The roof on your home does more than keep you and your family comfortable despite the outdoor temperatures. It also contributes to the curb appeal of your property and keeps you safe from wind, rain, hail, and more.
The shape of your roof plays a major role in how effectively it does its job. However, in colder climates, it can be more challenging to create a roof design that can withstand the harsh winter. This is where gable roofs come in. Due to their slopped roofing style, gable roofs are a popular choice for homes and commercial properties in the snowy and rainy localities around the world. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about gable roofs, including why they are a great choice for homes in areas with harsh winters.
What is a Gable Roof?
Known for its triangular shape and two slopes from the ridge of the roof, this style of roofing system is extremely popular in the U.S. The A-shape that forms the structure’s sidewall, called the “gable,” is how this roof style got its name – gable roof.
Even though this roof style is found all around the world, it is most likely to be found in colder or rainy regions due to the practical slopes.
Gable Roof Types
Before we talk about the practical benefits of gable roofs, let’s go into detail about some of the common types of gable roofs you might see:
1. Side Gable Roof:
A side gable features two roof slopes on the front and back of a home, forming an A-shape structure for the home. Due to its easy and minimalistic approach, the side gable roofing style is a popular option.
2. Front Gable Roof:
Often found in Colonial-style homes, the gables of this roof style are clearly visible from the street. Their structure is similar to a side gable roofing system just rotated so the gable ends are facing the front and back of the property instead of the sides.
3. Cross Gable Roof:
In cross-gable roofs, two or more gable structures intersect to form a bigger roofing system. If your home has different wings and sections, it is likely a cross-gable roof.
4. Dutch Gable Roof:
Known as a mix of a hip roof and a gable roof, the Dutch gable has a small gable at the top of a hip roof, giving you the best of both worlds.
5. Box Gable Roof:
In a box gable, the triangular shape of the roof is enclosed to create a box-shaped structure at the end of the roof.
Also Read: Gable Roof vs. Hip Roof: Pros, Cons, and Their Difference
Why Homeowners Choose Gable Roofs In Colder Climates
This section will discuss features of gable roofing systems that make them best for colder climates.
#1 Snow and Rain Slide Right Off
One of the best things about a gable roof is how it handles snow and rain. The steep slopes make it hard for snow to pile up. Instead of sitting there getting heavier and heavier, the snow just slides off. This is especially important because heavy snow can damage roofs.
The same goes for rain. Water quickly runs down the roof and into your gutters. This means there’s less chance of leaks or water damage to your home.
#2 Extra Space in Your Attic
Having a gable roof design comes with a lot of advantages and one of them is extra space for the attic. A bigger attic can act as a cozy blanket for your house by trapping warm air inside and keeping it from escaping through the roof. This means your home stays warmer in winter without using as much heat.
But that’s not all – you can use this extra attic space for storage or even turn it into a home office or extra bedroom.
#3 Better Air Flow
Good airflow is crucial in any home, but especially in cold climates. Your gable roof helps with this. Most gable roofs have vents at the top of the gable end. These vents let fresh air come in and push out the stale, damp air.
This air movement helps prevent moisture from building up in your attic. As we know, too much moisture can lead to mold and rot, which are bad for your health and home. By keeping the air moving, your gable roof helps keep your house dry and healthy.
#4 Easier to Add Insulation
The extra space in the attic created by a gable roof makes it easier to install insulation. The insulation keeps the heat inside during winter and out during summer. You can add thick layers of insulation between the roof beams. This extra insulation helps you to maintain a cozy home and help you save your energy bills.
#5 Strong Against Wind and Snow
Your gable roof is built to be tough. It can handle heavy snow loads and strong winds, which are common in cold climates. The triangle shape helps distribute the weight of snow evenly across the roof. This means there’s less chance of your roof caving in under the weight of heavy snow.
The steep sides of the roof also help it withstand strong winds. The wind can blow over and around the roof without pushing against a large flat surface, making gable roofs a smart choice in areas that experience many winter storms.
#6 Easy To Maintain Temperature
While we’ve talked a lot about how gable roofs help in winter, they’re also good in summer. The same features that keep heat in during cold months can help keep heat out when it’s hot, keeping you comfortable all year round.
#7 Easy To Install Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is becoming more common among homeowners. Their efficient nature makes them a popular choice for energy conservation and saving money on energy bills. Due to their slopes, a gable roofing system makes it easier to install these solar panels and helps you maintain an energy-efficient home throughout the year. In cold climates, this can be especially helpful. Even on short winter days, your solar panels can still catch some sunlight and help power your home.
#8 Easy to Maintain
Gable roofs are pretty easy to take care of. Because snow and rain slide off easily, there’s less chance of ice dams forming. Ice dams happen when snow melts and then refreezes at the edge of your roof. Plus, due to its not-so-complicated design, it is easier to inspect and maintain these roofs. Also, if you ever need to fix your roof, the simple shape makes it simple for workers to move around and make repairs. This can save you time and money on roof maintenance.
Conclusion
A gable roof design is a smart choice if you live in a cold climate because it helps keep your home warm, dry, and safe. Due to their practical uses, gable roofs can help you save money on your energy bills and give you extra space in your home. So, if you’re looking for a roof upgrade, a gable roof is a good choice. At Prestige Roofing, we offer the best new roof installation services. Contact us at (920) 791-0414 today for a consultation and help with all your roofing needs.