Types of Gabled Roof Cross Gable

About Gabled Roofs

• Gable roofs are triangular in shape. The triangle covers a large area at a steep angle on two sides and meets at the top in a point. The pitch angle recommended for this type of roof is generally 25 to 45 degrees. The gable is a simple design that has many uses. It is one of the preferred styles for areas of the country where heavy rains and snowfall frequently occurs. The triangular shape allows the rain to fall off the roof surface into gutters and eventually to the ground, preserving the roofing material which does not stay waterlogged under standing pools of rainwater. Also, snow accumulation slides off the roof as it begins to melt, also preserving the roof materials and structure.

Types of Gable Roofs

• One advantage of the gable roof is its adaptability. The front gable roof has its flat surface along the long, side face of the structure. The side gable roof has its flat surface along the long, front face of the home. The cross gable roof has two or more sections that connect at different angles, generally perpendicular to each other. This type of roof is often used for Tudor and Cape Cod styles of architecture.

History of Cross Gable Roofs

• Cross gable roofs made their appearance with the Gothic Revival style of architecture around 1855 and 1870. These roofs provided a method to cover more complex interior layouts while still offering the weather advantages and low cost. Cross gable roofs are still used extensively in new construction in many areas of the United States.

Advantages of Cross Gable Roofs

• Cross gable roofs offer the steep pitches of traditional gable roofing for water flow. Gable roofs have a simple design that is easy to execute and relatively low in cost compared to other styles. Cross gable roofs can accommodate larger home layouts inexpensively.

Disadvantages of Cross Gable Roofs

• Cross gabled roofs, like other types of gable roof, do not withstand high winds well. For this reason, internal bracing structures, such as roof clips, are often used in regions of the country that frequently see high-wind conditions. Cross gable roofs may not be suitable for some home layouts with more complicated floor plans.