There are dozens of different types of roof shapes but two of the most common are gable roofs and hip roofs. When it's time to replace your roof material or put on a new roof on a new construction, you might be wondering if the shape of your roof affects the roof types you should consider installing.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we’ve been manufacturing metal roofing and siding panels for decades and are often asked about when it’s best to use a metal roof.
In this article, we go over the differences between gable roofs and hip roofs and they relate to metal roofing.
What Is A Gable Roof?
A gable roof, also known as a pitched roof or a peaked roof, is a roof design where there are two sloping sides that come together at a ridge. Gable roofs are less complex and usually less expensive than hipped roofs.
Standing Seam roof in Corten AZP Raw
There are also many variations of a gable roof, such as a gambrel roof. These roof shapes generally also have some features that are found on hipped roofs.
What Is A Hip Roof?
A hip roof, or hipped roof, is a roof design where there are no vertical ends and all of the roof sides are equal length and slope downward toward the walls. The walls of the house sit under the eaves on each side of the roof.
There are also many variations of a gable roof, such as a mansard roof. These roof shapes generally also have some features that are found on gable roofs.
Can You Install Metal Panels On A Gable Roof Or Hip Roof?
Any type of metal roof can be installed on almost any type of roof shape, including both gable and hip roofing. In fact, metal is one of the most popular roofing material types for both roofs.
What is most important on either roof shape is that the installation is done correctly as even simple installation errors can lead to the roof system failing prematurely.
The Differences Between Gable Roofs And Hip Roofs
- Hip roofs are stronger and more durable
- Gable roofs have a more simple design
- Metal roofs are more expensive on hip roofs
While each roof shape has features that make it distinct, it’s important to note that it’s becoming more common to see more detailed roofing that have both hip and gable features to be more aesthetically appealing.
Below are some of the biggest differences and considerations to make when it comes to metal roofing.
Hip Roofs Work Well With Standing Seam Metal Panels For Extreme Weather Conditions
The structure of a hip roof makes it more suitable for areas with high wind and heavy snow. Part of this is because they offer greater stability by being sloped on all four sides instead of two like a gable roof. You will have lower wind pressures at the corners than gable roofs.
Standing seam metal roofs are also well suited for extreme weather conditions as they feature concealed fasteners and usually come in heavier gauges.
Gable Roofs Have A More Simple Design Than Hip Roofs
Gable roofs have a more straightforward design compared to a hip roof. A metal roof installation on a gable roof will be a shorter, less labor intensive process than a hip roof which means lower installation costs. Be prepared for a higher roof replacement estimate with a hip roof than a gable roof.
Metal Roof Installations Are More Expensive On Hip Roofs
A hip roof requires almost twice the material of a gable roof since it has twice as many sides. This means an increase in material roof cost and other accessories such as roof underlayment.
Choosing A Metal Roof For Your Roof Shape
Metal roofs are durable, versatile products that work well with any type of roof shape. Whether you have a gable roof or a hip roof, or anything in between, metal roofing is a compatible roof material.
It is important to consider what type of panel profile to choose based on your climate, budget, and overall roof aesthetic you want.
To learn about the different types of metal roofing panel profiles, we recommend watching our video below on the types of metal roofing panels:
