The complete guide to Gable Roofs
Table of Contents
What is a gable roof? Why is it called a gable roof?
A gable roof is a type of roof that is open on the ends and slopes in two directions. It has been a bedrock of Australian home architecture for decades.
The word gable comes from an Old French word meaning facade or front.
The design is generally triangular. However, the eventual form is decided by the climate, material availability, and the house’s overall design.
Gable Roofs can be installed for a new build as well as a reconstruction project. Check out our Homebuyers Guide to Knockdown and Rebuild.
Types of Gable Roofs
Even though there are endless variations of this popular roof type, here are the most common ones:
- Front Gable
- Side Gable
- Cross-Gable
- Gambrel
- Dutch gable
- Crow stepped gable
- Saltbox gable
- Boxed gable
- Jerkinhead gable
Why should you choose a gable roof?
Gable roofs are very suitable for the volatile Australian climate and are much suited for specific weather conditions.
This roof shape is widely used for cold and tepid climates. In addition, the sides are ideal for the rain to slide off.
Gable roofs are very efficient at protecting the whole structure from wet and windy weather.
This is extremely crucial for people residing in the ACT and NSW, as both regions experience regular and unpredictable heavy rainfall throughout the year.
What are the pros and cons of a gable roof?
Some major reasons homeowners opt for a gable roof:
- Gable roofs are the best when paired with traditional home designs, unlike edgier, industrial-looking varieties like skillion roofs.
- Suspension of water and snow is easy.
- It makes room for ventilation by providing more area for ceilings and the attic, just like hip roofs.
- Their innately effortless design makes it easily buildable and cost-effective compared to other compound designs.
The following are the cons of a gable roof:
- If the framing is not assembled correctly with mandatory support, the stability of the rooftops is at risk of failure.
- Rough winds can be taxing as they can cast off the material used on the roof.
- Such type of roofs requires timely probing to curb any temporary impairments.
- Gable roofs can look outdated and mismatched if you want a more modern, minimalist style.
How long do gable roofs last?
The longevity of gable roofs mainly depends on the material used and proper alignment.
Both of these factors play a huge role when it comes to preserving these kinds of roofs.
Roofs made up of steel shingles can strengthen the foundation, automatically adding to their life span of up to 40 to 50 years.
Want to get a Gable roof? ABM would love to help!
At ABM Homes, our team has decades of combined experience creating roofs of all varieties, suited for particular conditions and client needs.
Our prime focus is always to understand and deliver on both your wants and needs. This has established our brand as a reputed home builder in the Canberra and NSW region.
If you still have questions about what roof would suit you and your family, contact our team today, or visit our office for a detailed discussion of your ideal roofing needs.
