7 Types of Gable Roofs and How to Choose One | Angi (2025)

Updated

Sep 17, 2024

1. Box Gable

Best for: Homes with minimal exposure to extremely high winds

2. Cross Gable

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3. Dutch Gable

Best for: Homeowners who want a unique appearance on their gable roof.

4. Front Gable

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5. Open Gable

Best for: Homes that want an inexpensive, traditional roof design

6. Gambrel Roof

Best for: Homes that want added attic space

7. Saltbox Roof

A saltbox roof is similar in structural design to an open gable roof, but one slope extends further down than the other, creating an asymmetrical design. This makes for a visually appealing structure that sheds rain well, but the tall, exposed side walls are more susceptible to damage from strong winds.

As such, saltbox roofs are best in areas that don’t see extreme weather, like hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes. One other thing to consider is that the side of the home with the shallower slope provides more attic space or interior living space than an open gable roof.

Best for: A unique appearance with added attic or living space

Home Styles That Pair Well With Gable Roofs

Gable roofs are the standard among homes in the U.S., primarily because they pair so well with a variety of home styles.

• A-frame homes: A-frame homes often use simple gables with steep slopes that extend all the way to the ground.

• Bungalow: Two key features of a bungalow are the small footprint and low cost. Since gable roofs are some of the simplest to construct, they do well in low-cost bungalow homes.

• Cape cod: Cape Cod homes traditionally have simple gable roofs with doghouse dormers.

• Colonial: A staple of Colonial-style homes is a simple gable roof with multiple box gables on the ends of the home.

• Dutch Colonial: Dutch Colonial homes often feature Dutch gables or cross gable roofs that have a simple gable running along the length of the home and Dutch gables extending forward for adornment.

• Greek Revival: Homes that fall under the Greek Revival style usually have low-slope gables and front gables supported by large, decorative columns.

• Modern: Some modern homes feature low-slope saltbox gables for a unique take on a traditional style.

• Ranch: Ranch-style homes include a single floor, so the limited attic space offered by an affordable gable roof isn’t much of a concern.

• Tudor: The Tudor style often includes Dutch gables adorned with cross gables for a unique, traditional appearance.

• Victorian: Victorian homes often have steep gable roofs as their main focal point, with decorative elements to dress up the more traditional design.

What You Need to Know About Gable Roofs vs. Other Designs

The various types of gable roofs are popular in the United States because of their traditional design and because they can successfully handle rain and snow. Compared to other roof types, they boast some appealing pros.

• Gable vs. flat roofs: Although a gable roof could suffer more damage in severe wind storms versus a flat roof, it outperforms a flat roof in allowing rain and snow to flow away.

• Gable vs. hip roofs: With a gable roof versus a hip roof, the gable roof is clearly better for combatting snow and ice accumulation due to steeper slopes. The hip roof can withstand hurricane-force winds better with its slopes on all sides, but it’s also more complex and more expensive when you hire a roofer to install it.

• Gable vs. shed roofs: Both shed roofs and gable roofs may struggle to avoid damage in high wind, but steep shed roofs tend to have more issues with the wind than gable roofs. Gables also tend to have steeper slopes that shed rain and snow more efficiently.

If you are unsure whether you want a gable roof or another type of roof for your new home construction, reach out to a local roofing company for help and accurate roofing cost estimates.