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Gable Roof – Types, Advantages And Disadvantages

The roof is an important part of any building construction since it serves its uppermost covering. The structural element protects the entire structure from weather elements such as rain, frost, hail, etc. Various types of roofs have been invented and are utilized worldwide due to the inevitability of roofing in building construction. A Gable roof is one such essential style of roof.

What is Gable Roof?
A Gable roof has two sloping sides that peak at the top center. A pitched roof is another name for a gable roof. A gabled roof is chosen because it stops water from dropping from roof sheds and is less expensive than other roof types such as the gambrel or flat roof. Colors, shapes, and locations are used to customize gable roof designs. If you’re looking for a blend of decor, functionality, a modern design, and elegance, the gable roof is the way to go.

Gable roofs are a typical sight in many forms of architecture and give an excellent design of the roof covering throughout the world and snow regions. They have a beautiful, classical aspect and are commonly used in modern architecture.

Fig 1 Gabel Roof
Fig 1: Gabel Roof
Courtesy: homezonline.in

Gable roofs are structural roofs covering the design of steeply pitched slopes rising to a peak where two of the sides slope meets at the pitched surfaces. Commonly seen in traditional and modern architecture in many regions of the world and used in cold weather conditions with heavy rainfall and snowfall to protect them, its design from water leakage cottages mostly consists of the more receptive.

Because of their attractive appearance and ease of construction, gable roofs are the most prevalent in Brazilian residential design. They also safeguard rainwater flow along their pitched surfaces. Gable roof designs are also popular in New England and Canada in historic roof types, and these designs have become more fashionable.

Design of Gable Roof:
The gable roof design comprises two opposite side parts from the rooftop ridge point. The apex of the gable roof connects the two side slope parts. The building designs the gable roof’s pitch and gutter. A ridge board runs parallel to a gable roof’s rooftop and external walls.

Between the tops of two common rafters is the ridge board. This ridge board is nailed to the rafters. The rafter is secured so that the slope continues to be downward. Along the exterior walls, the rafter is attached to the nail.

Components of Gable Roof:
Ridge:
The ridge on your roof is the highest point. It’s the highest point on a slanted roof.
Eaves:
The eaves are the lower borders of the roof that overhang the homes outside walls. An eave on the other side of the house is also located.
Gable:
The roof is the house’s A-shaped sidewall that forms the roof’s peak. The home in the picture above has two roofs, one on each end.
Rake:
The rake is the portion of the roof that ends over a gable end.

Types of Gable Roof:
1. Front Gable Roof:
Fig 2 Front Gable Roof
Fig 2: Front Gable Roof
Courtesy: digsdigs.com

The entrance door is normally positioned under the gable of a front gable roof. It is a common component in Colonial-style homes, but it is growing in popularity as a design. This type of design is appropriate if your house is already built and you want to add decorative styles, architecture, and other purposes. It is very good for providing nice colors according to your preferences and giving a perfect look with extra touches such as different wooden or brick designs directly beneath the roof.

2. Box Gable Roof:
Fig 3 Box Gable Roof
Fig 3: Box Gable Roof
Courtesy: jampaper.com

A boxed gable roof is a standard gable roof with a more outlined design associated with the triangular part of the roof and expenses at each end. These designs are beautiful roof coverings that make the house appear longer and give you much more space on the inside and a classic look on the outside.

3. Cross Gable Roof:
Fig 4 Cross Gable Roof
Fig 4: Cross Gable Roof
Courtesy: decoratorist.com

A cross gable roof comprises two or more gable rooflines that meet at an angle, usually with the two ridges aligned perpendicularly. Because a cross gable roof alters the structure’s contour, dwellings using this style often have a more intricate plan. Homes with a cross gable roof addition, for example, may have distinct wings, a larger porch, or a garage connected.

4. Dutch Gable Roof:
Fig 5 Dutch Gable Roof
Fig 5: Dutch Gable Roof
Courtesy: houzz.com

The Dutch gable roof crosses between a gable and a hip roof. The gable is put on the hip roof in most roofs, offering greater space within the loft. Many property owners favor this style because it enhances the attractive appearance while offering additional practical room benefits.

