You’ll likely need to make many decisions while building a new home or renovating an old one, including what materials to use, how much to spend, and how to design it. Before you start this job, it may surprise you to learn how many various types of roofs there are. The type of roof you select also impacts your roof’s functionality and performance against the elements and the home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
Gable and hip roofs are two of the most popular roof styles in the UK; you’ve probably come across them while studying. What differentiates these roofs from one another, and what are the pros and cons of each? Let’s examine the information you require about these well-liked roof designs, i.e., hip roof vs gable roof, to choose the best one for your house.
What is a hipped roof?
The ends of a hip roof are not vertical. All of its sides slope, and if the structure is square, the slopes meet at the peak. On the other hand, if the structure is rectangular, the ends slope inward toward a ridge formed by the adjacent sides. The external angle created where two adjacent sides meet is called the “hip.”
A hip roof has four sloped sides on top and one horizontal ridge. This roof design can be found in a wide variety of styles, such as:
- Mansard
- Cross-hipped
- Hip-and-valley
- Bonnet
- Pyramidal
In the early 1900s and 1910s, hipped roofs gained considerable popularity and often featured elements of the late 19th-century Queen Anne style.
Now let’s explore a few pros and cons of hip roofs:
Pros of hipped roof:
Eave Consistency and Curb Appeal:
Hip roofs can improve your house’s visual appeal by creating an integrated appearance. Naturally, this decision may depend on your preferences, as many think gable roofs look good. However, in general, hip roofs’ consistency is seen as an advantage over gable roofs’ inconsistent design.
Stability:
Hip roofs are a great option if you live somewhere that frequently experiences strong winds or a lot of snowfall. Although gable roofs are more popular in the UK, hip roofs are more stable and long-lasting. This is because of their self-bracing construction and the inward slope on all four sides.
Useful for Lower Sloped Roofs:
Lower-sloped roofs can be hard to find a roofing solution for because steeper slopes help to remove water, snow, and debris. A hip roof can be a good option if you’re searching for a low-sloped roofing system.
Cons of hipped roof:
More Costly:
Hip roofs are more costly than gable roofs despite their greater stability and longevity because of their complicated design, requiring more material and installation expertise. However, if specialists install them correctly, hip roofs are a reliable and solid roofing option.
Less Attic Space:
Another drawback is that hip roofs don’t permit the same attic space as gable roofs. Before deciding on a hip roof for your house, it is important to consider whether having a large enough attic is necessary.
Can Be Susceptible to Leaks:
If hip roofs aren’t built correctly, they might allow water to get in, particularly around the seams and dormers.
That being said, if a hip roof is your preferred choice, this does not negate the need to hire a qualified and experienced roofing firm to install your roof. Hiring a novice roofer for this task is not worth it because it may result in future expensive repairs or maybe a roof replacement.
What is a gable roof?
The dictionary defines a gable as “the part of the wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof.” Gable roofs dominate in the UK despite the growing number of hip roofs. This roof is found on many of the nation’s oldest buildings, and American construction has used gabled roofs from the early 1600s. Once you know the basics of a gable roof, you can easily identify one. The vertical, non-sloped sides known as gables occasionally include windows or vents. A ridge will run between the peaks, with at least two gables and slopes.
In summary, a gable roof is visible when a triangle with a vertical orientation is visible up to the roof’s apex. There are many variations of gable roofs, just like hipped roofs. Some common types include:
- Cross-gabled
- Boxed
- Open
- Dutch Gable
- Jerkinhead
Technically, hip and gable roofs are combined to create jerkinhead and Dutch gable roofs.
Pros of Gable Roof:
More Affordable:
Gable roofs are more common than hip roofs, partly because they are less expensive. Because of their straightforward design, gable roofs require less labour, materials, and installation skills.
Sheds Water, Snow, and Other Debris:
Gable roofs also effectively remove snow, precipitation, and other debris that may fall onto your roof, which is a major advantage. This is a strong benefit, especially since it’s one of your roof’s main purposes. How a roof sheds weather and debris is one of the many aspects determining how long a roof lasts. The better your roof can move materials down and off your home, the longer your roof can last.
Less Maintenance:
Gable roofs also require less maintenance than hipped roofs. When they are correctly sloped, and water, snow, and debris can quickly run off on their own, manually managing these issues is less of a burden.
More Attic Space:
The attic has a lot more space when installing a gable roof instead of a hip roof. Because of the vaulted ceilings, you have additional areas for storage and ventilation.
Cons of Gable Roof:
Less Curb Appeal:
Although they are rather simple in form, gable roofs can have a wonderful aesthetic appeal. While many homeowners find this simplicity charming, others choose the hip roof’s more complex and unified appearance.
Less Durable:
Gable roofs are not as long-lasting as hip roofs, so keep that in mind if you live in an area that gets a lot of snowfall every year or experiences storms with strong winds. An improperly built gable roof might spell tragedy in a hurricane or other strong storm. Strong winds may also be an issue if a gable roof has excessive hanging since it can get underneath the overhang and push up against the house’s walls. In the worst situation, this can cause the roof to fall off.
Gable roofs are still acceptable in areas with strong winds, but you must be aware of the dangers associated with poorly placed roofs. To improve the roof’s durability in the face of strong winds, you should make sure that the expert roofing firm you choose employs the appropriate braces.
What’s the Difference Between a Hip Roof and a Gable Roof:
The side slopes are the main difference between a hip and a gable roof. A hip roof slopes downhill toward the house’s walls on all sides. On the other hand, gable roofs feature just two triangle-shaped slopes that extend from the top of the ridge to the base of the eaves.
A gable roof is naturally formed with what are called gables, which are triangular-shaped vertical pieces located where the two roof slopes meet. When looking at a gable roof, you will notice that a portion of the roofline is composed of at least two parks of the wall that extend upward.
On the other hand, a hip roof lacks vertical wall extensions. Instead, all four sides will meet at a horizontal ridgeline, or the four sloping sides will form a pyramid shape at the centre. When they come together at a single centre point, this kind of roof is also called a pyramidal or pavilion roof.
Let’s explore other important characteristics that set these two popular roof kinds apart.
1. Appearance:
Hip and gable roofs seem different as well. When you look at the roof slopes directly on, you might not see the change if you were gazing at a gable roof. If you view it from the side, you can see that the gables rise over the outer walls.
On the other hand, hip roofs only display slopes, whether viewed from one direction or another. Hip roofs seem considerably smoother and more sleek to some individuals. Gable roofs are so common that most people don’t consider them an aesthetic drawback or annoyance.
2. Wind and Air Flow:
The wind blows toward an aerodynamic roof. On the other hand, a significant amount of force is applied to the home’s structure if the wind is blowing toward a gable rather than the roof’s slope. But whatever the direction of the wind, a hip roof safely channels it over and off the roof; for this reason, hip roofs are often the better choice if wind and airflow concern you.
3. Durability:
Gable roofs are often less enduring than hip roofs. This is because the multi-sided slope reduces the possibility of uplift. Beyond that, they are parallel and laterally braced, similar to the trusses on a gable roof.
4. Maintenance:
Hip roofs require more roofing materials than gable roofs and have more seams. This indicates that gable roofs, replacing some roof portions with house siding, require less care than hip roofs. Because gable roofs are more likely to sustain damage from strong winds, insurance rates for homes with gable roofs may be higher in different country areas.
5. Environmental Impact:
It’s important to remember that there are pros and cons to both gable and hip roofs when it comes to their potential effects on the environment if you’re worried about your new roof. For example, gable roofs use less roofing material than hip roofs, but hip roofs have less “dead” attic space that requires insulation.
Finally, gable roofs are usually a better option if you’re considering installing solar panels on your house because there is about twice as much surface area available.
6. Resale Value:
More wealthy residences are more likely to have hip roofs. However, the statistics make it unclear whether a particular kind of roof will likely impact resale value more. While some home purchasers like the aesthetic appeal of hip roofs, a gable roof is rarely a deal-breaker for someone who loves a property.
7. Water Resistance:
These two kinds of roofs are good at shedding water. However, hip roofs do not have to deal with the problem of water seeping into the attic when strong winds force it through the gable vent. However, gable roofs’ steep pitch makes them highly resistant to rain and water.
8. Cost:
The price of hip roofs versus gable roofs varies. Hip roofs are more costly; their typical price range is £27,000 to £54,000. The less expensive choice is a gable roof, which normally costs between £20,000 and £40,000.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, various standards, including architectural style, climate factors, budget, and personal preferences, eventually determine whether to choose a roof gable or a hip design. Hip roofs offer greater rigidity in strong winds, more energy efficiency, and a sleek, contemporary appearance, while gable roofs offer traditional aesthetics, simpler construction, and additional room. Homeowners should carefully consider these considerations to choose the roof style that best fits their needs and blends in with the overall design of their home, as each design has unique benefits and drawbacks.
FAQs About Hip Roof vs Gable Roof
Which roof design is more common?
Hip roofs are more frequently found in traditional and architecturally designed homes, but gable roofs are more frequently found in residential buildings.
Which roof design is better for shedding snow and rain?
Hip roofs may more readily collect snow and debris on their flatter planes, whereas gable roofs, because of their steeper slopes, tend to dissipate rain and snow more effectively.
Can I add dormers to both gable and hip roofs?
Yes, dormers can be added to hip and gable roofs to increase the amount of light, airflow, and space in the upper level or attic.
Which is better: a hip roof or a gable roof?
Choosing between a hip and a gable roof depends on your needs and preferences.
Hip Roof: This type offers better stability and is more resistant to high winds and heavy rain, making it ideal for the UK’s unpredictable weather. It has four sloping sides, which provide excellent drainage.
Gable Roof: This simple design has two sloping sides, offering more attic space and better ventilation. It is easier and cheaper to construct but may not be as wind-resistant as a hip roof.
