Hipped vs Gable Roofs

If you’re in the process of designing or building a home, you’ll need to start thinking about the right roof for your design.

The type of roof you choose isn’t purely based on aesthetics; each design is more suited to certain climates and weather conditions, with other factors to also consider for your project. The two most popular options for a house are hipped roofs and gable roofs – we’ve outlined the pros and cons to each below.

Gable Roof

A gable roof is a common type of roof for many buildings, particularly houses. It is designed with two slopes that meet in the middle to form a ridge, with a distinctive triangular formation from either side.

Pros

• Weather conditions

The triangular slanted pitch of gable roofs mean they are well suited for climates with wet and snowy weather, as the water will simply slide off the roof. This is ideal for locations where you see a lot of rainfall, as roofs unsuited to these conditions can lead to water damage and leaks.

• More space

The design of gable roofs mean it provides more space for attic or loft storage, and is also versatile enough that the loft can easily be converted into an additional living space without the style of the roof needing to be changed too dramatically.

• Easy to build

Gable roofs are a simple design that require less building materials and time to construct, meaning a quicker build time.

• Cheaper

With less building materials required, gable roofs are also cheaper to build than many other more complex types of roof.

Cons

• Not ideal for high wind and hurricane areas

Gable roofs are great for wet or snowy conditions, but not so much for locations where high winds and hurricanes are common. The structure design can cause an uplift effect underneath the roof, in extreme cases causing the roof to detach from the walls.

Hipped roof

A hipped roof is a common type of roof without any flat sides – instead, there are four slopes that meet to form a ridge in the middle of the roof. This is a popular design for locations in varying weather conditions.

Pros

• Excellent for high wind and snowy areas

The four sloped design of hipped roofs make it an extremely durable and stable design, particularly for areas with high winds and frequent snowfall. The slant of the roof makes it easy for a buildup of snow to simply slide off the roof with no standing water – reducing the likelihood of any water damage occurring.

• Extra living/standing space for loft conversions

Hip roofs leave ample loft space for a home, providing the perfect place for additional storage, or even for a fully-fitted loft conversion for extra living space in the home.

• Versatile

Hipped roofs are a versatile design, meaning modifications can easily be made to the roof and home. For example, dormer windows are a common addition to hipped roofs, providing additional light and space for a loft room.

Cons

• More expensive than gable roofs

Hipped roofs tend to be more complex in design, which means they will often cost more than simple designs such as gable roofs. It’s important to weigh up the difference in costs with the added benefits hipped roofs provide in locations with more extreme weather conditions.

• More building materials required

Hipped roofs are more complex to build, so require more materials for the process. This will not only increase the cost, but can mean they take longer to be complete.

• Leaks can occur if the roof is not properly installed

The multiple ridges of a hipped roof must be installed expertly to avoid the chance of leaks occurring. A poorly fitted roof can quickly result in water damage to your ceilings and roof, but this will not be a problem provided you use a professional roofing contractors to install your roof. Click here to see 28 different types of roofs designs including hipped and gable roofs.

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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/hipped-vs-gable-roofs/