A gable roof is a roof with two sloping surfaces that meet at the top in a ridge. It is the most common roof shape in the Netherlands, recognisable by the triangular gable walls on the short sides. The name comes from its resemblance to a saddle.
Characteristics
| Property | Gable roof |
|---|---|
| Number of roof surfaces | 2 |
| Ridge | Yes |
| Drainage | To two sides |
| Roof pitch | 30-55° (usually 40-45° for houses) |
| Construction | Trusses or rafter roof |
Why is the gable roof so popular?
1. Good water drainage — Rain and snow slide off the roof quickly
2. Attic space — The pitch creates usable loft space
3. Structurally efficient — The triangular shape (truss) is stable
4. Proven construction — Tested for centuries in the Dutch climate
5. Many roofing options — Suitable for tiles, slates, bitumen, and more
Roof pitch
The pitch of the gable roof determines the appearance, usable attic space, and possible roofing materials:
| Pitch | Appearance | Attic space |
|---|---|---|
| 30° | Low, modern | Limited |
| 40° | Classic Dutch | Good |
| 45° | Steep, traditional | Spacious |
| 50-55° | Very steep (monumental) | Very spacious |
For roof tiles, a minimum pitch of 25-30° is required (depending on the tile type).
Construction
Truss roof (most common)
Trusses form the triangular frames, connected by purlins. Suitable for all spans.
Rafter roof
Rafters only, without trusses. The rafters run from the ridge purlin to the wall plate. Suitable for narrow buildings (up to approximately 5 metres wide).
Components
- Trusses — The load-bearing triangular frames
- Ridge purlin — Horizontal beam at the ridge
- Wall plate — Horizontal beam on the wall
- Rafters — Sloping beams from ridge to wall
- Purlins — Horizontal intermediate beams
- Ridge cap — The finish on top of the ridge
Gable roof for DIY projects
The gable roof is the standard choice for:
- Building a shed — Room for storage in the loft
- Building a garage — Traditional appearance, option for a loft level
- Building a garden house — More character than a flat or mono-pitch roof
- Building a log cabin — The classic log cabin always has a gable roof
Related terms
- Mono-pitch roof (lean-to roof)
- Hip roof
- Flat roof
- Ridge cap
- Truss
- Ridge purlin
- Roof structure