Gambrel Homes: A Comprehensive Guide

Gambrel homes are a unique and charming style of architecture that has been around for centuries.

The gambrel roof is a key feature of this style, with two slopes on each side that meet at a ridge in the middle.

This design allows for more space on the second floor, making gambrel homes a great option for families or those who need extra storage.

Gambrel homes can be found in various parts of the world, but they originated in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands and England.

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A gambrel roof design offers more space, allowing for extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces due to its steep sides.

The classic look of a gambrel roof is cozy and traditional, making it a popular choice for barns, cottages, and houses with history.

Those gable ends and dormers on a gambrel roof are great for letting the breeze flow through, providing fresh air.

The angle of a gambrel roof helps water and snow slide right off, reducing worries about leaks or water damage.

Gambrel roofs have been around for a while, with a history that dates back to barns and sheds in early American settlements.

Their time-tested durability and visual allure have made them a staple in many American architectural styles, including Dutch Colonials.

There are several variations on the traditional Dutch colonial gambrel roof. This type of roof is a great choice for homes with multiple levels, as it allows for more living space without increasing the footprint of the house.

The traditional Dutch colonial gambrel roof is just one of the many types of gambrel roofs out there.

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The gambrel roof's versatility allows it to be adapted to various architectural styles, making it a popular choice for different types of homes.

One of the notable variations of the gambrel roof is the Classic style, which features two sides with two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper one.

The Classic style is a timeless choice, offering a cozy and traditional look that's perfect for barns, cottages, and houses with history.

The gambrel roof's flexibility also allows for different types of roof designs, including the Dutch colonial gambrel roof, which is a variation on the traditional Dutch colonial style.

In addition to its classic look, the gambrel roof also offers functional benefits, such as providing more space for upper floors, thanks to its steep sides.

The gambrel roof's steep sides also allow for the flow of fresh air through the gable ends and dormers, making it a great choice for homes that need a cooling breeze.

The gambrel roof's design helps water and snow slide off easily, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.

Shingle Style Homes are a favorite in the coastal regions, characterized by wood shingles and dominating rooflines. They became popular in the late 19th to early 20th century and remain one of the most sought-after architectural styles today.

Gambrel roofs are a key feature of Shingle Style Homes, creating a blend of traditional and modern that homeowners love. This design element is often confused with Dutch Colonials, which is where most misunderstandings about gambrel roofs originate.

The Shingle Style is a timeless choice, offering a classic look that never goes out of style. Its wood shingles and rooflines have been a staple of coastal architecture for over a century.

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The gambrel roof has a rich history that spans centuries. It's believed to have originated in America with the Dutch, who brought the design over with them.

The oldest known gambrel roof is found on the second Harvard Hall at Harvard University, built in 1677. It's a testament to the durability and versatility of this design.

These roofs were particularly popular from the 16th to 18th century, and were used on both commercial and residential buildings. The style was especially prized for its ability to prevent snow and rain accumulation.

In the 18th century, gambrel roofs weren't exclusive to homes – they were also built on barns and sheds across the landscape of early America. Prized for their weather-resistant shelter, these structures provided a practical solution for early American settlers.

The gambrel roof has found a new home in modern coastal architecture, particularly in the Cape and Islands region. It's popularized on shingle-style new construction, adding a touch of historical charm to modern buildings.

Fast forward to the late 19th century, and the Dutch Colonial house was transformed, shedding its dark and cramped prototypes for expanded structures. The gambrel roof became a symbol of elegance, which has lasted to this day.

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Gambrel homes are known for their classic design and modern durability. They require less material, which keeps costs down.

With fewer beams and columns, these roofs are simple to install, reducing labor costs. This is a major advantage, especially for those who want to save money on construction.

Gambrel barn kits from Worldwide Steel Buildings are made from steel, making them more resistant to corrosion, weather damage, fire, and standard wear and tear.

A gambrel roof may not be the best choice for homes in areas with heavy snowfall, as it can't hold as much weight as other roofs.

Cleaning gutters and maintaining a gambrel roof can be a challenge due to its complex angles and surfaces.

In really windy places, the tall sides of a gambrel roof may not hold up well during storms.

The build process for a gambrel roof is more complex than a regular gable roof, which can make it more difficult to install.

Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions on installing a gambrel roof on your home due to local building codes and regulations.

Storage space is a valuable feature in certain roof types. The steep slopes of these roofs maximize headroom, creating a larger attic that can be used for storage.

This extra storage space can be a game-changer for homeowners who need to stash away items like seasonal decorations, luggage, or out-of-season clothing.

These roofs are a cost-effective option due to their simple design, which requires fewer beams and columns.

This reduced material usage keeps costs down, making it a more affordable choice for homeowners and builders alike.

The simplicity of installation also helps reduce labor costs, making the overall project more budget-friendly.

By minimizing the number of beams and columns, these roofs are more efficient in terms of material usage, which can lead to significant cost savings.

Modern durability is a game-changer for those looking to build a Gambrel barn. Everything in Worldwide Steel Buildings' Gambrel-style metal building kits is made from steel, making them more resistant to corrosion, weather damage, fire, and standard wear and tear.

This means you can expect lower construction costs and lower maintenance costs over the years, all while maintaining a classic design. Worldwide Steel offers an industry-leading 50-year structural warranty on all its steel building kits, including the Gambrel barn kits.

With their modern steel features, Gambrel barns can be designed to fit your specific needs and style.