What is a Dutch Gable Roof?

Dutch gable roofs combine the functionality of hip and gable roofs. They feature four sloping sides that are structurally sound and a gablet on top to increase square footage. While dutch and gable roofs work for many home styles, they benefit smaller homes where more attic or storage space is needed.
Wondering the difference between a dutch hip and a dutch gable roof? There isn’t one. These terms are used interchangeably but mean the same: a roof with four sloped sides at the bottom and a gable (gablet) on the top.

What is a Dutch Gable Roof Design?

A metal dutch gable roof sits on top of this modern rustic home. The home also features a shed dormer on the gablet portion of the roof for an added design detail.
You can customize a dutch gable roof by adding dormers and valleys. You can also use any choice of roofing materials to complement your home.
Dutch hip or gable roofs can work on many home styles. In this example, a dutch gable roof sits atop a traditional home in the historic district of Atlanta, Ga.
You can use metal on a dutch gable roof. Metal is popular for modern and rustic dutch gable roof designs.
A dutch gable roof combines two styles- a gable and a hip roof. The base is a hip roof with four sloping sides. A gable roof, also known as a gablet, sits at the top.

Dutch Gable Roof Pros and Cons

Another name for a dutch gable roof is a dutch hip roof.
Cons:

• More attic or top floor space – The gable roof, or gablet, creates attic space that you can’t get with a traditional hip roof.
• Structurally strong – The hip design with four sloping sides is self-bracing, withstanding high winds.
• Space for gutter systems – The four sides of the hipped portion of the roof allow for a sound gutter system.
• Excellent drainage – The slopes of a dutch gable roof provide adequate drainage that works well for rainy and snowy climates.

Traditionally, dutch houses featured this type of roof, but now, you can find them on many homes worldwide, including farmhouses, modern architecture, and traditional homes.

• Complicated and expensive construction – Dutch gable roofs have many pitches, making construction complex and more expensive than simple roof styles.
• More seams – The more seams a roof has, the more chances for leaks.

Dutch Hip vs. Dutch Gable Roof: What’s the Difference?

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What Does a Dutch Gable Roof Look Like?

Dutch gable roofs combine the superior drainage ability and space for gutters that a hip roof offers while still allowing for attic space.

Rustic Home with Dutch Gable Roof

The combination of a hip and gable roof has many advantages, but there are also a couple of drawbacks.
Pros:

Traditional Home with Dutch Hip Roof

The ends of the gable roof feature windows, allowing more natural light to enter the home.
Many factors influence the energy efficiency of a roof. Dutch gable roofs can be energy efficient, depending on your insulation and roofing material. According to the Dept. of Energy, a white or cool-colored roof can help reflect the sun if you live in a hot climate.

Modern Home with Dutch Gable Roof

The gablet of the roof provides additional attic space that a hip roof wouldn’t have.
Likewise, one of the most significant issues with gable roofs is difficulty installing gutter systems. But in a dutch gable roof, the gutter system is easily attached to the bottom hip roof.

Final Thoughts

The choice of black metal on the roof complements the other contemporary design choices.
The combination of these styles has many advantages. For example, while hip roofs are superior at withstanding high winds, their construction limits attic space. A gable roof on top creates more space.
Here are some examples if you’d like to see images of a Dutch Gable Roof.