5. Gable Roof with Shed Roof Addition:
Fig 6 Gable Roof with Shed Roof Addition
Fig 6: Gable Roof with Shed Roof Addition
Courtesy: ofdesign.net

A frequent improvement for an extension to an existing roofing system is the addition of a shed roof to the gable roof ridge. This hybrid form is popular among property owners who want to expand since it provides more headroom and space without completely affecting the structure or appearance of the roof.

Advantages of Gable Roof:
i) Simple to design:
Roofs are basic and straightforward to design. Compared to other roof options, these roofs require fairly basic building techniques.

ii) Less expensive to install;
A gable roof has a low installation cost and is straightforward to install. This roofing material’s construction is quite simple, making it simple to install and lowering the costs associated with doing so.

iii) Drainage of Water:
A roof’s sloped design works as a reliable water drainage system. Due to the inclined pitch, water and snow can readily slide off the roof. This roof feature reduces the likelihood of leaks, allowing the roof to remain damage-free and endure longer.

iv) Additional Living Area:
The gable roof’s triangular form allows the homeowner to have extra space. Because of a gable roof, homeowners can benefit from airflow.

v) Materials:
When it comes to roofing material, a range of materials can choose. Depending on the requirements, metal sheets, clay tiles, and concrete tiles can all be utilized to make roofs and complement the residence.

Disadvantages of Gable Roof:
i) Install the gable roof careful:
Gable roofs are relatively easy to build, but they should be done by a professional. If the right materials are used, and the structure is properly supported, a good gabled roof can last for a long time. If the frame is not properly constructed, the roof may collapse.

ii) It is Easy to Crack:
A gable roof is usually made out of a structure and tiles. It’s crucial to remember that the roof is always exposed to sunlight and rain. As a result, the roof will break over time and need repair. To improve the roof’s durability, use heat-resistant and waterproof coatings.

iii) Considering Water Loads:
The gable roof is difficult to leak since it has a sloping slope on two sides. On the other hand, the roof will not withstand the rain if it is fitted too lightly. The higher the roof’s incline, the more likely it will collapse. To avoid this, make the roof slope at a severe angle.

Conclusion:
Gable roofs are an attractive feature of any home, and like all other architectural elements, you can edit, add, remove, and adjust them to suit your preferences. There are numerous gable roof styles to choose from, all of which are both sturdy and beautiful. However, keep in mind that they may not be as straightforward to change once they’ve been installed, so you should be certain before implementing any of these suggestions.

References:
1. Team, D. C. (2020, April 17). Gable Roof | 5 Types Of Gable Roof | History & Life Span Of Gable Roof | Advantages & Disadvantages. Dream Civil. https://dreamcivil.com/gable-roof/.
2. Gable Roof Advantages and Disadvantages. (2021, June 15). Angi.https://www.angi.com/articles/pros-and-cons-gable-roofing.htm.
3. 7 Popular Gable Roof Design Ideas To Enhance Your Home. (2021, June 11). Decoist. https://www.decoist.com/gable-roof-designs/?chrome=1.
4. Lerner, M. (2021, June 4). What Is a Gable Roof? Everything You Need To Know – NewHomeSource. NewHomeSource. https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/gable-roofs/.
5. Mahajan, B. (2019, November 30). Gable Roof | Gabled Roof | 5 Types Of Gable Roofs | Roof Gable | Gable Roof Design. Civiconcepts. https://civiconcepts.com/blog/gable-roof.
6. Different Types of Gable Roof Designs | JTC Roofing. (2016, June 16). JTC Roofing Contractors Ltd. https://jtcroofing.co.uk/news/different-types-of-gable-roof-designs/.

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Kanwarjot Singh

Kanwarjot Singh is the founder of Civil Engineering Portal, a leading civil engineering website which has been awarded as the best online publication by CIDC. He did his BE civil from Thapar University, Patiala and has been working on this website with his team of Civil Engineers.

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