What Is Gable Roof Made Of
Asphalt is the most popular roofing material and is a very common choice for gable roofs. This material has good all-around resistance to weather and is available in a wide range of color options. As a general rule, asphalt shingles are the go-to material if the gable roof contains a dormer, hips or valleys.
Why Are Gable Roofs So Popular
Gable roofs are very popular and with good reason. Due to the steeper slope, this roof can easily shed both water and snow, making them perfect for areas that experience heavy rainfall or brutal winters. The snow and rain will easily slide off the roof, lessening the chances of leaks and water damage.
Adding And Calculating The Ridge Length
Hipped roofs are rarely square like the example above. The picture below shows the same roof, extended length ways with the addition of a ridge. It is basically a gable roof with half of the hipped roof above stuck on each end.
For that reason, we can use the same common rafters all the way around it. We’ll assume the new length of the roof below is 3.4 metres.
To calculate the length of a ridge in a hipped roof you simply subtract the width away from the length. Importantly though, you must add the thickness of the ridge back on to that measurement, so we can use the same common rafters already measured .
How to calculate the length of the above ridge:
Length – Width + Ridge thickness
The ridge in this example would be 1.35 metres long.
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How Does A Gable Roof Compare To A Hip Roof
The main difference between a gable roof and a hip roof is that all four sides of a hip roof slope downward off the structure frame. On a gable roof, there are just two main slopes. A hip roof is typically made out of two triangular roof pieces and two trapezoidal roof sections.
Hipped roofs are somewhat more modern looking than gable roofs, and their structural stability is superior to gabled roofs since each of the four roof sides helps support the entire structure.
If the Egyptian pyramids were built using a gable structure, high winds over centuries would have probably drastically altered their form by now, particularly on the vertical walled sides of the gable where the wind would hit the structure at a right angle.
Learn More About Metal Roofing
The best way to maximize your metal roofs durability and longevity is to work with an engineer or qualified distributor/contractor of metal roofing systems. You can find a McElroy Metal Distributor or Contractor here.
Learn everything you need to know about Residential Metal Roofing. Check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to your questions.
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Disadvantages Of A Gable Roof
If you live in an area where high winds or hurricanes are likely, a gable roof may not be the best choice. Gable roofs must be carefully constructed with good support or the roof may collapse in high winds. Strong winds may also peel roofing materials away from gable roofs. The overhang can also allow winds to create an uplift which will detach the roof from the walls.
Types Of Roofing Materials
In addition to the type or style of roof that you choose and your regions climate, youll want to consider what type of roofing material works best for your area, the type of roof that you desire, and your budget.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly utilized roofing materials, and they will work with most roof designs.
However, keep in mind that asphalt isnt as durable or long-lasting as other roofing materials, and if you live in an area that deals with extreme weather like hailstorms, windstorms, heavy rain, or even earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes, you may want to look into other types of roofing materials.
If you do live somewhere with these types of weather patterns or events, clay or concrete tile might be a good choice.
While they tend to be used in hot, dry climates, most clay or concrete tiles are rated for wind uplift of 125 MPH or higher.
Slate roofing systems are considered to be some of the most luxurious or high-end roofing options, and for good reason.
Not only is natural slate uniquely striking, it can last for 50 to 100 years or longer, making a slate roof an excellent long-term investment.
Wooden shingles such as cedar shingles or cedar shakes are another good choice for a long-term investment due to their longevity, durability, and high-end feel, and they will work with most of the aforementioned roof types or styles.
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What Is A Boston Hip Roof
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A hip roof, hip–roof or hipped roof, is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope . Thus, a hipped roof house has no gables or other vertical sides to the roof.
are hip roofs more expensive? Hip roofs are more expensive to build than gable roof because it’s a more complex design that requires more building materials including a complex system of trusses or rafters.
Hereof, what is the difference between a hip roof and a gable roof?
A hip roof slopes on all sides, usually four, and results in a pyramidal shape. Hip roofs are commonly found in high wind and snow regions. They are very sturdy and come in a variety of styles. On the other hand, a gable roof slopes on two sides and connects to the specialized walls known as gables.
What is the advantage of a hip roof?
Pros: Hip roofs are more stable than gable roofs. The inward slope of all four sides is what makes it more sturdy and durable. Hip roofs are excellent for both high wind and snowy areas. The slant of the roof allows snow to easily slide off with no standing water.
