Sunday, April 28, 2024

What Is a Gambrel Roof? A Hallmark of Dutch Colonial Revival Residential Architecture

gambrel roof design

Expressing excitement over technological advancements, high-speed transportation, and innovative new construction techniques, Art Modern design was highlighted at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. For homeowners, Art Moderne homes were also practical because these simple dwellings were so easy and economical to build. But the Art Moderne or Streamline Moderne style was also favored for chic homes of the very wealthy. The first American house to be called a bungalow was designed in 1879 by William Gibbons Preston. Built at Monument Beach on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the two-story house had the informal air of resort architecture. But this house was much larger and more elaborate than the homes most think of when they use the term Bungalow.

gambrel roof design

Ranch-style house

The gamble roof style is two-sided, and some would call it a more traditional look. Think of the roofs that children draw on a picture of a house–that’s a gable. Gambrel is also a word that refers to a butcher’s wooden tool used to hang meats.

Building Regulations

gambrel roof design

Mansard roofs provide several benefits—most notably architectural charm and increased space. Designed for 20th-century lifestyles, modern homes come in many shapes. Critics use the term McMansion to describe a Neoeclectic home that is over-sized and pretentious.

Traditional American Aesthetics

Bauhaus ideas spread worldwide and led to the International Style in the United States. The cottage pictured above is an example of a home inspired by the Provincial styles of the French countryside and the French Colonial styles found in the Louisiana area of the United States. Common features include hipped roofs (sometimes in complex arrangements, indicative of advancements in construction methods), stucco siding, and a non-rigid symmetry in design. French Eclectic homes are found throughout the United States and most date from the 1920s.

Constructing a one-story ranch-style house requires a larger space and significant formwork, including foundation, roofing, windows, and various materials. In contrast, a two-story ranch home will involve reduced ductwork, plumbing, and HVAC piping. The mansard roof, a defining feature of Second Empire design, had evolved since the 16th century in France and Germany and was often employed in 18th- and 19th-century European architecture. Its appearance in the United States was relatively uncommon in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Adding the right roofing materials, such as shingles or metal sheets, along with proper underlayment installation, ensures protection against the elements. The choice of roofing material and proper installation are vital for the aesthetic appeal, longevity, and performance of the roof structure. Another consideration is the complexity of constructing a gambrel roof compared to other roof designs. The varying angles and joints require careful planning and precise execution to ensure a watertight and sturdy roof. This may require the expertise of experienced professionals or extensive research and preparation for DIY enthusiasts.

Design Variations of Mansard Roofs

Beyond homes, these roofs are also a common sight on barns and sheds, where their space-optimizing design proves incredibly useful. The main difference is the mansard roof features the mansard double-sloped style roof on each side of the structure. Gambrel roofs are a standard design for Dutch colonial homes, and was made popular in the 18th century in North America. The roof structure of barns are probably the most notable examples of gambrel roofs. A gambler roof provides better design flexibility when compared to gable roofs.

Modern takes on traditional roofs: nine roof profiles reinvented - Architecture and Design

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Determining the roof pitch and dimensions is a critical step in the design process. The pitch refers to the angle of the roof slopes and will depend on personal preference, local building codes, and the desired aesthetic. A steeper pitch can create a more pronounced gambrel roof profile, while a shallower pitch may provide a more subtle look. Consider the overall height and width of the structure to determine the appropriate dimensions for the roof. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of designing and constructing a gambrel roof.

The house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, is one of the most infamous examples of a home with a gambrel roof. Despite its reviled background, it has seen numerous renovations since its initial construction including (thankfully!) the removal of the attic’s signature “eye” windows. Additionally, they’re especially popular in places where heavy snowfall is common but we’ll talk more about why that is below. Their efficient angled shape and sloped roof is beneficial when facing high wind speeds by providing an aerodynamic structure that reduces excessive drag force on buildings. Gambrel roofs come in various forms, such as classic, valley, mansard, dormer, and wall-supported types, each offering unique aesthetic and functional qualities. These variations allow for greater architectural creativity and adaptation to different building needs and styles.

Renaissance Revival is a general term which encompasses the various Italian Renaissance Revival and French Renaissance Revival styles, including Second Empire. Italianate houses can be found in most towns throughout the United States. In the 21st century, these large, regal homes are now town libraries or bed and breakfasts. But this American house style is actually an imported design from Great Britain. Steep roofs and windows with pointed arches give these Victorian homes a Gothic flavor.

While still more efficient than gable roofs, mansard rooftops do not offer quite as much insulation due to their shallower upper slope when compared to gambrels. In modern building styles, particularly in farmhouse architecture, gambrel roofs have been adapted to meet contemporary needs while retaining their traditional charm. This adaptability demonstrates their versatility in both residential and commercial architecture, catering to a range of aesthetic preferences and practical requirements. A couple years ago, when I was building my 15-by-20 foot log cabin in far northern Washington, I decided to top the building with a gambrel (rather than a more conventional gable or A-frame) roof. Metal roofing provides a watertight material and allows for quick drainage. If you don’t like the sound of a metal roof, wood shakes are also a preferred material for gambrel roofs, as they play into the rustic theme of this style of roof.

It is similar to a mansard roof but is sloped in one direction (rather than both directions). The great thing about the gambrel style is the fact that it can be combined with other multi-pitched roofs to create an interesting facade. For example a gambrel style roof with a gable end, or a roof deck jutting outward to create a walkway. Gambrel roofs fall under the category of multi-pitched roofs because they have multiple ‘peaks’ and consequently different angles. It can be confusing to research gambrel roofs because this style of roof goes by other names – and is often miscategorized as a gable, dual-pitched, or dutch roof.

Even flat roofs have a pitch of at least two percent so that they can shed water, but this slope might not be evident unless you’re at roof level. Even then, a roof might be covered with raised walkways or rooftop pavers that help even out the top surface of a roof but allow for water to drain underneath. Despite their traditional connotation, gabled roofs can also be modernized through the use of contemporary materials and cleaner lines (lacking protruding gutters or overhanging eaves). Here, a timber structure by architect Indra Janda was covered with individual shingles made of translucent polycarbonate.

Despite the sinister connotations of that infamous movie and that specific house, homes designed with a gambrel roof line are actually quite elegant and beautiful. First, we made a full-size layout of our gambrel on smooth, level ground and drove stakes into the earth to mark the locations of the four rafters in each truss. Then we laid four 2-by-6 beams out flat in their proper positions and — using a string line — marked the correct lengths and angles to cut them. In order for the trusses and the studs to fit together, you will need to cut angles in the studs and notches into the trusses.

Proper installation of the roof sheathing is essential for the overall strength, stability, and longevity of the roof structure. The first step in installing roof sheathing is selecting the appropriate material. Consider factors such as durability, cost, and local building code requirements when choosing the sheathing material. Ensure that the chosen material meets the necessary specifications for strength, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to moisture and other elements. Before embarking on the construction of a gambrel roof, careful planning and design considerations are essential to ensure a successful and structurally sound outcome.

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