The roofing design you choose for your residential, commercial, or industrial building says a lot about the overall look of the structure. And with advancements in technology and architecture, there are now more roofing designs to choose from than ever before.
But when it comes down to it, two of the most popular roofing designs are shed roofs and gable roofs. But what’s the difference between these two styles? This blog post will highlight the pros and cons of each type of roofing design.
You will also get an in-depth comparison of the two roofing styles to help you decide which is right for your building.
What is a Shed Roof?
Think of a flat roof on a steep slope- now that is what we call a shed roof! A shed roof, also known as a skillion roof, single-pitched roof, or lean-to, is a single-slope roofing design that slopes downward from one end to the other.
The shed roof style is a popular choice for contemporary and modern-style homes or businesses because of its clean and simple lines. You can also construct a shed roof with any roofing material like; sheet metal, rubber membrane, or an EPDM sheet.
Shed roofs were mainly used in outbuildings (backyard sheds, garden sheds) because they were more accessible and cheaper to construct than a pitched roof. Nowadays, however, it is not uncommon to see shed roofs as the primary roofing system on all structures, from houses to office buildings.
What to Know About Shed Roof
Did you know you can incorporate shed-style roof design as a new addition to your home or a re-roofing project? The versatility of this roof allows you to combine it with a hip roof or other roof styles to create a unique look for your home.
What’s more? This roof style is an affordable option for budget-conscious home improvement shoppers. The design uses fewer roofing materials which cuts down the overall roofing cost.
The flat surface on the shed-style roof also creates a surface area ideal for skylights, solar panels, or other energy-saving roofing options. This means you can use government incentives and save money on your energy bills by generating your power.
Pros and Cons of Shed Roof
Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages associated with shed roof design;
PROS
Simplicity
Shed roofs are one of the essential roofing designs, making them very straightforward to build. This also means that shed roofs are generally less expensive since they require fewer materials than more complex roofing designs.
Versatility
The shed roof design can be adapted to suit various building styles, from traditional to modern. You can incorporate a shed roof into almost any type of home design.
Effective Water Shedding
Shed roofs are generally more efficient than flat roofs when shedding water and snow. The steep pitch of a shed roof allows water and snow to run off more quickly, which helps prevent leaks and other damage.
Lots of Natural Sunlight
A shed roof design can help maximize the amount of natural sunlight entering your home. This is because the single sloping surface of the shed roof allows more light to enter through the tall windows at the front of the house and skylights.
Suitable to Install Solar Panels
The sloping surface of a shed roof is also ideal for solar panels. Solar panels can be installed on the shed roof and angled to maximize efficiency.
CONS
Limited Headroom
One downside to the shed roof design is that it offers limited vertical space compared to other roofing designs. This can be an issue if you plan on using your attic or upper level as storage space or extra living space.
Less Aesthetically Pleasing
Most homeowners find the shed roof “too simple.” The simplicity of the shed roof design can make it appear less aesthetically pleasing than more complex designs. This limits your home’s curb appeal and can make it harder to sell in the future.
More susceptible to leaks
The single-plane design of shed roofs means they are more susceptible to leaks than other roofing designs. If your shed roof is not installed correctly, you may find yourself dealing with expensive repairs down the road.
Susceptibility to High Winds
Another downside to the shed roof design is that it is more susceptible to damage from high winds than other roofing designs. This is because shed roofs have a smaller surface area than other roofing designs. If you live in an area with high winds, you may want to consider another roofing option.
What is a Gable Roof?
The Gable shed roof is another standard roof design in the shed building industry. Gable roofs are commonly pitched or peaked roofs and can be identified by their triangular shape.
It gets its name because of the triangular shape created by the roof’s sloping. Gable style roof is easy to build and is the most popular roof style for Sheds.
About Gable Roof
Gable roofs have two roof beams with a peak in the middle. This design allows snow and rain to run off the sides of the roof quickly. Another advantage to gable roofs is that they offer more storage space than other shed roof styles. This allows you to add shelves and other storage solutions to your shed.
This roof style is excellent for people who live in high altitude or windy areas. The Gable shed roof is one of the most robust roofs available and can withstand high winds and heavy snowfall. The steep slopes guarantee the roof’s protection on the sides that diverts the rain and snow to the ground.
Pros and Cons of Gable Roof
PROS
Easy shed water and snow
Water runoff ability is crucial in the design of any roof. A gable roof will be very beneficial if a house is located in an area with significant rainfall or snowfall. The sloped design of a gable roof allows water and snow to shed off the sides rather than pooling on top quickly.
Provides more attic space
The simple design of a gable roof also creates additional living space in the home. This is because the sloped ceiling can be utilized as extra storage space or even converted into another room altogether.
Better air circulation
Gable roofs offer much better ventilation and air circulation than other roofs. This is because there are no internal obstructions impeding airflow. As a result, hot air can rise and escape through the roof while cooler air is drawn in from the bottom.