What Is The Best Roof For High Winds
For wind protection, you want a hip roof that has four slopes, pitched ideally at about 30 degrees. The idea is that more slopes will handle high winds better, so anything more than a two-slope gable roof will be more resistant to wind damage.
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Susceptible To Leaks Around Dormers And Seams
If a hip roof is improperly installed, they can be susceptible to water leaks around the roofs dormers or additional seams.
This is why you never want to work with an inexperienced roofer when installing your hip roof, since the money they might be able to save you on installation will be nothing compared to the expense of repairing the bad installation, or even getting a whole new installation. Only ever work with roofing professionals who have the right experience.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Hip Roof
Hip roofs can last up to 5 decades if not more, provided they are constructed properly. The lifespan of a hip roof depends on the quality of the materials and the maintenance they receive. To make your hip roof last longer, use metal roofing or clay shingles and carry out regular maintenance to prevent water leaks.
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List Of The Disadvantages Of A Hip Roof
1. A hip roof must be at a specific pitch in windy areas.If you live in a geographic region that experiences strong storms frequently, then you with want to have a pitch angle that is somewhere between 18.5 to 26.5 degrees with its angle. That means your rating should be 4.5 to 6.5. Anything less or more than that in your design could create issues with the wind when it really blows.
In extreme situations, this disadvantage could lead to problems with the roof coming off despite the fact that it requires additional materials to create.
2. It is more expensive to build a hipped roof.Hip roofs cost more to build because it uses a complicated design that requires more building materials. That means a cost-conscious construction project should look at the idea of using gables instead. Although the design of a hip roof requires less diagonal bracing, it requires a specific approach to ensure the structure doesnt act like an airplane wing when the wind flows over it. Failing to manage this issue can cause lifting to occur on the leeward side of the roof.
You have additional material costs to consider with this disadvantage and more labor expenses to consider. It takes more time and additional hands to create the final result you want with this option, which means a steep angle could cost up to 15% more than something with traditional gables.
Since most bungalows and similar designs dont offer high walls, most owners find this disadvantage to be the one thats most prevalent.
Benefits Of A Hip Roof
The most common roofing type or structure is a Gable Roof, where only two sides of the roof are angled. Gable Roofs are a very cost-effective option but are not as structurally sound as a Hip Roof. Due to the angling of all sides, a Hip Roof not only provides structural integrity but allows for any water or snow to run off the roof with ease and does not allow pooling to occur. The vast majority of roof damage is caused by water.
Although we do not see much snow here in Petaluma, we do see a fair amount of wind. Not nearly the wind force of a hurricane or tornado, but the winds throughout the Bay Area can be very strong, especially for homes near the coast The angling of a Hip Roof allows your roof to be more protected from the wind by creating a more aerodynamic surface, from all directions.
Gable and Hip Roofs are very similar and can create more attic or livable space in your home. Converting your attic space, of a Hip or Gable roof, into a livable space will increase the value and square footage of your home! Often homeowners will decide to install a dormer, which is a smaller protruding section of the roof that usually contains a window. Dormers provide appeal to the look of your home and will allow light and ventilation to pass through the livable attic space.
Schedule an in-home consultation with one of our roofing professionals if you have more questions about hip roofs!
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What Is A Mansard Roof
Mansard roofs or French roofs are a style of roof originally designed by architect Francois Mansert that is made up of four double sloped sides that meet to form a low-pitched roof in the middle.
Valued for the extra living space referred to as a garret or loft or attic storage provided by the taller roof, mansard roofs are often used as a way to add flexibility to a home since they make it easy to build future additions.
The sloped sides may be flat or curved, but the lower slope always has a steeper pitch than the upper one.
Mansard roofs can have a range of silhouettes, such as concave, convex, or straight angle.
Keep in mind that adding dormer windows is essential for bringing in light, especially if you plan to use the garret or attic as living space.
Higher-end properties may feature decorative stonework, wood or stone quoins or similar masonry work, or other trim around the dormers.
Note that mansard roofs are typically more expensive than other types of roof, due to all the extra details that go into them, but they can be worth it for the future flexibility and the value they add to a property.
Accordingly, if you are designing and building a brand-new home, you may want to consider a mansard roof.
These types of roofs can be built out of nearly any type of roofing material, but distinctive types of metal like copper or zinc can make a real statement.
What Is A Standing Seam Roof
Metal standing seam roofs feature panels, typically vertical panels, that run the length of the roof . The panels are either snapped-together or seamed together with a roof seaming machine that joins panels together and creates a watertight roofing surface.
