Gambrel Roof House: History, Design, and Advantages

The gambrel roof house has a rich history dating back to the 17th century in Europe, where it was used to maximize storage space in homes with limited attic space.

Gambrel roofs are designed with two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope, allowing for more vertical space and a unique aesthetic.

This design makes gambrel roof houses ideal for areas with heavy snowfall, as the steep lower slope sheds snow easily.

A key advantage of gambrel roof houses is their ability to provide more living space, as the vertical walls can be used for additional rooms or storage.

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A gambrel roof house is a style of house that features a specific type of roof with two slopes on each side, one being steeper than the other.

The steeper slope is typically at the front of the house and is often used to create a more dramatic and visually appealing exterior.

This design allows for more living space in the attic area, often referred to as the "bonus room."

Gambrel roofs can be seen in many different architectural styles, from traditional colonial homes to modern farmhouse designs.

The pitch of the roof is typically around 9:12, meaning the roof rises 9 feet vertically for every 12 feet horizontally.

This unique roof design also allows for more natural light to enter the home through the larger windows often found on the second story.

The gambrel roof house style originated in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands and Germany, where it was used to create functional and efficient living spaces.

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The history and origins of the gambrel roof house are shrouded in mystery, but we can dig up some interesting facts. The oldest known gambrel roof in America was on the second Harvard Hall at Harvard University built in 1677.

Some people think the Dutch brought the design to America, and it's called a "Dutch roof". The second Harvard Hall at Harvard University, built in 1677, has the oldest roof of this type that we know of.

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Other theories suggest that the indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, the Coast Salish, used a similar roof form. The oldest surviving house in the U.S. with a gambrel roof is the c. 1677–78 Peter Tufts House.

There are also claims that seamen who traveled to the Netherlands brought the design back to North America. The Fairbanks House, the oldest surviving framed house in North America, has an ell with a gambrel roof, but this roof was a later addition.

Here are some possible reasons why the gambrel roof design was adopted in America:

Gambrel roofs offer a unique combination of functionality and style. They're perfect for homes that need extra space, allowing you to create extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces on the upper floors.

The steep sides of a gambrel roof make it ideal for homes with a classic look, evoking a sense of coziness and tradition that's perfect for barns, cottages, and houses with history.

For another approach, see: Gambrel Roof Shed Plans

One of the best things about gambrel roofs is their ability to let the breeze flow through, thanks to the gable ends and dormers that allow for fresh air circulation. This makes them perfect for homes that want to stay cool and comfortable without relying on air conditioning.

Gambrel roofs also have a practical advantage, as the angle of the roof helps water and snow slide right off, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.

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An asymmetrical gambrel roof is a type of roof structure where one side is extended outward to create an extra room or outdoor area.

These roofs often have one double-sloped side and one single-sloped side, making them a great space-saving option when square footage is at a premium.

Classic gambrel roofs are the traditional American style, with a symmetrical layout of two gables and two double-sloped sides.

They typically extend outward by a small margin from each of the building's four sides, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.

A mansard gambrel roof has four sides instead of the more common two, with double-sloped sides and characteristic dormer windows.

This type of roof was once used interchangeably with the term "gambrel" by architects, but is now recognized as a distinct style.

A wall-supported gambrel roof meets the walls at an angle at each intersection, eliminating the need for eaves and saving homeowners time and money.

Here are the main types of gambrel roofs:

A gambrel roof design offers a range of benefits that can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a building.

One of the most significant advantages of a gambrel roof is the additional space it provides. With its steep sides, you can create extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces, making it perfect for homes with a desire for extra square footage.

The classic look of a gambrel roof is another major benefit. Its traditional design gives a cozy and welcoming feel, making it a popular choice for barns, cottages, and historic homes.

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Gambrel roofs also allow for excellent airflow, thanks to their gable ends and dormers. This feature is particularly beneficial in areas with high winds or extreme weather conditions.

The unique design of a gambrel roof also helps to prevent water and snow damage. The angle of the roof allows water and snow to slide off easily, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.

A gambrel roof can be adapted to various types of home architecture and designs, making it a versatile option for builders and homeowners.

Here are some examples of different types of gambrel roofs:

Dormers and windows are a great way to let natural light into your home, and gambrel roofs are particularly well-suited for this feature.

Large gambrel roofs often have dormers with windows built into the lower section, which can significantly increase the amount of natural light entering the home.

A dormer is essentially a window that projects out from the face of the gambrel roof, with its own roof, typically with a gable-end. This design allows for more flexibility in terms of window placement and size.

Homes with dormers and windows can add unmatched visual appeal, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.

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A Gambrel roof design offers a classic look that's perfect for traditional homes, barns, and cottages. It's a timeless choice that evokes a sense of coziness and history.

Those steep sides of a Gambrel roof are not just aesthetically pleasing, they also provide more space for upper floors, which means you can fit in extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces.

The steep angle of a Gambrel roof helps water and snow slide right off, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. This is especially beneficial for areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall.

Gambrel roofs are great for letting the breeze flow through, thanks to those gable ends and dormers. Fresh air is just a bonus of this design.

The simple construction of a Gambrel roof makes it a top contender for outbuildings like sheds. It's also a great option for renovation projects, as it can maximize space and accommodate a wide range of materials.

Gambrel roofs are a great choice for homes, but they can be tricky to ventilate due to their high headroom. 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 a gambrel roof can make it harder to keep the interior of your home cool.

An attached garage can add significant value to your home, with a study showing that it can increase the resale value by up to 10%.

A gambrel roof for your attached garage can add an interesting visual dynamic to your home, even if your house sports a standard gable roof.

An attached garage can also provide a convenient space for storing tools and equipment, keeping them out of the way but still easily accessible.

Opting for a gambrel roof for your attached garage can add an interesting visual dynamic to your home.

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A gambrel roof house offers many benefits, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

One of the main advantages of a gambrel roof is the extra space it provides, allowing for a nearly full-sized room in the loft area. This makes it a popular choice for barn homes.

A gambrel roof is also versatile and can be adapted to various architectural styles, such as Georgian or Dutch colonial. This means you can add a gambrel roof to your home without it looking out of place.

In terms of maintenance, a gambrel roof is relatively affordable to construct and easy to maintain. However, it does require routine maintenance, such as annual roof inspections, to ensure there are no problems or damages.

Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

However, a gambrel roof also has some drawbacks, including high maintenance requirements, low resistance to severe weather, and poor ventilation in attics.

A gambrel roof can provide you with extra space, which is perfect for building a loft close to the rafters. This makes it a popular choice for barn homes.

The versatility of a gambrel roof is one of its best features. You can add a gambrel roof to your home and it won't look out of place in various architectural styles, such as Georgian or Dutch colonial.

A gambrel roof is also an affordable option. It's not expensive to construct and is easy to maintain, which is why it's a popular choice among frugal homeowners.

The uncomplicated design of a gambrel roof makes it a great choice for homeowners who want a simple and elegant look. Carpenters agree that this roof is one of the simplest roof styles to construct.

Here are some of the key benefits of a gambrel roof:

Routine maintenance is necessary to ensure there are no problems or damages, such as annual roof inspections.

A gambrel roof isn't your best bet if you reside in a location prone to severe weather, as snow and wind can impose pressure on your building.

Tricky upkeep is a challenge with all those angles and surfaces, making cleaning gutters and maintaining this roof a bit of a challenge.

It might not hold as much weight as other roofs, which could be a problem in snow-prone areas.

The tall sides of a gambrel roof might not hold up well during storms in really windy places.

Depending on where you are, you might have restrictions on installing a gambrel roof on your home.