Gable Roof Information

About Gable Roofs

• The gable roof has two surfaces of equal size that are pitched to meet at the top in a triangular shape. This shape sheds water and snowfall effectively, and is easy to build, as well as being inexpensive to construct. The shape also allows for good ventilation of the under-roof area, according to the EhousePlans website. The gable roof can be subject to damage from high winds and must be braced properly for your type of weather conditions.

Front Gable Roof

• A front gable roof home has the peak of the triangle shape above the front entranceway of the structure, with two arms of the triangle sloping on either side of the house. Cape Cod and Colonial style homes often have front gable roofs.

Side Gable Roof

• The side gable roof has the sloped surface along the front and back faces of the house. It is the most economical roof style, according to the HomeImprovementHelper website. Dormer windows often are placed in the front side of the roof when attic areas are converted to bedrooms.

Cross Gabled Roof

• The construction of the cross gabled roof puts two separate roof surfaces together at a perpendicular angle The length, height and pitch may or may not be the same on these two roofs, depending on the design of the home. This type of roof generally is used on houses with more floor space that must be accommodated through the use of angled floor plans.

Dutch "Hip" Gabled Roof

• This type of roof style is an adaptation of the simple gable roof. It is a hybrid of the hip roof and slopes down on all four sides. Hip roofs offer better wind resistance for roofing structures. The Dutch gable uses a central ridge that angles out on the four sides at a lower point and sweeps out at the tips, allowing for more internal space. This type of roof style costs more to construct than the simple gable styling. The eaves may be elongated to cover a porch area at the front of the structure. This design creates a more organic aesthetic that often is used in Dutch Colonial home styles.