If you are building your home from the base or renovating an old house, you need to consider a few factors. Here, we will discuss two popular roof styles because the roof plays a crucial role in your home.
There are two famous styles of a roof in trend nowadays – hip roof and Gable roof. Which one is better – Hip Roof Versus Gable Roof? Would you mind checking the pros and cons of each one to decide wisely?
But before heading to the benefits and limitations of both hip roof and Gable roof, you must know that they are available in different types.
Hip Roof Versus Gable Roof
Both Hip roof and Gable roof have several variants available
Gable Roof Types
Side Gable
Side gable roof is the primary and straightforward pitch roof type with two equal sides or panels meeting in the middle of the building.
Cross Gable
Cross gable is two different sections of roof build together at a right angle.
Front Gable
Front gable roof is built at the entrance of the home, especially in colonial-style houses.
Dutch Gable
Dutch gable is the hybrid of the hip and gable roof you put at the top of a shelter for ample aesthetic space.
Hip Roof Types
Simple hip roof
Simple hip roof is the standard type of hip roof, having polygon on two sides and a triangle on two sides that form a simple ridge on the top.
Cross Hip
Cross hip roof is almost similar to a cross gable roof, while you can use different hip roofs on the house with separate wings, and the line where two tops meet together is known as a valley.
Half hip roof
Half hip is another type that has two short sides to create eaves.
Hip Roof: Pros and Cons
The hip roof is the most common type of roof that slopes down towards the walls from the central ridge.
The pitch of every side is shallow and the same. The main benefit of a hip roof is that it comes down to the shape of the structure.
It is suitable for all weather conditions such as rain, wind, and snow. Let’s learn more about such pro features of a hip roof.
Stable Option
The hip roof has more stability than a traditional gable having an inward slope on all four sides of the building.
Its element of design is helpful to solidify the exterior when you get extra resilience against precipitation and wind.
It offers additional support that some houses require in a challenging climate.
Adding Extra Living Space
Hip roofs provide additional living spaces that act as a room at the top of your building.
The rooftop stands alone from the overall design, but it can be an accessible extra space to your home if you need it.
Contractors can place the hip roof on the top of the existing property, cut the way through the roof and supply electricity or plumbing if required.
Several Designs
Different variations of the hip roof can provide you some flexibility during structure designing.
You can use varieties of shingles or roofing materials with any texture or design.
The building gets a perfect and outstanding look that also accommodates the use of asphalt shingles, clay tiles, slate tiles, and so on.
Funnels Precipitate Away And Hold The Gutter
Hip roofs can manage precipitation effectively, moving water down the slope towards the gutter, collecting all that for drainage.
Hence, it enables you to funnel the water directly in single drainage from home.
It works well if you live in snowy areas as the snow moves down from the roof and is no longer a cause for standing water.
Improve The Curb Appeal
Many of the colonial buildings utilize the shape of the hip roof to improve the property’s curb appeal.
Even government buildings and churches use hip roof shapes due to their attractive and aesthetic-appealing design that makes it appropriate for anyone willing to go for a combination of traditional and modern look.
And so on. The hip roof offers distinct features to those who want a traditional and modern combo. But it comes with a few limitations too.
Limitations Of Hip Roof
Hip roofs are expensive than gable roofs.
The ventilation is difficult to achieve and may lead to leakage problems.
Gabble Roof: Advantages And Disadvantages
Many types of roofing are available, where Gable roofs are commonly helpful nowadays.
They are usually made up of wood or mild steel that makes the rooftop lightweight and durable. Pros of Gable roof are as below –
Cheaper
The primary benefit of gable roofs is that they are cheaper than hip roofs. It has two roof planes which essentially cut down your money on the roofing material. It is not only cheaper to install but also easy to install.
Ventilation
The Gable roof has gable vents that help to decrease humidity and keep your house and the rooftop in good condition.
A sloping gable roof lets good airflow inside the house, making the home stay ventilated. The higher the top is, the cooler your house will be.
Minimum Leakage
A Gable roof has the main advantage of preventing leakages because this roof is in a triangle shape that helps water flow downwards.
This way, it minimizes any leakages caused by stagnant water.
Efficient And Effective
Gable vents are practical for homes and also helpful when you need extra ventilation for safety and health.
It prevents excess moisture due to its fantastic ventilation capabilities. Additionally, you can create unique architectural styles and decorate the room while installing the gable roof.
It is available in a different range of styles and materials, from simple to modern.
Attic space
A Gable roof offers ample space for your attic. If some people wish to make an extra bedroom or play area for kids in the attic, it is a perfect option.
You can use the space in any manner and purpose you want. You can also make storeroom, gym, kids playing section, guest room, extra bedroom, and so on.
Cons of Gable roof
A Gable roof is made of tiles and frames that may easily crack due to regular exposure to rain and sunlight.
It may get damaged due to bad weather, but this roof type is suitable if you live in a stable climate.
A Gable roof may look simple but is a little hard to construct.
Final Words On Hip Roof Versus Gable Roof
Comparing both hip roofs and gable roofs may be a bit complex. Whether you go for a gable roof or hip roof, you will get advantages along with a few unavoidable limitations.
So, it depends on your living area, weather conditions, and your unique requirements for selecting the correct type of roof.
Choose to install the perfect shingles that fit your property the best.
