Roofs

Renovation Detail: The Gambrel Roof

As soon as I became a homeowner, I began studying almost every house I passed, taking note of architectural features, landscaping, color palettes, materials and much more. I discovered an quantity of information about architectural elements, such as roofs.

A gambrel is usually a symmetrical, two-sided roof with two slopes on either side of the principal ridge beam. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow gable-like angle, while the lower slope is a lot steeper. Its two great benefits are maximized headroom and durability, as the gambrel lends itself to surviving adverse weather conditions.

My house has a gable roof, but it does not mean I do not enjoy the gambrel and long for its extra space.

Community & Architecture Design, Union Studio

This Jamestown home perfectly showcases the symmetrical facade for which gambrels are known.

Gus Duffy AIA

From within a gambrel, you can see how the four slopes are split symmetrically down the center of the principal ridge beam, creating two on each side.

Specht Architects

Gambrel roofs initially were found on barns — their layout supplied the low-maintenance benefits of a sloped roof whilst allowing room for hay on the building’s upper layer.

Community & Architecture Design, Union Studio

A gambrel roof usually overhangs the facade.

LDa Interiors & Architecture

This Massachusetts beauty is technically regarded as a cross-gambrel roof, as it’s multiple gambrels on vertical frames.

Ron Brenner Architects

This Dutch Colonial home features a gambrel roofline using a mini kickout inclusion that mirrors the major roof.

A gambrel structure looks exceptionally nostalgic in deep barn red.

Wormser + Associates Architects

After an extensive renovation, this Westport house’s gambrel roof helps to integrate the old and new sections of the house whilst preserving its charming personality.

More features of conventional home design

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