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Architecture → Exteriors

Renovation Detail: The Gambrel Roof

With sloped sides rising to a graceful center point, the classic gambrel roof combines architectural beauty and interior breathing room

Rachel Grace August 21, 2012

Houzz Contributor

Comment9

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When I became a homeowner, I began studying nearly every house I passed, taking note of architectural features, landscaping, color palettes, materials and more. In doing so, I discovered an immeasurable amount of information about traditional architectural details, such as gambrel roofs.

A gambrel is typically a symmetrical, two-sided roof with two slopes on either side of the central ridge beam. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow gable-like angle, while the lower slope is much steeper. Its two great advantages are maximized headroom and longevity, as the gambrel lends itself to surviving adverse weather conditions.

My home has a gable roof, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the gambrel and long for its extra space.

Union Studio, Architecture & Community Design

This Jamestown home perfectly showcases the symmetrical facade for which gambrels are known.

Gus Duffy AIA

From inside a gambrel, you can see how the four slopes are split symmetrically down the middle of the central ridge beam, creating two on each side.

Gambrel roofs originally were found on barns — their design provided the low-maintenance advantages of a sloped roof while allowing room for hay on the building's upper level.

Union Studio, Architecture & Community Design

A gambrel roof typically overhangs the facade.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

This Massachusetts beauty is technically considered a cross-gambrel roof, as it has multiple gambrels on perpendicular frames.

Ron Brenner Architects

This Dutch Colonial home features a gambrel roofline with a mini kickout addition that mirrors the main roof.

A gambrel structure looks exceptionally nostalgic in deep barn red.

Wormser + Associates Architects

After an extensive renovation, this Westport home's gambrel roof helps to integrate the old and new sections of the house while maintaining its charming character.

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Comment9

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Comments (9)

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User

Oops - here's the back addition (meant to attach it the first time.

3 Likes August 28, 2012 at 8:56AM

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dmdp

our bedroom is upstairs in a gambrel and it seems like a lot of wasted space because of the sloped ceiling...any suggestions to make better use of the half walls?

Like October 17, 2013 at 9:47AM

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denisebh

I REALLLLY wish i had ya'lls appreciation for the gambrel roof. I dont know what to do with this, it looks like a barn, but not cool like a restored barn. It just looks like the top is so heavy that it's pushing the first floor into the ground. Any suggestions? Maybe if the colors were different ?????? BTW, previous owners had painted all of the wood trim and gables the brightest circus blue you can imagine. So, i know it could look worse.