One of the challenges homeowners get during their home’s roof installation is choosing the right type of roof.
Many homeowners often end up choosing between hip roof vs gable roof structures. These two roofs have different designs, affecting the home’s aesthetics and functionality. Besides, their installation costs vary significantly.
The gable roof is a pitched roof with two sloping sides that converge at the ridge. It is cheap to construct and maintain and offers easy installation. However, it has a poor attic design. A hip roof has sides that slope downwards from the peak towards the walls. It allows easy shedding of rainwater and offers a bigger attic space.
Choosing between these roof types can be challenging because they all have admirable characteristics. Therefore, homeowners should consider factors like the roof’s material weight, weather endurance, and the needed attic space.
Designs Of Hip Vs Gable Roof
Besides the general difference in hip and gable roof structures, you can also choose the different designs of each. They have varying features to meet every homeowner’s needs.
Types Of Hip Roofs
The different shapes or types of hip roofs are:
1. Pyramid Hip
Pyramid hip roofs are a common hip roof type because of their easy installation. The roof’s sides converge at one point at the peak, forming a pyramid shape. They are different from the standard hip roofs that have a ridge.
2. Mansard
The mansard hip roof has four sides, each with two slopes; a top and the bottom. The bottom slopes are steeper than the top ones.
3. Hip And Valley
Hip and valley types of hip roofs are another common type. The constructor installs the shingles or sheets with a meeting point, forming a valley.
Types Of Gable Roofs
A gable roof is a traditional roof design commonly installed in cold climates. The roof has a triangular end which is not constructed using the roof materials but the materials used to build the entire home. The types of gable roofs are:
1. Open Gable
You can see the home’s siding material in the open gable type of roof. The other sides have slopes converging at the top to make a roof ridge.
2. Box Gable
Unlike the open gable, the box gable has closed sides. Although the triangle side does not have the roofing material, you cannot see the wall materials.
3. Gambrel
A gambrel resembles the mansard roof in hip roofs. Its sides have different slopes that make a complex shape. The roofs are standard on barn houses.
Benefits Of Gable Vs Hip Roof
While gable and hip roofs have different designs, some homeowners combine the two styles to get a roof with hip and gable features. They do so to improve a home’s curb appeal. Other significant differences can be found while assessing the pros and cons of these roof designs.
Pros Of Hip Roof Designs
1. Aesthetics and Efficiency
Most homeowners choose the hip roof design because of the different shapes that give the home a beautiful appeal. These roofs are also more efficient than other types because the slope lets rainwater drain off the shingles on different sides.
2. It Is Incredibly Strong
The roof’s structure contributes to the roof’s overall strength. For example, the hip roof style makes strong roofs, but homeowners must also install a durable roofing material to make it last longer.
Ensure you also consider your home’s climate when choosing the type of shingles. For example, wood is prone to water, so avoid these shingles in wet environments.
3. Better Ventilation
The hip roof design has a raised top that allows more air circulation. This ensures your house is cool and free from mold and mildew. It also provides good ventilation in the attic space and makes it bigger.
3. Easy Installation
Hip designs are standard partly because they are relatively easy for professionals to install. The roof has a simple design that does not take long to lay shingles on. This shortens the construction time and allows the homeowner to occupy their house sooner.
The Downsides Of Hip Roofs
Although you will enjoy many benefits of a hip roof, it is also essential to know its disadvantages before purchasing it. Some of them are:
1. More Weight Goes To The Foundation
The roof’s shape and design require more support, often offered by the house’s foundation. This could cause a danger to homes with a weak foundation.
2. Less Ventilation
Although the roof’s structure is raised and allows air circulation, it does not have openings like skylights and vents. If you don’t install these, your house will be too warm, and mold and mildew could grow.
Benefits Of Having Gable Roofs
1. Affordable
Gables roofs are an easy design that costs homeowners little money to install. In addition, they require fewer roofing materials because of the open gables, and you don’t have to buy the siding material.
2. Better Ventilation
Although you won’t have more attic space when you install the gable roof, you can install windows and vents to allow moisture to escape. Gable vents also allow air circulation in the attic and entire house.
3. Better Decorations
Hip and gable roofs have beautiful designs that increase the home’s appeal, but gable roofs are easier to decorate. In addition, homeowners can install gable brackets and other ornaments to increase the appeal, unlike on hip roofs.
Disadvantages Of Gable Roofs
1. Hard To Construct
Although these roofs are standard, roofing contractors generally spend a lot of time constructing them. The house is built at different heights to make the roof shape appealing.
2. Poor Wind Performance
Gable roofs are not ideal in locations that regularly experience storms and extreme winds. Wind can easily hit the gable roof’s flat surface, pushing upwards to loosen the shingles. Strong winds can also pull off your roof’s truss.
Choosing Between A Gable Roof Vs Hip Roof
Deciding between a gable or hip roof can be tricky because these two have different desirable features. However, always consider the climatic conditions of your area and your house’s design. Working with an architect also helps in making the decision.
Final Words
When comparing a hip roof vs gable roof, consider the different roof types of each and the pros and cons. For example, the two roofs are aesthetically appealing and easy to construct, but gable roofs don’t have strong wind resistance.
If you still find it hard to select a better roof design, let roofing experts at Roof Master & Construction help you. Contact us today to discuss your roofing project with our roofing experts.
