A gambrel roof is a type of roof that's perfect for maximizing space and efficiency. It's essentially a two-sided roof with two slopes on each side, where the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope.
This design allows for more living space in the attic area, which can be used as a bedroom, office, or storage space. The gambrel roof's unique design also enables it to be built with a shorter overall height, making it ideal for urban areas or properties with limited space.
The gambrel roof's efficiency is also due to its ability to shed snow easily, reducing the risk of damage to the roof and the building below.
Explore further: Gambrel Roof Designs
What Is a Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is a type of roof that is characterized by two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope.
The lower slope of a gambrel roof is typically around 10 to 15 degrees, while the upper slope is around 4 to 6 degrees.
This unique design allows for a larger living space in the attic area, which can be used for additional bedrooms, storage, or even a home office.
Gambrel roofs are often seen in Dutch Colonial and French Colonial architecture, where the extra space in the attic was used to store goods and supplies.
The steep lower slope of a gambrel roof also allows for a wider range of design options, as it can be used to create a variety of different rooflines and exterior facades.
The upper slope of a gambrel roof is often smaller and more shallow, which can make it easier to build and maintain.
In addition to its functional benefits, a gambrel roof can also add a touch of charm and character to a building's exterior, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want to add some personality to their property.
Here's an interesting read: Insulation for Roof with Attic
Design Diversity
Gambrel roofs are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various types of home architecture and designs. They're not just limited to small structures either, as we can see in Example 4, where a mansion is adorned with a gambrel design, adding a touch of elegance and grandeur.
The flexibility of gambrel roofs makes them a great choice for different settings, such as colonial American architecture, as mentioned in Example 5. This design was initially popularized by Dutch and German settlers in North America and became a popular roofing style in Colonial American architecture.
Gambrel roofs can be used in various types of buildings, from small houses to large farm buildings, as seen in Example 7. They offer extra storage space and have a classic look that feels cozy and traditional.
Here are some examples of how gambrel roofs can be utilized in different settings:
- Colonial American architecture
- Small houses
- Large farm buildings
- Mansions
These are just a few examples of the many different ways gambrel roofs can be used. Their versatility and classic look make them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Benefits and Advantages
A gambrel roof offers many advantages, making it an excellent choice for various construction projects. It provides more space for upper floors, allowing for extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces.
The steep sides of a gambrel roof also make it a great option for letting the breeze flow through, thanks to the gable ends and dormers. This design helps water and snow slide right off, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.
A gambrel roof is a classic choice that adds value to your property, making it a profitable investment if you decide to sell. The unique trapezoidal shape of a gambrel roof creates a cozy and traditional look that feels timeless.
Energy and Cost Benefits
A roof with a gambrel architecture doesn't just excel in aesthetics and durability, but also exhibits energy-efficient traits.
The ample attic space provides an opportunity for easy application and management of insulation in the area.
This translates to precise temperature control within your property, contributing to significant energy savings and reduced heating and cooling costs over time.
A well-insulated attic space can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy bills.
A different take: Eichler Roof Insulation
Design Benefits
A gambrel roof offers a classic look that feels cozy and traditional, making it popular for barns, cottages, and houses with history.
More space is a significant advantage of gambrel roof trusses, allowing for extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces.
Fresh air flows through gambrel roofs thanks to their gable ends and dormers, making them great for ventilation.
The angle of a gambrel roof helps water and snow slide right off, so you won't have to worry about leaks or water damage.
This design can be adapted to various types of home architecture and designs, making it a versatile choice for homeowners.
A gambrel roof's flexibility allows it to be used on larger buildings, including mansions, where its unique design adds a touch of elegance and grandeur.
The steep lower slope of a gambrel roof maximizes interior space, providing ample room for storage or a living area.
This design creates a unique trapezoidal shape, offering a classic barn-like appearance that adds value to your property.
A gambrel roof's attic space provides an opportunity for easy application and management of insulation, leading to precise temperature control and significant energy savings.
If this caught your attention, see: Residential Roof Truss Design
Design Considerations
Gambrel roofs have a unique design that offers many benefits, but it's essential to consider a few factors when deciding to install one. The steep lower slope can be a challenge for snow and rain run-off, but the angle helps water and snow slide right off, so no worries about leaks or water damage.
The gambrel roof design originated in 17th-century European architecture, specifically popularized by Dutch and German settlers in North America. This history is reflected in its classic look, which feels cozy and traditional, making it popular for barns, cottages, and houses with history.
