
Mansards are essentially very steep (almost vertical) hip roofs with a flat or hipped top section. Dormers are a common feature of the mansard. The upper slope is pitched at a low, subtle angle, while the lower slope is so steep as to almost appear vertical. More complex than either the hip or gable, it features two separate slopes on all four faces. If you’re looking for an ornate, classical style, a mansard ( also known as a French or curb roof) may be the best choice.
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If you are planning to install it in a high wind/storm area, it’s advisable to use pitch of 4/12-6/12 (33°-50° angle), for greatest protection. One of the biggest drawbacks is that due to its complex design, it can be one of the more expensive styles to build.Īlso, any construction errors can make it more susceptible to leaks than other roofs. It can also provide some added space for attic storage or vaulted ceilings. Ideal in areas prone to high winds or heavy snowfall, a properly constructed hip roof will not collect water. On the up side, hip style roofs are far more stable than many other popular styles. For cottage and ranch homes, traditional shingles may be a better thematic match. Tile or clay will perhaps be a better match for Mediterranean-inspired styles. Choosing the right one will largely be a question of budget and personal taste. These include French-inspired styles like the French Provincial or French Creole, the American Foursquare, Neocolonial styles with a Mediterranean influence, cottage and ranch-style homes.Īlmost any common material can lend itself well to hip roof application. There are several architectural styles which typically feature hip style roofs. It is important to ensure that proper ventilation is installed from the start to avoid many costly problems that will arise overtime, including rot, mold, etc. Consult with your builder or contractor, for the best plan of action. Use of power vents and Hip “ridge” vents may be required. Due to its geometry, this style does not work well with most common types of modern roof venting – Ridge / Soffit, because the ridge of a hip roof is usually 1/3 the length of it’s soffit intake, and thus 2/3 of the roof’s surface does not get proper air circulation. It has a waste factor 12-15%, and additional installation costs of 10% as compared to Gables.Īdditional consideration should be given to ventilation. Some steep slope hip roofs may require use of a man-lift to safely install certain types of materials such as slate or metal, especially when it is more than 2 stories off the ground. Hips are more complicated to construct and to replace. Improperly constructed frames or excessive overhang can make it easier for very strong winds to lift the roof from the walls. In high wind areas, however, it can be a liability. It also allows for added space to accommodate vaulted ceilings or an attic.

The pitch of a gable roof makes it easier for the surface to shed moisture during periods of rain or snow. Therefore, it would be best protected by such lifetime materials as metal shingles or standing seam panels. If your gable roof also has hips and valleys, it is more susceptible to leaks. Wood and slate options often require additional reinforcement to accommodate the added weight.

Asphalt is a more lightweight and cost-effective material. Materials most often used on a gable style roof include asphalt shingles, wood shakes or slate shingles. Cape Cod homes, in particular, typically use side gable roof shapes in combination with gabled dormers. So this is the least expensive option that will have the lowest materials waste factor of 5-7%.Īrchitectural styles which commonly make use of the gable include the classic Cape Cod, Colonial Revival and Georgian Colonial. From a construction standpoint, you have 2 straight sides / surfaces, without any pitch changes / stops, etc. Gable roofs are the simplest to build and install materials on, and all “standard” roof prices are based on this style.


Cost-effectiveness, classic styling and functionality make it one of the most popular roof styles that tops millions of homes throughout the US.
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Gables can also adorn dormer windows and porches. The style most favored by young artists when drawing a house, it features a triangle shape created by two sloping faces of the roof meeting at the top ridge. If you’re looking for a classic silhouette for your home, a gable roof is a sure bet. Gable Roof on a House with a Brick Siding
