There are so many decisions to make surrounding the purchase of a new shed. One of those decisions is which type of roof you want. Whether you choose a shed with a gable-style or gambrel-style roof can depend on visual preference, weather, size, and price.
What is the Difference Between Gable and Gambrel?
Gable
A gable-style roof is a very common roof type. It has two sloping pieces on either side of the building.
Gambrel
A gambrel-style roof has four sloping pieces on top of the building. It is also commonly known as a "barn-style" roof.
Weather
The type of weather your area typically experiences may influence which roof style you choose. Both styles will withstand typical levels of wind, rain, snow, and sleet. However, each of them has pros and cons if you have concerns about specific types of weather.
A shed with a gable roof will have more open areas on the outside walls, leaving your siding a little more exposed to the elements. However, the gable roof's slopes are better for water runoff, preventing mold and mildew in environments that experience heavy rain or snow.
A shed with a gambrel roof has a steeper slope and pitch. It does not withstand heavy rain and snowfall as well as its gable counterpart. However, it has fewer open areas on the outside walls, protecting it better against strong winds.
Size
There are varying reasons for purchasing a shed for your backyard. The most common reason among shoppers is storage. If you are using your shed for storage, consider closely the amount of space each shed style has.
Sheds with a gambrel roof come with more head room due to the roof shape and taller peak height. The gambrel style is the perfect choice for those who need extra overhead storage for things like taller equipment, long-handled tools, and mounted shelves.
Price
While you shouldn't sacrifice quality to save money when buying a shed, you may still be on a budget. Sheds with a gable-style roof use less wood and other materials than gambrel sheds. This means they tend to cost less money, too. If price is an important factor to you, a gable-style shed could be what you're looking for.
With all the choices in front of you when making a big purchase like a shed, it’s important to take all factors into consideration. Choosing the right roof will help ensure that you continue to be happy with your shed for years to come.
