Architecture
Design Details
Renovation Detail: The Gambrel Roof
With sloped sides rising to a graceful center point, the classic gambrel roof combines architectural beauty and interior breathing room
When I became a homeowner, I began studying nearly every house I passed, taking note of architectural features, landscaping, color palettes, materials and more. In doing so, I discovered an immeasurable amount of information about traditional architectural details, such as gambrel roofs.
A gambrel is typically a symmetrical, two-sided roof with two slopes on either side of the central ridge beam. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow gable-like angle, while the lower slope is much steeper. Its two great advantages are maximized headroom and longevity, as the gambrel lends itself to surviving adverse weather conditions.
My home has a gable roof, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the gambrel and long for its extra space.
A gambrel is typically a symmetrical, two-sided roof with two slopes on either side of the central ridge beam. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow gable-like angle, while the lower slope is much steeper. Its two great advantages are maximized headroom and longevity, as the gambrel lends itself to surviving adverse weather conditions.
My home has a gable roof, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the gambrel and long for its extra space.
This Jamestown home perfectly showcases the symmetrical facade for which gambrels are known.
From inside a gambrel, you can see how the four slopes are split symmetrically down the middle of the central ridge beam, creating two on each side.
A gambrel roof typically overhangs the facade.
This Massachusetts beauty is technically considered a cross-gambrel roof, as it has multiple gambrels on perpendicular frames.
This Dutch Colonial home features a gambrel roofline with a mini kickout addition that mirrors the main roof.
After an extensive renovation, this Westport home's gambrel roof helps to integrate the old and new sections of the house while maintaining its charming character.
More features of traditional home design
More features of traditional home design