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A gable roof is a residential roofing type that refers to two sloped sides with gables at either end. Gable roofs are widely popular due to their simple, efficient design, and are well-suited for a wide range of climates. Gable roofs have several style variations, including the cross-gable roof, dutch gable roof, and reverse gable roof.
What is a cross-gable roof? A cross-gable roof refers to a roof that includes at least two gable rooflines. Typically, the two ridges intersect each other at a 90-degree angle (as pictured). The length and height of each section can vary, so cross-gable roofs can have many different styles.
What is a reverse gable roof? A reverse gable roof typically covers an attachment to a home, like a garage, addition, or porch. A reverse-gable roof refers to a gable-style section that extends out from a primary gable on the larger frame. Whether covering a front porch, side garage, or back addition, reverse gables are a natural fit for home extensions to mimic the look and feel of the original structure.
What is a Dutch gable roof? A Dutch gable roof is an interesting combination of roof styles, and refers to a small gable roofline atop a hip roof. This roofing style adds visual interest to the slope, and gives the combined benefits of both a gable roof and a hip roof. Excellent drainage, roof ventilation, and even attic storage space are all benefits that come with a Dutch gable roof.
Example of a Dutch gable roof.
The style and region of a gable roof are the best factors for determining the best roofing material. Dutch gable roofs are best suited for tropical or rainy climates; this design’s slope allows for excellent water diversion, which lowers the risk of sitting water, leaks, and so on. The best material for a Dutch gable roof is metal. On the other hand, asphalt shingles aren’t the best choice for a Dutch gable roof -- particularly in a windy, tornado-prone area.
Terracotta tiles or natural slate are two highly durable roofing materials that are both very well suited for gable roof structures. These timeless materials, if installed by an experienced contractor, can last a home for generations -- sometimes over 100 years! Ultimately, choosing a material for any residential roof comes down to aligning the homeowner’s goals and budget with their regional climate. An experienced contractor can make an educated recommendation based on these factors.
For reverse-gable roof extensions or additions, homeowners have the added benefit of choosing an accent material that complements their home’s aesthetic. Copper, for example, is an ideal material for highlighting a roofing area and adding a custom touch to your roof. The benefits of copper accents are endless -- long-lasting, highly durable, and naturally beautiful, copper is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s value.
Gable roofs are the ultimate residential roof style, and the architectural variations make it a versatile choice for new construction. As always, Guy Roofing is here to guide homeowners in choosing the right roof -- from shape and slope to the best roofing material, we’ve got you covered!
