Roofing Glossary

Gable

A gable is the triangular section of wall between the two sloping sides of a gable roof — the classic house silhouette. The roof planes meet at the ridge above, and the gable wall fills the triangle beneath them on each end.

Gables are simple to build and give generous attic space, which is why the gable roof is the most common residential roof shape in America. The trade-off is wind exposure: a tall gable end acts like a sail, catching wind that a hip roof would deflect.

Gable ends often carry attic vents, and the rake trim along the gable's sloped edges needs the same flashing and drip edge attention as the rest of the roof perimeter.

Why It Matters

Gable-end walls and their rake trim are frequent leak and rot locations. Proper fastening and bracing of gable ends also matters in high-wind zones.

A Maryland Note

In Maryland storm season, gable ends take the brunt of wind-driven rain — keep rake flashing and gable vent seals in good shape.

Questions about your own roof? Request a free estimate or call Nucci Brothers Roofing at (301) 458-1003.