the one you should go for.
- Practicability: You’ll need to be able to take good care of your roof. Are there any weak points in your chosen roofing style? For example, is it prone to collecting water, leading to leaks? Do your research before you pick.
If you take your time and choose a roof that fits all your criteria, you’ll have a roof that’s right for you.
Both gable and hip roofs are popular with homeowners across the US, so you just need to choose the one that’s right for you. Use this guide to see which style will suit your home, needs, and budgets more. With the right roof, you’ll have a home that’s protected from the elements for a long time to come.
