Numerous roof designs are possible. However, the most common ones are the hip and gable roofs. The article discusses hip roof vs gable roof in detail.
The roof is an important part of your house. It not only adds beauty to the exterior but also protects its structure. Most roofs are sloped downwards to drain water easily or melted snow into the gutter system.
If you are building your new house, consider different types of roofs. Your roof type will ultimately protect the house from various weather elements.During your research, you will usually find two types of roof design: hip and gable.
Most people wonder about the difference between hip and gable roofs. This article will discuss both types of roofs and their pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Hip Roof?
The hip roof has two triangular sides and two trapezoidal sides. All the sides slope downward towards the house’s wall. The triangular side is popularly known as the hip end.
You usually see these types of roofs on cottages and bungalows.
North American people love to have a hip roof style. They are durable and give a clean and modern look.
Pros Of Hip Roof
There are various advantages of having a hip roof. We are listing them below.
1. Excellent Stability And Durability
Hip roofs are usually stable and durable. The sloping sides on all sides help resist winds and hurricanes.
Hence, this roof design is suitable for those who live in areas with frequent snowfall or high winds.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
Hip roofs have a symmetrical design. Hence, they are more visually appealing than gable roofs.
3. No Accumulation Of Snow
Imagine snow gathered on your flat roof for a long period. The snow will melt further and damage the roof with a few materials. But hip roofs have slopes on every side, which allow the snow to slide off. Hence, you have to deal with fewer structural issues in your house.
4. Addition Of Dormer Windows
You can add dormer windows in a hip roof. The dormer windows extend from the triangle side of the roof.
These windows add beauty to the house’s exterior and help lighten the dark spaces.
5. Additional Living Space
The hip roof provides additional storage space, adding functional value to the home.
Cons Of Hip Roof
1. More Expensive
The main difference between a hip roof and a gable roof is its cost. Hip roofs are usually 35 to 40 percent more expensive than gable roofs because they are more complex in design.
Many roofing materials and seams are used in the roof, so the replacement cost will also be higher.
2. Limited Ventilation
The slopes of hip roofs can reduce natural ventilation. Hence, you need to add dormer windows or ridge vents to have effective ventilation.
3. Susceptible To Leaks
Sometimes, hip roofs are not installed properly. Hence, they can be susceptible to leaks, particularly in seams or roof dormers. I suggest you always hire a roofing professional company to install a hip roof.
What Is a Gable Roof?
Gable roofs have been common in most of the oldest buildings in the United States since the early 1600s.
The gable roof has two parallel sloping sides that meet at the center. The vertical wall extensions fill the open triangular space on both sides of the roof. They are not much stronger than hip roofs. Gable roofs require end bracing to resist heavy wind.
Pros Of Gable Roof
1. Affordable Option
Gable roofs are simple, require less materials, and are, therefore, less costly than hip roofs.
2. More Attic Space
Gable roofs offer more attic space and hence enable more natural ventilation.
3. Shed Water, Snow, And Other Debris
A great benefit of a gable roof is that it helps to shed water, snow, and other debris easily, which falls on the roof.
4. Smooth Maintenance
The gable roof’s simple and straightforward design enables it to be smoothly maintained.
5. Versatility Design
Gable roofs have a simple design. Hence, you can easily add dormers, gables, and various architectural features.
Cons Of Gable Roof
1. Less Durable
If you live in an area that is usually accompanied by heavy winds or a lot of snowfall, a gable roof is less durable than a hip roof. If you have not installed the end bracing properly, a gable can turn into a disaster.
I recommend that you always hire a professional roofing Company to install your gable roof. Ensure that they install the braces properly to maximize the durability of the gable roof.
2. Simple Design
The gable roof design is quite simple compared to the hip roof.
Hip Roof Vs. Gable Roof
| Hip roof | Gable roof |
| 1. Hip roofs are complex in design | 1. Gable roofs are simple in design |
| 2. Hip roofs can better resist heavy winds | 2.Heavy winds may damage the gable roof. |
| 3. Hip roofs can have insurance benefits. | 3.Gable roofs usually dont have insurance benefits. |
| 4. The hip roof has less attic space | 4.Gable roof has more attic space. |
| 5. Hip roofs are expensive as they involve more raw materials. | 5.Gable roofs are less expensive compared to hip roofs. |
| 6. Less space for solar panels | 6. More space for solar panels. |
Hip Roof Vs Gable Roof: Which Is Better?
Both hip and gable roofs have pros and cons. You need to weigh the pros and cons of both roofs before making a final decision.
A hip roof is prime if you value stability more and live in a harsh weather locale. If you want a less expensive roof, you may prefer a gable roof.
If you are confused, then it’s leading to contacting a roofing Professional Company. Depending on your location, weather conditions, budget, and many more factors, they will advise you on which roof you will have on your house.
Conclusion
Your roof protects your house from various weather conditions and even helps to increase its aesthetic value.
Whenever you renovate or build a new house, you must consider the roofing materials. Hip and gable roofs are quite popular, but each has pros and cons.
The article lists a few points on hip roof vs gable roof. When choosing between these roofing materials, you must consider climatic conditions, your budget, and many other things.
