A Complete Guide to the Gambrel Roof Style

What Are Gambrel Roofs?

Gambrel roofs are easy to recognize by their two-sided, symmetrical shape, each side with two different slopes. The lower slope is steeper, while the upper one is gentler. This classic roof design is often seen on barns and historic homes, which is why it’s sometimes called a barn roof. Though not as common in today’s residential builds, it’s making a comeback thanks to the popularity of modern farmhouse styles.

This roof design isn’t just charming, it’s practical too. The unique shape creates extra space inside the home, often used for storage or even additional living space.

How Are They Installed?

Installing a gambrel roof requires framing the structure with trusses or rafters that support the dual-slope design. The steeper lower section is built to allow more headroom, while the upper slope ensures water and snow shed easily.

Builders typically add roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal panels, or tiles, depending on the homeowner’s style and budget. For added natural light and ventilation, dormer windows may be installed in the lower slope. The process is fairly straightforward, but more complex roofs with dormers or valleys may require more time and materials.

What Are the Best Roofing Materials?

Wondering what roof material is best for your home? This is the place to start.

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How Much Does a Gambrel Roof Cost to Install?

The cost to build a gambrel roof on a 2,000-square-foot home usually ranges from $16,000 to $30,000, or about $8 to $15 per square foot. This cost covers framing only; materials and labor for finishing will add to the total.

Several factors can affect the price, including:

• Roof size and pitch
• Local labor rates
• Roofing material choices
• Site complexity and access
• Regional climate and building codes

Materials like asphalt shingles or metal can cost an extra $4 to $20 per square foot, and contractor labor runs around $40 to $80 per hour.

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Pros and Cons of Gambrel Roofs

Gambrel roofs bring a lot to the table in terms of style and functionality, but like any roofing design, they have their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing both sides can help you decide if this roof style is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

Benefits of Gambrel Roofs

These roofs are more than just good-looking. Their shape and structure offer several practical perks:

• Visual Appeal: There’s a reason gambrel roofs have stood the test of time — they add that classic charm to Colonial, Georgian, and farmhouse-style homes. If you’re aiming for a timeless, rustic look, this roof delivers.
• Extra Interior Space: Because of the way the slopes are designed, you get more headroom inside. That means more room for an attic, storage, or even a bonus living area like a loft or guest room.
• Good Drainage: The steep lower slope does a great job of shedding rain and snow. That’s a big plus in areas where heavy downpours or snowstorms are common.
• Lower Framing Costs: Compared to more complex designs like hip or mansard roofs, gambrel roofs are typically easier and more affordable to frame, especially on smaller structures like sheds or garages.
• Window-Friendly: Dormer windows fit naturally into a gambrel roof’s shape, which not only adds architectural interest but also brings in extra sunlight to brighten up the space inside.

Disadvantages of Gambrel Roofs

Gambrel roofs are full of character, but they also come with a few challenges you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Wind Vulnerability: Because of their height and wide surface area, gambrel roofs can be more exposed to strong winds. This is especially true for large structures like barns, which may need extra reinforcement in windy regions.
• Ventilation Challenges: With such a high ceiling, heat tends to rise and stay put. Without proper ventilation, the space under a gambrel roof can get stuffy and hard to cool.
• Snow Buildup: The top slope of a gambrel roof is usually flatter, which can make it easier for snow to accumulate. Over time, that added weight could stress the structure if not cleared regularly.
• Insulation Needs: Since there’s often no attic floor separating the roof from the living area, insulating a gambrel roof properly can be tricky. It usually requires more planning to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.

Gambrel Roof Design Features

One of the best things about gambrel roofs is how flexible they are. While the basic shape stays the same, you can add design elements that make the roof more functional, or just give it a little extra flair. Here are some (but not all) features you’ll often see on gambrel-style homes:

1. Overhangs (Like Porches)

Some gambrel roofs have extended overhangs, like porches, with brackets or posts for support. This not only adds shade and protection around doors and windows, but it also gives the home a more traditional, farmhouse-style look.

2. Dormers

Dormers are a great way to bring in more natural light and make attic spaces feel more open. These little extensions pop out of the roof’s lower slope and usually include a window. They’re perfect if you’re planning to turn that upper space into a bedroom, office, or cozy reading nook.

3. Cross-Gambrel Layout

If you want to go bigger, a cross-gambrel design might be the way to go. It’s basically two gambrel roofs that intersect, creating more space inside and adding some visual interest on the outside. This setup works well for larger homes or more complex floor plans.

4. Flared Eaves

Flared eaves add a subtle curve at the bottom edge of the roof, which helps direct rainwater away from your home—and looks pretty sharp, too. It’s a small detail that gives the roof a little more character while also being practical.

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Gambrel vs. Mansard Roof

Gambrel and mansard roofs are often mistaken for each other because of their similar dual-slope appearance. However, there are key differences in how they’re designed, how they look from the outside, and how they function inside the home.

Gambrel Roof

The gambrel roof is a classic design best known for its barn-style appearance and historical use in Colonial-era homes. It’s a practical choice for homeowners looking for style and extra space without high construction costs.

• Structure: Features two slopes on each of its two sides. The lower slope is steeper than the upper one, creating a profile reminiscent of traditional barns.
• Sides: Covers only two sides of the building, with vertical gable ends on the other two sides.
• Design: Commonly seen in Dutch Colonial and Georgian-style homes, as well as barns and sheds.
• Advantages: Offers increased attic space and is relatively easier and more cost-effective to construct compared to more complex roof styles

Mansard Roof

Think of the mansard roof as the gambrel’s cousin in the world of hipped roofs. While gambrel roofs have two sides, mansard roofs take that double-slope design and wrap it around all four sides of the building, giving it a more enclosed, elegant look. They’re a smart choice for homeowners who want to maximize space and add architectural flair.

• Structure: Comprises two slopes on all four sides of the building. The lower slope is much steeper, often nearly vertical, while the upper slope is almost flat.
• Sides: Encircles the entire building, creating a uniform appearance on all sides.
• Design: Originated in France and is a hallmark of Second Empire architecture. Often includes dormer windows to maximize usable space in the attic.
• Advantages: Provides ample additional living space in the attic and allows for more elaborate architectural details.

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