Installing a gable roof is a great way to save your home from the harsh winter. Before you rush to get a new gable roof, you need to know everything about gable roofs. The Greek temples had the first gable roofs in recorded history. It made the temple spacious and allowed for proper ventilation. Nowadays, we use gable vents to keep the house safe and properly ventilated. The following description of gable roofs and gable vents will help you choose the right shape and size for your home. So read on and enjoy the ethnic architecture of gable roofs.
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Gable Roofs
Gable roofs are made up of two angular roofs with the slopes joining at the top in a triangular form. The triangle shape is called a gable. These are A-shaped roofs usually built in areas that have long winters. Gable roofs come in all shapes and sizes which include:
- Cross Gable Roofs
- Gable Roof With Shed Roof Addition
- Dutch Gable Roofs
- Box Gable Roofs
- Front Gables
Gable Vents
A gable vent is an opening that allows the flow of air from one part of the gable roof to the other. As opposed to active ventilation, gable vents allow proper air circulation inside the attic. They provide a natural airflow in your home.
TYPES OF GABLE VENTS
You can find a wide variety of gable vents for your home. The material, as well as the design, depends on your taste and the architectural needs of your house. Here is a list of all the gable vents available:
PVC Gable Vents
Polyvinyl chloride or PVC gable vents are made of a synthetic polymer and comes in all shapes and sizes. PVC gable vents are resistant to wear and tear as they are immune to corrosion, chemical damage, and abrasion. They can be easily installed, removed, and saved for later use. More than half of the people who install gable vents go for PVC because it lasts longer than wood and urethane. Another advantage of PVC gable vents is that they come in all shapes and sizes. You can enrich the architecture of your home by complementing the layout with an appropriate shape and size of the gable vent.
Wooden Gable Vents
You can install wood gable vents during the construction of the walls. The advantage of a wooden gable vent is that it can be integrated into the overall structure of the wall. They are easy to install and match the texture of your walls. The cooling effect of wood enhances the ventilation process. The porous nature of wood keeps the attic fresh and breezy.
Urethane Gable Vents
Urethane gable vents are waterproof. As they are composed of a colorless and odorless material, you can paint them in any color. Urethane gable vents make your house shine. They look new with each new coat of paint. They are also resistant to corrosion and chemical damage lasting for many years.
Aluminum Gable Vents
Gable vents that are made of aluminum are durable. With a sturdy look and instant installation, aluminum gable vents are cheaper and reliable. They can be found in all shapes and sizes ranging from 22 inches to as wide as 30 inches. Take your pick and match the aluminum gable vents with the aluminum gable roofs.
Vinyl Gable Vents
If you have installed vinyl gable vents in your home then vinyl gable vents are a natural choice. All you have to do is snap on the vinyl gable vent onto the space between the siding and the vent. To fix the vinyl gable onto the siding just take a few nails and drive them in. Vinyl gable vents give your exterior as well as your attic a polished look.
SHAPES OF GABLE VENTS
Gable vents come in a multitude of shapes. If you have space and architecture, you can install the shape that you desire. Just browse through the catalogs and pick one from the following gable vents:"
- Round
- Half Round
- Octagon
- Round Top
- Elongated Octagon
- Elliptical Top
- Triangle
- Half Round
- Pentagon
- Diamond
- Horizontal Oval
- Star
You can get customized gable vents in attractive designs by browsing the various gable vent services available.
SIZE MATTERS
When you install gable vents for passive installation, you need to provide a greater surface area for ventilation. A 22-inch gable vent will not provide sufficient airflow as compared to a 36-inch gable vent. Since both the gable vents will be positioned adjacent to each other, there is a high chance of increased ventilation. With houses getting bigger you need bigger gable vents. They add a certain mystique to the whole house, especially with the right size. To calculate the area for a gable vent divide the whole area by 300 and round up the final figure. A single vent accounts for 300 square feet of the attic area.
LOCATION
Choose the proper location to install gable vents. If you install a gable vent near the top of the roof, then the lower space of the attic will become stuffy. Similarly installing a gable vent lower than the usual height will lead to a lack of cross breeze leading to mold buildup in the ceiling. Position the gable vent right in the middle of the gable wall to get a 360-degree circulation.
INSTALLATION
Gable vents must be installed properly by professionals. If you want to fix it yourself, make sure that you get a strong ladder. One wrong move and, you could come crashing down with the gable vent itself. Choose the exact measurements for installation. Some people go for full-length gable vents. However, the U.S. Federal Housing Authority recommends one-foot ventilation for 300 square feet.
GABLE VENTS AND RIDGE VENT COMBO
Most customers are confused about whether they need ridge vents after installing gable vents. It doesn't hurt to add additional ventilation in your house by installing ridge vents in your gable roof. It is however advisable to shut off all the openings of the attic. It will keep the air circulating directly from the ridge vents to the gable vents and out into the open.