Cosmetics
Gable roofs also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing than other roofs. This is because they add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the home. The overhang eaves also help to give the outdoor space a more stately appearance.
CONS
More expensive
Gable roofs are generally more expensive to construct than other types of roofs. You will require more building materials and labor to build, increasing the overall construction cost.
Increased wind damage
Gable roofs are more susceptible to wind damage. This is because the triangular shape creates a large surface area that can be easily blown away in high winds. To combat this, homes in hurricane-prone areas are often built with braces or trusses to reinforce the roof.
Not suitable for all climates
Gable roofs are not suitable for all climates. Avoiding this type of roof in areas with high winds and hurricanes is best. Additionally, gable roofs can be problematic in snow-prone areas as the large surface area can cause the roof to collapse under the weight of the snow.
In-depth Comparison Between Shed Roof and Gable Roof
Below is an in-depth comparison of shed and gable roof styles for your homes.
Appearance/Design
As the name suggests, a shed roof features a single plane pitched at a low angle. This type of roof is simple in design and is often seen in contemporary or modern-style homes.
A shed roof can also be used as an extension to create extra living space, such as a lean-to conservatory.
The gable roof traditionally features two sloping planes at a ridge, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape. This type of roof is more complex than a shed roof and is often seen in traditional-style homes.
Both roof styles have unique looks, depending on the homeowner’s preference. However, most homeowners opt for a gable roof.
Durability
Skillion roofs do not do well in areas that experience high winds, as a single plane can act like a sail and catch the wind. They are also not ideal for areas that experience heavy snowfall as the low angle means the snow can settle and put pressure on the roof.
Gable roofs are more durable than shed roofs as they can withstand high winds and heavy snowfall. This is because the two sloping planes provide more stability, and there is less chance of the roof collapsing.
Gable roofs are excellent in terms of durability and can last many years without any issues.
Installation
Shed roofs are cheaper to build than gable roofs as they are more straightforward in design. You may require fewer materials during construction, cutting the overall budget.
Gable roofs are more expensive to build than shed roofs as they are more complex in design. They also require more building materials as there are two planes instead of one.
Shed roof cuts the edge when it comes to the cost; therefore, ideal for budget-friendly homeowners.
Care and Maintenance
Shed roofs are easier to maintain than gable roofs as there is only one plane to inspect. You will also find it easier to repair damage as there is only one plane to work on.
Gable roofs are more challenging to maintain than shed roofs as there are two planes to inspect. Any damage will require repairs on both planes, which can be costly.
The single plane on a shed roof makes it easier to inspect and repair, requiring less maintenance.
Drainage
The flat or low-pitch design of a shed roof means poor drainage. This can lead to water pooling on the roof, which can cause leaks or other damage.
The two sloping planes on a gable roof provide good drainage, meaning that water will not pool on the roof. This reduces the risk of leaks or other roof damages.
Gable roofs offer better drainage than shed roofs, making them more reliable.
Ventilation
The flat or low-pitch design of a shed roof means poor ventilation. This can lead to condensation and heat build-up problems in the attic or loft space.
The two sloping planes on a gable roof provide good ventilation, meaning there is less condensation and heat build-up risk.
Gable roofs offer better ventilation than shed roofs, making them more reliable.
Weight
Shed roofs are lighter than gable roofs as there is only one plane. This makes them easier to construct and less likely to cause structural damage to the home.
Gable roofs are heavier than shed roofs as there are two planes. This means that they require more support during construction and are more likely to cause structural damage to the home.
Shed roofs are lighter in weight, making them easier to construct and less likely to cause damage to the home.
Versatility
Shed roofs are more versatile than gable roofs as you can use them in various home styles. They can also be easily adapted to suit the needs of the homeowner.
Gable roofs are less versatile than shed roofs as they are only suitable for certain home styles. This means that they may not be able to be adapted to suit the needs of the homeowner.
Shed roofs offer more versatility than gable roofs, making them a more reliable option.
Resale Value
Shed roofs do not add as much value to a home as gable roofs. This is because they are less popular and considered to be less attractive.
Gable roofs add more value to a home than shed roofs. A house with a gable roof is often seen as more desirable, meaning it will sell for a higher price.
A gable roof is the better option if you want to add value to your home.
Fire, Water & Hail Resistance
Shed roofs are less resistant to fire, water, and hail damage than gable roofs. This is because a single plane is more vulnerable to damage than two.
Gable roofs are more resistant to fire, water, and hail damage than shed roofs. This is because the two planes provide extra protection against damage.
If you’re looking for a roof that is more resistant to fire, water, and hail damage, then a gable roof is the better option.
Verdict; Which is Better?
Both shed roofs and gable roofs have their advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to weigh all the factors before deciding which roof is best for your home. If you’re still undecided, a gable roof is generally the better option as it offers more benefits than a shed roof.