Gables, Hips And Gambrels—A Primer On Your Garage Roof Choices

If you're building or renovating a garage, there are not a lot of stylistic or extra elements to be added. Unbeknownst to many homeowners, though, the roof can be a place to both add some functionality as well as a little style.

Here is a quick primer on the 4 main roof styles for your new garage and what each can bring to the table.

Gable Roof

The gable roof is the most common of all garage roof styles. This style has two symmetrical slopes that angle upward to meet in the center and form a triangle over the garage door side. Why are they popular? They're simple to frame, fairly inexpensive and drain well. This roof is a simple workhorse. But it will match many of your neighbor's houses, so if you're looking for a stand-out style, this probably won't win any awards.

Reverse Gable Roof

A reverse gable, as its name suggests, is the reverse of the standard gable roof. Rather than the roof sides sloping up to form a triangle above the garage door, the triangle is formed on the sides of the garage. This leaves a nice, clean line above the garage entrance. This type of roof is typically necessitated by either the style of the home or the angle of the garage to the street or driveway. It has the same advantages as its traditional cousin, the gable roof.

Hip Roof

A hip roof is a good choice for those who live in areas battered by the elements. Hip roofs slope upward on all four sides to meet at a point in the center. Because of this design, they tend to stand up better to wind and allow better drain-off of snow and rain. The downside? They are harder (and often more expensive) to build than gable roofs and have less room in the attic for storage.

Gambrel Roof

A gambrel roof is what most people would think of as a barn roof. It has a gentler slope and evokes a certain traditional or classic Americana style of architecture. This roof is also a good choice if you're looking to add storage or even a living or working space above the garage, as it adds more headroom than the other styles.

Understanding the ups and downs of each roof style can help you decide what's best for your needs and your climate. This will help you build the perfect garage that you can enjoy and benefit from for years to come.  

If you're in Alberta and are interested in renovating or building your garage, click here for information about garage roofing and garage flooring North Battleford.

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