Gable vs Hip vs Flat Roofs: Which Style Is Right for Your Home?

Gable Roofs 

The most iconic roof style of all: the gable. Traditionally, they’ve been the “go-to” roof style for centuries, especially within Western design styles. This roof style is almost synonymous with roofs themself. Gable roofs are characterised by a triangular shape, with two sloped sides meeting at a ridge in the middle. Functionally, they’ve been popular for their ability to shed water and snow into drainpipes, especially back when roof access and drainage solutions were challenging to come by. 

Pros of Gable Roofs

• Easy to build and cost-effective
• Strong ventilation capabilities
• Effectively sheds rain and snow
• Widely applicable for a variety of design styles
• Great for solar panels in Australia

Cons of Gable Roofs

• Susceptible to wind damage
• Seen as common in design circles
• Heavy on end walls, requiring stronger framing
• Hard to apply to complex floor plans

Best Materials to Use for Gable Roofs

• Metal Roofing
• Concrete or Terracotta Roof Tiles

Common Facade Styles for Gable Roofs

• Modern Farmhouse 
• Modern Coastal 
• Hamptons
• Modern Heritage

Flat to the eye, but not actually flat (they have slight pitches to create drainage for rain), flat roofs are the up-and-coming hallmark of modern facade design. Especially in Australia, where storms are common and snow is not, these roofs are now as practical as they are beautiful. These roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their newfound versatility and durability. 

Pros of Flat Roofs

• Usable space for rooftop gardens, solar panels, terraces and air conditioning units
• Low construction costs
• Easy/safe access for contractors
• Maximises space for small lots
• Ideal for potential extensions

Cons of Flat Roofs

• Poor drainage 
• Shorter lifespan
• Higher maintenance
• Difficult to pair with insulation 

Best Materials to Use for Flat Roofs

• Metal Roofing

Common Facade Styles for Flat Roofs

• Mid-Century Modern
• Minimalist
• Japandi 
• Box Modern
• Urban Contemporary

Hip Roofs

Likely the most popular roof in Australia, due to their heavy usage in Federation-style homes, Hip roofs are roofs that slant on all four sides, meeting at one central ridge. These roofs create a compact, symmetrical look and provide the most practical drainage of all roof types. These roofs are slowly becoming less fashionable as more daring facades become popularised and other roof formats become more practical. 

Pros of Hip Roofs

• Wind Resistant
• Stable and Durable 
• Consistent shading
• Balanced look
• Weathering resistant 

 Cons of Hip Roofs

• Expensive to build
• Limited interior space
• Requires complex drainage
• Difficult to ventilate 
• Looks conservative

Best Materials to Use for Hip Roofs

• Metal roofing
• Concrete or terracotta roof tiles
• Slate roofing tiles

Common Facade Styles for Hip Roofs

• Contemporary 
• Mid-Century Modern
• Modern Coastal 
• Federation

Choosing your roof style depends on several factors, including your budget, design style, and location/climate. However, with modern roofing technology able to effectively withstand most weather conditions, we recommend choosing a roof that best suits your facade style and working from there. If you want to be thorough, it’s always best to book a consultation with a facade builder and get expert advice on which style will suit your needs as well.