Pent roof or gable: which one is better for my new house?

Lily Cichanowicz Lily Cichanowicz
Mon Rêve, reitsema & partners architecten bna reitsema & partners architecten bna 컨트리스타일 주택
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There are many different components that go into designing the right home. Beyond decisions about materials and dimensions, there are plenty of details that must be decided before construction can commence. 

One such element that is certainly fundamental to the look of the home is the roof. Yet, the ability to distinguish between the various roof types can require a good deal of research and education. The terminology used to describe different kinds of roofs isn’t exactly part of our everyday vernacular, after all. 

While there are actually quite a few different roofs to choose from, it’s good to compare and contrast those similar to each other in order to narrow down the search. Today we will be doing this with regard to gable and pent roofs. Haven’t heard of those? That’s okay too. Here’s everything you need to know in order to decide which one is better for your house.

First a bit of theory…

For those of you that are new to these concepts, let’s begin by clarifying just what exactly we mean by ‘gable’ and ‘pent.’ 

Gable roofs are actually quite easy to distinguish. Imagine you’re looking at a drawing of a house made by a child; chances are the house has a gable roof. The gable roof is that classic triangular style roof with a sharp peak. For reference, the grey house by Nobuyoshi Hayashi featured above is an example of a gabled roof. 

Meanwhile, a pent roof, also known as a shed roof, is one with a single slanting surface rather than two that join together at a sharp angle, as with the gable roof shape. Both of these roof styles can come in several different sizes and variations. Sometimes, homes even have a combination of both.

If you have a narrow plot, go for the pent roof

Because the pent roof typically has less breadth than a gable roof, opting to structure your home around a pent roof is a good option for anyone with limited amount of space to work with. Plus, when narrow houses have gable roofs, the angle at which the roof slabs meet is far too sharp. While a bit of ceiling slant can be desirable, a double slanted ceiling in a home with limited width is not so practical. 

Pent roofs are easy to assemble and use fewer materials than the gable roof. For those with a bit more space to work with, consider combining two pent roofs in the fashion depicted here for an interesting alternative to the gable roof.

You love functionality? Take the gable!

There is a reason why the gable roof is so iconic, and it’s not just because it’s easy for school children to draw. Gable roofs provide plenty of functionality, too. If you’re looking to design a home that has lots of storage space, the vaulted ceilings created through the gable design make for a perfect attic storage space. 

Further, gable roofs shed precipitation quite easily, and they are very versatile. For example, there are four major types of gabled roofs including the Dutch gable, front gable, crossed gable, and side gable. It is even possible to mix these different varieties for a more aesthetically interesting look. This cottage features one of the most basic gable designs. Thanks to the vaulted ceiling, the cottage is able to outfit this beautiful bespoke window.

You want modern design? Plan with a pent roof!

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The gable roof is undoubtedly traditional. Therefore, if you’re looking to cultivate a sleek and modern style you’re better off going with a pent roof. Pent roofs are even simpler than gables in terms of their shape and structure, which gives them a trendy minimalist feel. 

Pent roofs can be tremendously effective in making a traditional home feel more intriguing and inventive. This classic wooden cottage, for instance, is totally revamped thanks to its pent roof. If it had a gabled roof it would look more akin to your average cabin in the woods.

The power of simplicity: the gable roof wins out

Even though pent roofs are structurally more minimalistic than the gabled roof, culture and history are powerful tools. It is unlikely that the gabled roof will be able to shake its quaint reputation. 

They are quite common, and builders will have an easier time approaching and executing this style. This fact usually results in lower installation costs as well. They are relatively cheap and straightforward in design. A gabled roof will give your home the same kind of classic charm as the roof itself. Overall, the gable roof is an exceptionally practical and efficient choice.

Economic and energy efficient: you can’t lose

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If reading this guide has you feeling torn between the two, rest assured that no matter which option you ultimately choose, you really can’t lose. That’s because both the pent and the gable are economical and energy efficient. Because of their simple, slanting structures, these roofs are easy to install and common. Because they use relatively few materials, and their structure is so straightforward, both supplies and labour costs are pretty low. 

As for their energy efficiency, these roofs are ideal for climates that receive a lot of precipitation because they provide excellent water drainage. Moreover, due to the slanted ceilings they create, both pent and gabled roofs offer great ventilation, which helps mitigate excessive moisture and allows harmful gases to exit the home.

Now that you've had a chance to decide on a roof, here are some tips for designing your dream house. Good luck!

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