Hip Roof vs Gable Roof: Comparing the Two

Are you looking for information about the difference between a hip roof vs a gable roof?

One of the largest parts of your home is its roof. While we know it is essential to keep our roof’s shingles in the best shape to prevent leaks, do you know the types of roofs? A hip roof and a gable roof are the most common

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How can you tell the difference between a hip and a gable roof?

Hip and gable roofs can exhibit similar qualities and be versatile in their own right; however, the main difference between the two is that a hip roof is a lower-sloped type of roof while a gable roof is a higher-sloped type of roof.

Hip Roof Info:

Below you will find information about how hip roofs function, the types of hip roofs, and the pros and cons!

What are Hip roofs?

Hip roofs are when the roof sides slope downward toward their respective walls. In the hip roof design, the walls are tucked away under the eaves of all the roof’s sides. Remember that there are no vertical ends, and the edges slope inward toward a ridge (the ends of adjacent sloping sides). When formed when two adjacent sides meet, this ridge creates an angle, calling it “hip.”

Types of Hip roofs

• Half hip roof (Jerkin head roof/clipped-gable) – A gabled roof with a minor hip roof section.
• Tented roof – A polygonal, hipped roof with slopes that meet at a peak. Think of a church!
• Pavilion roof (Open Gable roof) – A square hip roof designed with a square structure base that creates a pyramid roof.
• Mansard roof – A hip roof with two different sloping angles, where the bottom angle has a higher degree of steepness than the top.
• Dutch gable roof – A hip roof with a small gable portion on the top.

Pros of Hip Roofs:

• An outstanding contribution to the curbside appeal
• Eaves and gutters are consistent and congruent at every side of the roof
• Resistant to heavy impact from elements: high winds and heavy snow.
• Intended for more self-bracing = more durability, rather than diagonal bracing!
• Higher Energy efficiency

Cons of Hip Roofs:

• Less attic space overall
• Requires extensive knowledge, very complex, = more building materials.
• Expensive to build, and also new shingles are more costly because they require extra roofing material.
• If you have dormers, they can be prone to water leaks.

Gable Roofs Info:

Gable roofs are what you typically envision when you picture a roof. Similar to the classic “A-Frame,” a gable roof makes it easier to install new shingles and offers pros and cons as well.

What are Gable roofs?

Gabled roofs are a popular roof style in cold and temperate climates. The design must have two sloping sides and one or more gables. A gable is a wall section encompassing a particular end of a pitched roof. Remember that roof pitches are highly variable depending on the roof’s size, architectural design, etc. The height of your roof depends on the initial construction truss height, which impacts attic space, soffit, and more.

Types of Gable Roofs

• Flying Gable roof (prow gable roof) – A gabled roof where the eave overhang is tucked away underneath the extended ridge overhang.
• Open Gable roof – A hip roof with a square structure base that creates a pyramid roof.
• Box Gable roof – A hip roof with two different sloping angles, where the bottom angle has a higher degree of steepness than the top.
• Gambrel roof – A polygonal, hipped roof with slopes that meet at a peak. Think of a church!
• Crossed Gable roof – A gable roof where a 90-degree angle is formed due to the intersecting of two gable roof lines.

Pros of a Gable Roof:

• More straightforward to design and construct
• More air ventilation with gable vents
• Versatile can be combined with different roof designs.
• Less expensive and also requires fewer shingles
• More space for vaulted ceilings and more attic space due to increased vertical space

Cons of Gable Roofs:

• Less Resistant to heavy impact from the elements, exceptionally high winds.
• Detract from curbside appeal with a plainer look overall.
• More overhang in the roof creates structural vulnerability

Hip Roofs vs Gable Roofs: Which is better?

Which is the better roof, a hip roof or a gable roof?

Truthfully, this is more than a yes or no question. It depends on your current context. Hipped roofs are more substantial but take a little more out of the budget. While gable roofing is more cost-effective, it’s less resistant to high-impact elements. Regardless of your context, always think long-term!

There will always be trade-offs in making the ultimate decision, but if you are stuck in any way, shape, or form, feel free to contact a licensed roofing professional to help address your home’s roofing needs. Most of the debate between the two boils down to new construction and what aesthetics you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main differences between hip and gable roofs?

A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, which meet at the roof ridge, providing excellent stability and resistance to high winds. On the other hand, a gable roof has two sloping sides that form a triangular shape at the ends, allowing for better ventilation and attic space. While gable roofs are more cost-effective and easier to build, hip roofs offer superior durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for storm-prone areas.

2. Which is better: a hip roof or a gable roof?

The best choice depends on your climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Gable roofs are more affordable and offer better attic ventilation but are more vulnerable to strong winds. Hip roofs are sturdier and better suited for extreme weather conditions but are more expensive due to their complex design. If you live in an area with frequent storms, a hip roof is safer, whereas a gable roof may be better for budget-conscious homeowners (this pertains more to new construction).

3. What are the disadvantages of a hip roof?

When comparing a gable and hip roofs, most people look at the cost. The main disadvantage to a hip roof is the sheer cost in how much construction costs, but also if you replace the shingles.

On average, a hip roof costs more because instead of just one ridge like a gable roof, it has the top ridge and four other ridges. Therefore, a hip roof requires more shingles, and roofing contractors must factor in more shingle loss when shingling the ridges.

Some homeowners also dislike the lack of attic space and dormers, which can be more prone to leaks. In some cases, more roof space equals a greater chance of leaks.

4. Is a hip roof cheaper than a gable roof?

No, a hip roof is not cheaper than a gable roof. Gable and hip roofs tend to require about the same number of shingles to cover the roof decking, but the extra ridges make a hip roof more expensive.

A hip roof has no vertical ends, meaning it is sloped on all sides, whereas a gable roof style encloses the end of a pitched roof. The sides of a gable roof do not slope downward, unlike a hip roof, which is why a hip roof is also more expensive.

Lastly, everything is measured by the square foot and by square, which means 100 total square feet. On average, a hip roof will require more squares than its gable roof counterpart.