Many homeowners don’t think too hard about the style of roof they want for their property; as long as it looks good and protects them from the elements, then it does the job. Typically, aesthetics are the main driving factor in deciding whether to purchase a home. Still, it’s just as important to understand the other details that will impact you and your household’s being.
A sturdy, well-made roof is crucial to protecting your home. To make sure it continues to do so, you’ll have to replace it every 15 years. Additionally, your roof’s shape will also affect how well it keeps you and your household safe. A popular style of roofing is the gable roof, which is often what first comes to mind. Here’s what you need to know about it:
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What is a Gable Roof?
Gable roofs are one of the most basic shapes. It consists of two roof slopes that join at one seam at the top. The seam covers the home’s length and does not contain any other slope on the home’s other two sides. If a child were to draw a picture of a house, they’d draw one with a gable roof, specifically the side gable. This roof style is prevalent worldwide, both in Gothic-style homes and in East Asian architecture. They don’t always involve straight edges, as some have curved lines, though the former is the standard style.
There are subcategories of gable roofs that employ the fundamentals of the style but with a slight twist. The front gable has the slopes come down the front and back sides instead of covering the left and right sides of the home. The crossed gable has intersecting seams that make a cross shape at the top. Roofs in the L-shaped gable style go down farther on one side than the others, almost resembling an A-frame style, but on one part of the home. Lastly, the box gable has a crossbeam that reaches one eave to the other, completing a triangle on the sides without involving the eaves. It usually indicates an attic instead of a complete floor.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Gable Roofs
Like other home features, gable roofing has its advantages and disadvantages. How well it works for you and your household depends on your lifestyle, climate, and family. Before you commit to any home purchases or diving right into a construction project, it’s crucial to consider the pros and cons of gable roofs.
Thanks to its steep slopes, gable roofs are great at funneling snow and rain away from your home as they quickly run down the eaves and enter the gutters. Due to this, there is a low risk of rain or snow pooling onto your roof under normal weather conditions. Additionally, gable roofs are easy to make and build due to its basic design, making it a cheaper option when building a new home. They’re also very affordable to maintain because they are ubiquitous, which means Raleigh roofers would have no problem addressing any concerns about your gable roof.
However, gable roofs are susceptible to collapsing when exposed to severe weather events, like high winds. They are not stable enough to stand up to hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes. They are also at a higher risk for updraft damage as some styles of gable roofs have a large overhang, which means a strong wind can lift the roof’s lip and peel it off the home.
Lastly, some gable roofs aren’t always well-made, as many DIY homeowners attempt to replace or install them by themselves. Due to the roof’s simple design, many novice tradespersons believe they can do the job themselves in the bid to save more money. However, this often results in unstable support and unsuitable support, making the roof more dangerous. If you are thinking of purchasing a home with a gable roof, be sure to have a Raleigh roofing contractor inspect it to identify any potential problems.
The simplicity of gable roofs is often the main reason homeowners prefer it over other styles. For those who don’t experience hurricanes or heavy amounts of snow, gable roofs are an excellent choice. However, homeowners who live in areas that experience strong winds may want to explore different roofing options.
How Do You Maintain a Gable Roof?
Gable roofs require regular maintenance to perform optimally and maximize their lifespan. It’s important to have a roofing contractor in Charlotte inspect the roof twice a year, which will apprise you of any issues that require immediate fixing. They can also identify moss or mold growing on your roof, which can quickly lead to degradation and leaking.
You must also clean the gutter of it at least twice a year and have them replaced or repaired if they show signs of damage. Be sure to remove debris that accumulates on your roof, as allowing it to gather will cause your roof to sag, compromising its ability to protect you. If you think there is an issue with your roof, don’t try to walk on it without the appropriate safety equipment. It’s best to call a roofer right away, as they have the skills and expertise to survey your roof, identify problems before they worsen, and fix them before your home is extensively damaged.
Conclusion
Gable roofs are simple yet inviting, adding a warm and welcoming ambiance to your home. As one of the most popular roof styles, they’re easy to maintain and repair, as Raleigh roofers are experts in them. By understanding what gable roofs are, the pros and cons, and how to maintain them, you can make the most of your gable roof and ensure it protects you and your household for a long time.
Southern Premier Roofing is a Raleigh roofing company offering residential and commercial roofing, siding, and gutter services, like repair, installation, maintenance, and more in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville, NC, as well as Boise ID. Whether your roof has sprung a leak, requires repainting, or any other kind of job, we can do it all for you as the most trusted roofing contractor around. Contact us today for a quote!