Contemporary House With Outdoor Wood Ceiling Under Back Porch

5 most popular gable roof types and 26 ideas cover

A gabled roof is a roof with two sloping sides that come together at a ridge, creating end walls with a triangular extension, called a gable, at the top. Also known as pitched or peaked roof, gable roofs are some of the most popular roofs in the US.

Pros Of Gable Roofs

Gable roofs will easily shed water and snow, provide more space for an attic or vaulted ceilings and allow more ventilation. Their inherently simple design makes it easy to build them and cheaper than more complex designs.

Cons Of Gable Roofs

Gable roofs can be problematic in high wind and hurricane areas. If the frames are not properly constructed with adequate supports, the roof can collapse. High winds can also cause materials to peel away from gable roofs. If there is too much of an overhang, winds can create an uplift underneath and cause the roof to detach from the walls.

Suggested Materials For Such Roofs

Gabled roofs can be covered with almost any type of material including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, Terra Cotta, metal, and clay or concrete tiles. However, if the roof also contains hips and valleys, it should either be shingled or roofed with metal shingles or standing seam to help prevent roof leaks.

Front Gable Roofs

A front gable roof is placed at the entrance of the house. This design is often seen in Colonial style houses. There are also false-front gables which aren't real roofs but they are used for décor.

a classic house design with a gorgeous staircase leading to it

a craftsman style house with an amazing outdoor area and a porch covered with a gable roof leading to it

front gable roof on the porch

front gable roof that overs a porch

ranch-styled house with a gable roof and gabled front porch

cottage entry with a gable roof

back porch with an interesting gabled roof framing

a front gable over a whole front porch is a great arts & crafts touch

gabled front roof with a gabled porch

Dutch Gable Roofs

A Dutch gable is a hybrid of a gable and hip roof. A gable roof is placed at the top of a hip roof for more space and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Be aware that the Dutch gable often suffers the same problems with leakage.

a dutch gable roof covering a traditional farmhouse porch (Rauser Design)

tiny gabled entryway

a rustic style house with a dutch gable roof and a neat front yard

Dutch gable roof with dark siding

neoclassical house with a Dutch gable roof

Gambrel Gable Roofs

Gambrel roofs are commonly associated with Dutch building traditions and barns, they break each sloping roof section into two parts—one close to the ridge that is relatively flat and one closer to the eaves that drops down steeply. This design makes maximum use of space under the roof.

Dutch gabled roof house

Gambrel gable roof with French-style windows

Gambrel gable roof porch

large Gambrel roof for a cottage

Crossed Gable Roofs

A crossed gable roof is two gable roof sections put together at a right angle. The two ridges are perpendicular to each other. Lengths, pitches or heights may or may not differ from each other. It's an excellent roof design for homes with separate wings. Use a cross gable to accent different areas of the home, such as the garage, porch or dormers.

seaside farmhouse with a Gambrel roof