Choosing the right roof design is crucial for aesthetics and functionality. Gable roofs and hip roofs are among the most popular options, each with its benefits. The gable roof features two slopes and one peak, making it a traditional and cost-effective choice. In contrast, the hip roof has four slopes, offering greater stability and better wind resistance.
Planning a gable roof vs. a hip roof when adding an extension to a house can be a daunting decision. Knowing the differences between the two types will help homeowners. This article reviews their types and their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide which style fits your needs.
Gable Roof
A gable roof is a basic type of roofing with two sloping sides meeting on a ridge (the top of the roof), forming a triangular shape at the ends. This design is practical for ventilation, water drainage, and providing space in the attic, which makes it cheap to construct. Gable roofs are very common in residential buildings of all architectural styles, including colonial and modern, and are ideally suited for areas with heavy rain or snowfall. But they can be problematic in areas with high winds or hurricanes.
Since gable roofs have steep slopes, they work well with various roofing materials:
- Shingle Roofing – An affordable and widely used option that is easy to install and maintain.
- Metal Roofing – Ideal for durability and wind resistance, especially in storm-prone regions.
- Clay or Concrete Tiles – Adds a stylish Mediterranean touch and enhances insulation.
- Wood Shingles or Shakes – Provides a rustic appearance but requires regular maintenance in humid climates.
Types of Gable Roof
1. Front Gable Roof
A front gable roof has a gable end directed towards the front of the house, making it a prominent design feature. These roofs are commonly used in colonial and Georgian-style homes and add character and curb appeal.
2. Side Gable Roof
The side gable is the most traditional type, in which two equal slopes meet at a middle ridge. This type is extremely popular for suburban homes as it is easy to construct.
3. Cross Gable Roof
A cross-gable roof contains two or more gable sections that intersect at different angles. This roof type is often used in homes with complex plans, creating visual interest and defining separate wings or portions of the house.
4. Dutch Gable Roof
A Dutch gable roof is a combination style that combines a hip roof with a small gable at the top. This style enhances attic space and provides a fashionable appearance while maintaining some wind resistance.
5. Box Gable Roof
A box gable roof incorporates longer triangular sections at the gable ends, giving the building a more framed, enclosed look. This design contributes to the house’s beauty without compromising the traditional benefits of a gable roof.
Pros of Gable Roof
1. Less Expensive
The primary advantage of gable roofs, and one of the reasons they are so popular, is that they are less expensive than hip roofs. An open gable roof will have only two planes for the roof, compared to four for hip roofs, so you will be spending significantly less money on roofing material. You will need to buy more of your siding material. It is usually less expensive, however.
2. Ventilation
Venting your attic is the key to keeping your roof and house in great shape. The proper vents will allow any excess moisture to escape. You can put gable vents in a gable roof, which can help you reduce humidity and keep your home healthy.
3. More Attic Room
Gable roofs also give you more space for your attic. Some individuals wish to include spare bedrooms or children’s play areas in the attic, but otherwise, it’s a waste of space.
4. Decoration
Gable roofs provide more room for decoration. Gable brackets, pediments, and other ornaments can enhance a roof’s appearance. Gable decoration is available in different materials and styles, ranging from simple and modern to intricate and traditional.
Cons of Gable Roof
1. Poorer Wind Performance
Gable roofs don’t hold up as well as hip roofs in high winds. The gable is a flat plane that the wind can strike squarely. The wind is then deflected up the face of the gable onto the roof. If you have an overhang on your gable, the pressure of the wind might, in high winds, lift the truss of your roof.
Most professionals recommend that a roof’s overhang be no more than 30 inches in areas where wind performance is a concern. However, discuss this with your architect. He/she will better understand how to build according to your local conditions and building codes.
2. Harder to Construct
Gable roofs are also more challenging for house developers to construct. The walls must be of different heights to support the roof shape. Additionally, a gable roof may need additional brackets to enhance its wind resistance, which requires expertise and time to install.
Hip Roof
A hip roof is a roof in which all four sides of the roof slope downward from the peak. It has no gable or flat end. Hip roofs are common on church steeples, where they often feature a high pitch. They’re common in suburban homes, too, because they’re simple to construct. The walls under the roof are all the same height, which is convenient to build.
Because hip roofs have slopes on all sides, they require durable and adaptable materials:
- Metal Roofing – Provides excellent longevity, wind resistance, and durability, making it a great choice for hip roofs.
- Architectural Shingles – A premium asphalt shingle option that enhances wind resistance and aesthetic appeal.
- Slate Tiles – A long-lasting, elegant option that requires a strong supporting structure.