The upper floors of a house with a gambrel roof can be maximized for extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces due to the steep sides. This is especially useful for larger buildings, including mansions, where the unique design adds a touch of elegance and grandeur.
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Designing Your Ideal Space
A gambrel roof can be a game-changer for your living space, especially if you're looking to maximize your attic area.
The steep lower slope of a gambrel roof allows for ample room for storage or a living area, making it perfect for transforming your attic into a cozy bedroom, home office, or game room.
With a gambrel roof, you can create a functional extension of your home by adding the right lighting, ventilation, and personal style.
The unique trapezoidal shape of a gambrel roof creates a classic barn-like appearance, which is both cozy and traditional.
You can make the most of your attic space by using the steep lower slope to accommodate flooring and furniture, providing room for creativity.
The gambrel roof design is adaptable to various types of home architecture and designs, offering a range of options for homeowners.
A gambrel roof's attic space can be used for a variety of purposes, from a serene bedroom to a quiet home office or a game room to entertain in.
The flexibility of a gambrel roof makes it a popular choice for barns, cottages, and houses with history, as well as larger buildings like mansions.
By choosing a gambrel roof, you can create a smart solution to a shortage of space and upgrade your lifestyle with many more benefits.
Dormers and Windows
Dormers and windows are a great way to add natural light to a gambrel roof. Many builders suggest adding windows to their customers' homes to improve the building's appearance and increase its value.
Large gambrel roofs can be constructed with dormers and windows to let in more light and add unmatched visual appeal. This is one of the few roofing styles that can incorporate windows effectively.
Homes with larger gambrel roofs often have dormers with windows built into the lower section to increase natural lighting. This design element can greatly enhance the overall look of the roof.
Dormers project out from the face of the gambrel and have their own roof, typically with a gable-end. This unique design feature allows for more creative freedom in terms of window placement and size.
For another approach, see: Clerestory Roof Light
Valley-Style
Valley-Style roofs are a popular choice for homes due to their spacious design. They tend to have eight slopes in total, with two front-facing slopes that meet to form valleys. Valley-Style roofs can be quite complex, but their unique design makes them a great option for those looking for a lot of space. This style of roof is often associated with homes that have a lot of character and charm.
The Valley-Style roof is a great choice for homes because it provides a lot of space. Most of the time, it will have eight slopes total, with two front-facing slopes that meet to form valleys.
Worth a look: Hip and Valley Roof
Wall-Supported
The wall-supported gambrel roof is a popular style today, thanks to its modern spin on a classic design.
Typically, this roof style has less storage space compared to other styles of gambrel roofs.
It's worth noting that the eaves of the wall-supported style extend past the wall line to create a flat soffit around the wall line.
Ventilation
Heat rises, and it can be difficult to provide adequate ventilation to move that heat out of the high headroom common in gambrel roofs.
The unique design of gambrel roofs can make ventilation a challenge, requiring careful consideration to ensure proper airflow.
Installation and Costs
A gambrel roof can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home, but it's essential to consider the installation and costs involved.
The average cost to build a new pitched roof on a house is between $16,000 and $30,000, which works out to $8 to $15 per square foot.
The cost to build a gambrel roof can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the structure, region, choice of roof materials, and difficulty of installation.
A 2,000-square-foot home with a gambrel roof can cost around $16,000 to $30,000 just for the roof framing, with certain factors like lumber prices or contractor availability potentially increasing the cost.
A gambrel roof is considered middle-of-the-road in terms of price to build, with you likely paying less for a gable roof or flat roof on the same size home, but more for a hip roof.
The cost of contractor labor can range from $40 to $80 per hour on average, plus you'll need to pay for roofing underlayment and materials like tile, asphalt shingles, or sheet metal, which can add an extra $4 to $20 or more per square foot.
A tall gambrel roof can be more difficult to build than a small shed, which could impact the cost, but with a simple design, the cost can be more affordable.
The average cost of constructing a new gambrel-style roof is typically between $16,000 and $30,000, translating to approximately $8 to $15 per square foot for a 2,000-square-foot roof.
You should consider the cost of roofing materials, with choices like asphalt shingles, metal, or wood shakes significantly impacting the cost, and precise roof measurements are essential for a reliable cost estimate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gambrel and mansard roof?
A gambrel roof has slopes on two sides, while a mansard roof has slopes on all sides, making them distinct types of curb roofs. This difference affects the overall design and functionality of each roof style.
What do you call a house with a gambrel roof?
A house with a gambrel roof is often called a "barn-style" or "Dutch-style" house, characterized by its distinctive two-sided roof with two slopes on each side.
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