Hip vs Gable Roof: Complete Breakdown

What is a Hip Roof? 

Hip roofs are sloped on all four sides, with no vertical ends. This is not a common roof design in the UK, but it can sometimes be seen on detached properties. A pyramid hip roof looks a bit like a pyramid, with four slops and a point at the top. A mansard hip roof has four sides with two slopes on each; this is also not a common design.

A hip roof design can also be found on semi-detached properties. In this case, instead of two sloped roofs and a gable end, there are three slopes leading up to a ridgeline. 

Benefits

Hip roofs are more stable because they are self-bracing. This is advantageous where high winds or heavy snow are an issue, such as in coastal regions or Scotland.

Hipped roofs can look attractive, as they are more consistent in appearance. 

Cons

A hip roof is more expensive compared to a gable end roof with two slopes, as the design is more complex. There are also more seams, which increases the risk of water ingress. In addition, there is less space in the attic, which gives you fewer options if you subsequently decide to convert the loft into a living space. 

What is a Gable Roof?

A gable roof is triangular with two slopes and a side gable end leading up to a point. It is a very common roof design in detached and semi-detached homes. Look around your local area and you’ll soon see that a great number of homes have this type of roof.

Benefits

The main benefit of a gable roof is that it is the design is simple and less expensive to build, which is important if you are building or renovating a property on a tight budget. Another advantage is that gable roofs create more space in the attic, so it is easier to convert into a usable living space with the addition of Velux windows. 

Cons

Gable roofs are less durable and can sustain damage in strong winds. It is worth bearing this in mind if you live in an exposed area with high winds, such as in a coastal location. Gable roofs are also a relatively simple design, which might not appeal to everyone. 

Hip-To-Gable Loft Conversions

While a simple loft conversion with roof windows remains a popular choice for homeowners looking to create extra space, there are other loft conversion designs worth considering, a hip-to-gable loft conversion being one of them. 

This type of loft conversion is often seen on semi-detached properties, where the side slope is raised to the ridgeline, and a new gable end is formed. It maximises head space in a semi-detached home that has a hip roof. The downside of a hip-to-gable loft conversion on a semi-detached roof is that it changes the appearance so that the property appears unbalanced compared to its neighbour.  

A hip-to-gable loft conversion also works on a rear extension with a hipped roof, as is sometimes seen in older properties. 

Whatever type of roof you have, there are always options if you later decide to create extra space with a loft conversion. Give SimplyEasy Refurbs a call at 020 8038 2336 or fill out our online contact form.