The Gable Roof

Gable roof style - the easiest way to have a reliable roof

Gable roof is the simplest construction type of a roof ever and probably the most frequently used roof type all over the world.
Gable roof consist of 2 roof surfaces, these roof surfaces (also called roof fields) usually have the shape of a rectangle, they are of the same size and pitch angle. Gable roofs designers recommend the 25-45° pitch angle of the roofs as it represents the best angle for the effluxion of the rain water.
The line in which both roof surfaces meet is called a ridge or ridge line. The gable roof ridge is of the same length as the longer side of both roof fields.
Outside of US and UK gable roof is also called a saddle roof.

Cross gable roofs

Cross gable roof type is very popular too. The difference between the gable roofs and cross gale roof design is that the cross gable roofs are just two gable roofs connected to each other (see the picture). Both saddle roofs can have the same or different lengths, pitch angles, heights... depends on the homeowner´s (and sometimes the roof architect´s) imagination.

Gable roof advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of gable roof:
- very simple type of roof; therefor gable roof construction usually is a non-problematic and time-saving choice;
- gable roofs are the cheapest roof types;
- gable roof offers the largest ceiling space.

The disadvantages of gable (saddle) roof:
- the front and the back of the roof (front and back gable) is a pure wall and therefor just a masonry work that is not as lasting as the roofing materials (re-painting each 5 years, re-plastering from time to time also necessary);