Standing seam roofs are recognizable by the raised vertical seams where adjoining panels connect.
Standing seam roofs can be installed on hip roofs, gable roofs, or roofs with multiple features.
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Can A Hip Roof Be Vaulted
Fortunately, hip roofs provide you with the opportunity for vaulted ceilings in your home. Many people ask for vaulted ceilings in the master bedroom because it opens up the room and makes it feel like a bigger space.
This architectural design is more complex than a typical hip roof, but many homeowners are happy with the final result. Some roofing companies may not be able to build a vaulted ceiling with your hip roof, so you might want to keep looking until you find one that will.
Building A Hip And Valley Roof
A hip and valley roof must be supported by hip and valley rafters. These rafters are load-bearing and paced at angles, usually 45 degrees. The rafters meet at a common ridge and end at common rafters on each side. The rafters have to be installed precisely to bear the weight of a hip and valley roof.
They also have to perfect match all those hips and valleys and follow the lines of the roof perfectly in order to bear the weight of the roof. If this all sounds complicated, thats because it is. The hip and valley roof design is pretty complicated and involved, and this is why it requires an expert to build it properly.
Every measurement and every angle of the framing has to be absolutely perfect, which is why you need to have a professional roofer with experience in this particular design to install a hip and valley roof. This is not a project that you want to attempt to DIY. Think about it.
If youre even one centimeter off of your measurements, you could end up with a roof that isnt structurally sound. That means it is potentially fatally dangerous. When you think about it in those terms, its definitely worth the price of having a professional roofing company install the framing for your hip and valley roof.
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Less Durable With Wind And Snow
Gable roofs cant really compare to hip roofs when it comes to dealing with high-wind and snow areas. They can be problematic for areas that are prone to hurricanes and other storms. If they are improperly framed and constructed with poor support, gable roofs are known to collapse against strong winds.
Additionally, if there is too much of an overhang, high winds can create an uplift against the gables and cause the roof to detach.
If youre using a gable roof in a high-wind area, be sure it is installed using proper braces and check the roof after a high-wind storm.
Hip Roof Vs Gable Roof
Hip roofs vs gable roof are following as-
1. A hip roofs design are consist the all roof sides slope downward towards the wall in construction of buildings whereas a gable roofs design are consist the two sides slope downward towards the walls in construction of buildings.
2. Hip roofs are commonly more suitable to resistant high wind and snow regions whereas a gable roofs are commonly less suitable to resistant high wind and snow regions.
3. Hip roofs are very sturdy and used in a many styles of architecture in world in modern construction of buildings whereas gable roofs are commonly simple design than hip roofs and these are less stable than hip roofs, so construction of design of gable roof styles in architecture commonly less used than hip roof.
4. A hip roofs has no vertical ends whereas a gabled roos has vertical ends.
5. Design of hip roofs are more costly build and also its maintainace requirements are high whereas design of gable roofs are less costly build and also its maintainace requirements are less than hip roofs.
6. Hip roofs are complexity design whereas gable roofs are less complexity design than hip roofs.
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Why Choose A Hip Roof
Because a hip roof has a slope, it sheds water, snow, and debris from your roof handily. The slope also allows for better ventilation compared to a flat roof, which can help make your home much more energy-efficient. Of course, gable roofing has this same benefit over a flat roof.
However, a hip roof is much more stable than a gable roof because of the additional framing. A hip roof can support much a heavier load than a gable roof, which can protect your home from heavy snowfall and falling limbs. Hip roofs tend to last a lot longer than a flat roof, and in areas with high winds, they are much more durable than a gable roof. If you take proper care of it, a traditional shingle style hip roof can last up to 50 years, and a metal hip roof can last more than twice that time.
There are some drawbacks to the hip roof design. Because a hip roof angles up from the outside wall, it offers significantly less attic space and ventilation compared to a gable roof, and you wont be able to build vaulted ceilings on the top floor of your home. You can allow for some extra living space by adding dormers, but this will also create additional seams and valleys that can collect water and debris, which will increase the chance for leaks over time if they arent properly maintained.
Are Shed Roofs Cheaper
The simplicity of the shed roof design also makes it more cost effective. This style uses fewer materials, which cuts down on that part of the cost. Its easy for roofers to build, so they can complete the job faster for less labor time, and there arent any complex parts of the job to make the price skyrocket.
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