Gable

A gable is the triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a pitched roof. In residential architecture, the gable end is typically the exterior wall at the end of a building where the roof forms a triangle above it. The shape is defined by the slope of the two roof planes meeting at the ridge.

Gables come in several forms. A straight or classic gable has a simple triangle. A Dutch gable replaces part of the vertical wall with a curved or stepped top, producing a more complex silhouette. Gables can be finished with siding or masonry like other walls, and dormers or windows may be added within the gable to increase light and space. Some houses feature twin gables or gable-on-gable layouts for symmetrical balance.

Function and design. Beyond defining the silhouette, gables help shed rain and snow from the roof and can provide attic or loft space. They affect wind loads and structural requirements; improper detailing can lead to water ingress or wind damage. Gable styling is a key element of many architectural styles, from Gothic and Tudor to Colonial and Victorian, and remains common in modern housing.

Origin and usage. The gable has been used for centuries in Europe and North America with variations such as steeply pitched gables, truncated gables, and decorative vents or bargeboards that finish the gable edge. The term distinguishes the end-wall gable from the sloping sides of the roof.