The elevation or exterior of your house is never complete without the roof literally capping off the whole look. There are 2 types of roof frame designs that you can opt for in Sydney: gable and the flat roof.

Many homeowners face the dilemma of what type of roof to finish their homes with during the initial construction planning, and if you’re struggling with the same issue, here’s a little guide to help you out during this process. Further, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of gable vs. flat roof construction, but first…

What are the considerations for choosing your roof type in Australia?

 

You need to consider the following factors when deciding which type of a roof to choose for your home:

- Style of your home: The most dominant styles of houses found in Australia include the Victorian style, the 19th-century workers' cottage style, the Queenslanders style from the mid-19th century, the postwar triple-fronted brick veneer style that emerged at the end of World War II, and lastly: the simple, modernist style.

 Each of these styles has its roof type requirements. Some call for pitched, some for hip, and others for a flat type roof. So, one of the main factors to consider in your roof type selection is always what type of a home design style you’re opting for.

- Country and state building code requirements: Secondly, you need to acquaint yourself with the Australian Building Code Requirements that apply to your state. You’ll find exactly the kind of guidance you’re looking for in there.

 

- Council and residential committee requirements: Your neighbourhood and residential committee requirements can also play a role in the selection of your roof – especially when you want to complement the urban fabric of your neighbourhood.

 

- The feasibility of the roof anatomy: You also need to consider whether or not the anatomy of your roof goes well with the climatic and other conditions of your area. For example, gabled roofs are more preferable for snow and heavy rainfall areas while flat roofs are great for warmer climates.

 

- Energy efficiency: Lastly, you also need to consider how the roof is going to suit your energy efficiency expectations.

 

Compare the pros and cons of both to find out which one attracts you better.

Gabled Roofs 

A gable or a classic pitched roof is a very stylistic as well as a practical choice for areas that experience heavy rain or snowfall. It’s usually found in areas that have temperate weather. Here are some of its pros and cons:

- Pros

a. This style of roof is pretty easy to design, but of course, you need the help of professionals to get exactly what you’ve been looking for.

b. Gable roof frames are usually made out of timber and are relatively cheap.

c. The cost of installing a gabled roof frame and Trusses – especially prefabricated ones – is decidedly lesser.

d. The pitch of the gable roof allows you to design a large attic space, which can be converted into storage or a personal room whenever the need arises.

e. Gabled roofs are an excellent way to trap heat in the upper half of the house while keeping the lower areas cool and well-insulated.

f. You’ll have plenty of freedom in the design of the pitched roof as they can also be used as a design element in a rustic or cottage style interior design.

g. On the practical front, there’s lesser chances or incurring a leak in a gabled roof. Plus, you have greater opportunities to experiment with innovative ventilation and insulation ideas.

- Cons

a. Gable roof frame designs are not suitable for areas with high winds. 

b. Gabled roofs Trusses also require for the foundation of your house to be deeper as compared to flat roofs. Otherwise, the structure can blow away in heavy winds.

c. If you design a gabled roof in severely extreme weather, chances are that its finishing (roof shingles, tiles, etc.) might blow away – although this kind of climate is very rare in Australia.

Flat Roofs

Contrary to popular belief, a flat roof has a 10-degree pitch and is mostly used in regions that have dry climates. They’re great for areas that experience less rainfall and minimal snow. This type of roof frame is mostly built from masonry or reinforced concrete, which makes it good for resisting the intense heat of the sun. Here are some pros and cons of this roof style:

- Pros

a. You’ll end up with a ton of usable space with a flat roof. It can be converted into a garden, which can be a very eco-friendly venture.

b. The reduced material cost of flat roofs makes them a more economical choice. Moreover, your foundation doesn’t have to be super deep in a home with a flat roof as compared to a gabled roof.

c. Flat roof frames are pretty easy to install because they don’t have as many technical setbacks as a gabled one.

 

- Cons

a. If you ever make a flat roof in areas with heavy rain, the water can end up soaking within the walls and may end up causing extreme expansion/contraction, causing your brickwork/concrete to break.

b. Flat roofs absorb a ton of heat, which lessens their thermal insulation and makes the interiors feel hot.

 

So this is your comparison on gable vs. flat roofs. We hope you make the best choice for your residential project!

If you need expert advice on prefabricated gable roof Trusses, contact ABC Frames and Trusses today on (02) 9623 3100