Whether you are constructing a new building or repairing the existing one, selecting the right roof is an important part of the entire decor planning process because the roof designs plays a vital role in protecting the house from extreme weather conditions and defining the exterior look of the house. There are various roofing options available in the market; however, in this article, we have discussed gable and valley roofs, which contribute to elevating the look and protecting the house from outside elements.
Read more: What are the Gable Roofs? Everything You Need to Know
Gable Roofs
Gable roof design is the most popular roof style in the US. As a kid, you may have drawn a square house with a triangular top, and that’s a gable roof. Gable roof features two slopes meeting at the top, forming a triangular shape with a peak.
Read more: The Best 6 Shingles For Roofing Ideas To Inspire You!
Characteristics Of Gable Roofs
- Sloping Sides : There are different sizes and numbers of slopes in a gable roof depending on the size of the property. Usually, two slopes form a triangle in small houses, but in both properties, there are more than two sloped sections.
- Aesthetic Versatility :The Gable roof adds an aesthetic element to the house with its classic and elegant look.
- Perfect for extreme cold regions
- Steep pitch helps snow, water, and moisture to slip off the roof, avoiding water accumulation on the roof.
Benefits Of Gable Roofs
- Effective Drainage – Gable roof sheds snow, rainwater, and moisture, ruling out water accumulation and preventing leakage. It will also reduce the weight of the roof, adding life to it.
- Ventilation Advantages – A vent installed at the top of a gabled roof helps hot air to escape from the attic, preventing overheating of the building.
- Less expensive – As it involves basic construction material, the price of installation gets reduced.
- More Area for Solar Panels – If one of the planes is south-facing, it is easy to install solar panels without any complication of angles.
Valley Roofs
Valley roof is the roof in which two roof slopes meet forming an angle, known as an intersection. It forms a channel or an intersection for smooth flow of water from the roof that makes it a preferred choice for homeowners.
Features Of Valley Roofs
- Intersection Points: Intersecting points are created for the smooth flow of water from the roof.
- Water Channeling: The intersection provides a perfect channel for water flow, avoiding any leakage and water accumulation.
- Elegant Look: The valley roof apart from providing practical benefits, helps in enhancing the elegance and curb appeal of the exterior house.
Advantages Of Valley Roofs
- Enhanced Aesthetics – Valley roofs maintain a perfect balance between the functional aspects and adding aesthetic elements to the roof.
- Structural Integrity – As there is no water or snow accumulation on the valley roof, the roof is saved from bearing weight, adding to its structural strength.
- It is affordable due to which many homeowners prefer it.
- Inspection is easy
Comparing Gable And Valley Roofs
| Gable Roof | Valley Roof | |
| 1. | Water and snow can slide off the roof with ease | The closed valley roof doesn’t allow easy slide to water and snow due to the structure |
| 2. | There’s no extra weight on the roof because of free flow of water and snow | Debris accumulation in case of closed valley roof exerts extra pressure on the roof |
| 3. | No ice dams are formed | Ice dams may form due to snow accumulation |
| 4. | Gable roof can last up to 40 years | Roof can last up to 20 years |
| 5. | Installation cost is bit high | Installation cost is affordable |
| 6. | Not suitable for areas with high wind | Work well in high wind zone as well |
| 7. | Provides better ventilation | Ventilation is not proper |
| 8. | Low maintenance | High maintenance |
| 9. | These are affordable | These are costly |
| 10. | The Gable roof has two slopes meeting at the triangular shape with a peak | A Valley roof has an angle formed when two sides of the roof meet |
| 11. | Gable roofs are of many types, such as box gable, cross gable, front, gambrel, dutch, and saltbox | Valley roofs are of three types: closed and woven |
Conclusion
Gable roof and valley roof are the two roofs preferred for houses with an upper floor with an attic to create an additional living room. Both have their pros and cons.
Consider all the pros and cons and see what suits your requirements and decide on the roofing styles. Gable roofs last longer than valley roofs and have low maintenance. However, both have an aesthetic appeal.