- Clay or Concrete Tiles – Offers exceptional weather resistance and insulation, especially in hot climates.
Types of Hip Roof
1. Simple Hip Roof
A simple hip roof consists of four equally sloping sides that meet at a central ridge. It is the most common and straightforward version, often used in traditional homes.
2. Pyramid Hip Roof
In a pyramid hip roof, all four sides slope inward to form a single peak at the top. This style is often seen in smaller structures, such as bungalows and gazebos, and offers excellent wind resistance.
3. Cross Hip Roof
A cross hip roof is created by combining two hip roof sections at right angles, forming a more complex roofline. This design is often used in larger homes with multiple wings, enhancing both structural strength and visual appeal.
Pros of Hip Roof
1. Superior Wind Resistance
Hip roofs are ideal for high winds and outperform gable roofs. Wind tunnel tests show that roofs with four hips and a square footprint handle extreme winds better. They require less diagonal bracing and lack a flat face for the wind to catch, making them a better choice for homes in windy conditions.
2. Increased Durability and Longevity
Because of its balanced design and lack of vertical gable ends, a hip roof is less likely to suffer from structural failure. The sloped surfaces distribute weight more evenly, reducing stress on the walls and foundation.
3. Enhanced Drainage and Weather Protection
Like gable roofs, hip roofs allow rainwater and snow to slide off easily, minimizing the risk of water pooling and leaks. Their structure also provides better protection against wind-driven rain and debris.
4. Added Structural Strength
The interlocking nature of a hip roof’s slopes makes it inherently stronger than a gable roof. Additional bracing and reinforcements can further enhance this strength, making it a long-lasting roofing solution.
5. Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility
Hip roofs have a clean, symmetrical look that complements various architectural styles. They can be adapted to modern, classic, and contemporary designs, making them a visually appealing choice for homeowners.
Cons of Hip Roof
1. Snow Performance
As they usually have a lower pitch than gable roofs, hip roofs may not be as good at shedding snow. All roofs need to be built to code, but it may be more challenging to design a hip roof that fits your building code’s snow load standards.
This cold weather performance may explain why gable roofs are more popular than hip roofs in snowy areas. That being said, architects can design hip roofs that have proper winter performance. Plus, you should protect your hip roof with ice and water protectors to limit the effect of snowy weather.
2. Attic Space
Hip roofs also have less attic space than gable roofs because they require diagonal bracing that takes up space. In contrast, a gable provides a vaulted ceiling and additional space. However, you can include dormers on hip roofs to offer extra space and natural light to make up for the lack of a gable.
3. Expense
You may also wonder if a hip roof is more expensive than a gable roof. In fact, hip roofs are more costly. Not only is a hip roof challenging to design, but it also requires more roofing materials than a gable roof. So, you can expect a slightly increased cost if you choose a hip roof.
Key Differences: Gable Roof vs Hip Roof
| Feature | Gable Roof | Hip Roof |
| Design | Two sloping sides meet at a ridge, forming a triangular shape at the ends | Four sloping sides meeting at a peak, with no flat ends |
| Cost | Less expensive due to fewer materials needed | More expensive due to additional materials and complexity |
| Wind Resistance | Weaker in high winds; wind can lift the truss if there’s an overhang | Excellent wind resistance due to sloped sides and balanced design |
| Snow and Rain Performance | Excellent at shedding rain and snow due to steep slopes | Good drainage, but lower pitch may not shed snow as efficiently |
| Attic Space | More attic space; can be used for storage or additional rooms | Less attic space due to diagonal bracing, but dormers can be added |
| Construction Complexity | Easier to construct but may require extra bracing in windy areas | More complex to construct due to the four sloping sides |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Traditional look, more room for decorative elements like gable brackets | Symmetrical and versatile, it suits various architectural styles |
| Structural Strength | May need additional reinforcement for stability in storms | Stronger due to interlocking slopes, reducing stress on walls |
| Common Uses | Residential homes, colonial and modern designs | Suburban homes, church steeples, high-wind areas |
| Best for | Areas with heavy rain or snow, budget-friendly projects | Wind-prone areas, long-lasting and durable roofing needs |
Trust Mangold Roofing for Expert Roofing Solutions
Decide on a hip roof vs. a gable roof only if you want to hire a professional to help you realize your idea. Mangold Roofing offers top-notch roof installation, repair, and replacement services to guarantee your home gets the best protection.
Whether you want the gabled roof due to its simplicity or the hip roof because of its strength, our expert personnel will be with you from the start of the project to its completion. Book an appointment with Mangold Roofing today, and we will guide you through constructing a durable roof.
