Agable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersectingroof pitches. The shape of the gable and how it is detailed depends on the structural system used, which reflects climate, material availability, and aesthetic concerns. The termgable wall orgable end more commonly refers to the entire wall, including the gable and the wall below it. Some types of roof do not have a gable (for examplehip roofs do not). One common type of roof with gables, the 'gable roof', is named after its prominent gables.
Aparapet made of a series of curves (shaped gable,[1] see alsoDutch gable) or horizontal steps (crow-stepped gable) may hide the diagonal lines of the roof.
Gable ends of more recent buildings are often treated in the same way as the Classicpediment form. But unlike Classical structures, which operate throughtrabeation, the gable ends of many buildings are actually bearing-wall structures.
Gable style is also used in the design offabric structures, with varying degree sloped roofs, dependent on how much snowfall is expected.
Sharp gable roofs are a characteristic of the Gothic and classical Greek styles of architecture.[2]
The opposite or inverted form of a gable roof is aV-roof or butterfly roof.
While afront-gabled orgable-fronted building faces the street with its gable, aside-gabled building faces it with itscullis (gutter), meaning theridge is parallel to the street. The terms are used in architecture and city planning to determine a building in its urban situation.
Front-gabled buildings are considered typical for German city streets in theGothic period, while laterRenaissance buildings, influenced by Italian architecture, are often side-gabled. In America, front-gabled houses, such as thegablefront house, were popular between the early 19th century and 1920.
AWimperg, inGerman andDutch, is a Gothic ornamental gable withtracery overwindows orportals, which were often accompanied bypinnacles.[3] It was a typical element in Gothic architecture, especially incathedral architecture. Wimpergs often hadcrockets or other decorative elements in the Gothic style. The intention behind the wimperg was the perception of increased height.
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The gable end roof is a poor design forhurricane ortornado-prone regions. Winds blowing against the gable end can exert tremendous pressure, both on the gable and on the roof edges where they overhang it, causing the roof to peel off and the gable to cave in.[4][5] AnNWS warning for hurricaneKatrina mentioned the vulnerability of gable roofs.[6][7]
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