When you drive long enough, you'll realize there are many different roof styles, some more recognizable than others. One that you're likely beginning to see more of is a gambrel roof, a roof you may not recognize by name but by shape. While its origins are unclear, it is believed the Dutch brought it over to America, and it was popular between the 1600s and 1800s when they were called Dutch or barn roofs, as gambrel roof barn design was very common.
What is a gambrel roof exactly, and why are they so popular? Can a gambrel roof design work for your home? This article has everything you need to know.
What is a Gambrel Roof?
Gambrel roof design has two symmetrical sides, much like the more common gable roof shapes. However, gambrel roofs have two slopes; the top, gentler slope is typically less than 30º while the lower, steeper slope typically does not exceed 60º. The term "gambrel" originates from a horse's hind leg, which, when viewed with the test of the lower leg, has a shape similar to the roof.
As mentioned, gambrel roofs have been a part of American architecture since the late 1600s, used on Dutch colonials, Georgian-style homes, and farmhouses. They have also been commonly used on barns and sheds.
The design is favored for these styles and structures because the shape allows for ample attic or loft space.
Materials for Gambrel Roof Designs
For all roof shapes, the slope is the largest determining factor in what roofing materials are suitable for the roof in question. Traditionally, gambrel roofs have used materials like wood, slate, and asphalt. While all of these materials have advantages, there are also drawbacks to consider. Wood shakes and shingles require a lot of maintenance; slate is heavy, expensive, and requires additional structural support, and asphalt shingles aren't as durable and don't offer longevity.
There are also newer, more modern material options. One of these is metal roofing, a lightweight and relatively durable option that can give gambrel roof home designs a more modern look. Composite roofing materials, such as Brava Roofing Tile, are another option. These use recycled materials that are compressed into lightweight, highly durable tiles that resemble classic materials like slate, Spanish barrel tiles, and cedar shake roofing without any maintenance or weight concerns.
Benefits of Gambrel Roofs
In many ways, the gambrel roof design is very utilitarian, aiming to create the most usable space possible. This is just one of the benefits of a gambrel roof, but there are many others, including:
More Interior Space
Again, one of the most significant benefits of a gambrel roof truss design is the amount of space it offers. The roof's unique shape creates a significant amount of space below it. Instead of the tiny, cramped attics you'd get with a gable roof, you get usable space—for homes, it could be a small bedroom or hangout area. For gambrel roof barn designs or sheds, it is the perfect loft area for more storage.
Simple, Unique Designs
When compared to other roof shapes, gambrel roofs have a simplistic design, which gives them a certain beauty. There are no hips, valleys, or other elaborate designs, just two varying, symmetrical slopes on either side, one steeper than the other. This minimizes the required labor while also giving the roof a more unique and attractive appearance.
Versatility
Gambrel roofs work for many structures—from small and large homes to gambrel roof barn designs, sheds, and even dog houses. This versatility also extends to home styles: Dutch colonials, Georgian-style homes, coastal cottages, and farmhouses all work well with this roof style.
Affordability
Unlike more completed hip roofs and their various variations, the gambrel roof truss design is straightforward. This makes these roofs more affordable to build and maintain, but they are generally a more middle-of-the-road option compared to other roof shapes like gable and flat roofs.
On average, a 2,000-square-foot gambrel roof will cost around $16,000 to $30,000, or $8 to $15 per square foot. However, this cost can vary depending on various factors, such as where you live, the size of the home, the contractor you hire, the roofing material, and even the cost of lumber.
Labor for a gambrel roof will add around $40 to $80 an hour, while materials can cost $4 to $20, depending on your choice.
Suitable for Many Climates
Gambrel roof house designs are suitable for many climates when the proper precautions are taken. However, they are best suited to temperate and moderate regions or drier regions where snow is less of a concern. That is not to say it cannot work in a region with snow accumulation, but it is important to consider the pressure snow piling up on the top slope would cause.
Traditional American Aesthetics
Gambrel roofs offer a classic aesthetic that appeals to many homeowners, particularly those who love these early colonial home styles. Despite the simple design, it is a roof that gives homes a certain charm you couldn't get with other roofs.
Are Gambrel Roofs Energy Efficient?
Another benefit of gambrel roofs is energy efficiency. The ample attic space that gambrel roof designs means not only more usable space but also more space to install insulation, which helps to minimize heat or cool air loss and maintain temperatures.
This space also helps to ensure better ventilation than other roof shapes, which helps to prevent moisture buildup. The roof can be made even more efficient with the material you choose; options like composite roofing tiles offer insulating properties that, like the insulation, will help to regulate temperatures and minimize heat loss.
How Does Climate Affect Performance?
As mentioned, gambrel roof home designs aren't well-suited for every climate but can be adapted to work. For instance, snow can become trapped on top in areas with heavy snowfall, leading to excessive strain on the roof's structure. This snow can also lead to leaks if the roof joins aren’t sealed properly. The gambrel roof truss design must be reinforced in these climates to support heavier loads. You'll also want to choose a more moisture-resistant material like metal, slate, or composite roofing. You must also ensure all joints are properly sealed to avoid leaks from snow and rain.
Gambrel roofs are also more prone to wind damage depending on the type, making them less suited for windy climates.
Types of Gambrel Roofs
Like most roof shapes, gambrel roof designs are not all the same. There are several gambrel roof types. For some homes, an architect may break from the tradition of symmetry associated with gambrel roofs to create an overhang that can double as a patio or to create more indoor space. Some gambrel roof designs include:
The Classic Gambrel
The classic gambrel roof has a symmetrical double-slope design with no hips. There will also be two gable windows on the front. Generally, the classic design will have a slight overhang on all sides.
Asymmetrical Gambrel Design
An asymmetrical design is an example of architects taking liberties with gambrel roof house designs. By stretching out one side of the roof, you can create additional inside or outside space. Alternatively, the architect may design the roof with only one side featuring the traditional double slope.
Wall-Supported Gambrel Roof
To save on the cost of materials, homeowners may opt for a wall-supported gambrel roof project. These roofs have no overhang; instead, they join each wall at an angle.
Mansard Gambrel
A mansard roof is a four-sided gambrel-style roof. While in the past, architects made no distinction between the two styles, now the two are recognized as having their own distinctive shapes. Besides the more obvious difference in the number of sides, mansard roofs are also hipped, with dormers on their lower slope.
The Classic Gambrel Look With Brava
Gambrel roofs are versatile roof shapes that can complement a variety of aesthetics, especially with the different types that exist—the above is just a few, but there are many more. This versatility makes them open to many materials, but some of the most classic options are wood shakes, shingles, and slate roofing, each with drawbacks. Brava Roofing Tile makes composite tiles that allow you to get that classic look with modern, sustainable materials made from recycled plastics.
These roofing tiles mimic cedar shakes and slate tiles, offering a realistic appearance in various stunning colors. They are also incredibly durable: Class A fire resistance, Class 4 impact resistance, Miami-Dade County Certified, and much more. Thus, you can have peace of mind that your Brava roof will protect your home for many decades to come.
Contact Brava today to learn more about our roofing tiles and how to get them for your own gambrel roof home design.
