Find a ContractorPractical and Aesthetic Considerations of Adding Decorative Gables to Your Home
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Decorative Gables to Upgrade Your Home’s Aesthetic
- Practical Roofing Considerations To Keep in Mind Before You Install Decorative House Gables
- The Most Common House Gable Decorations
- House Gable Decoration Material Considerations: The Pros and Cons
- Additional Budget Considerations: Long-Term Maintenance of Decorative House Gables
- Wrap-up: Investing in Decorative Gables To Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing home exterior not only enhances the overall look of a home, but also adds property value. Among the many architectural details that contribute to curb appeal, house gable decorations stand out for their ability to exude charm and character.
From classic to contemporary designs, decorative gables offer a unique opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of a home, make it stand out in the neighborhood, and leave a memorable impression on anyone who passes by. In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance of decorative house gables and explore their transformative impact on curb appeal.
Decorative Gables to Upgrade Your Home’s Aesthetic
How to add gable decorations to your roof is often a decision best left up to the pros. As the vice president of Toiture RPM Montreal and the vice president of Sales & Marketing at Montreal-based BMF Roofing Solutions Inc., Marlene McKoy is a proud IKO ROOFPRO with decades of experience in general contracting; so we decided to get her perspective on both the aesthetic and practical considerations that come with decorative house gables.
And, according to Marlene, house gables add dimension and interest, and enhance a home’s character. In particular, they add architectural harmony to traditional styles, like Colonial or Craftsman.
With that said, they may not suit modern homes with minimalist designs.
“A lot of modern, California-style homes have more of a sleek, straight aesthetic with flat roofs, which do not suit house gables well,” she said. “Decorative gables are ideal for more traditional designs like Victorian-, Cape Cod- or farmhouse-style homes.”
Practical Roofing Considerations To Keep in Mind Before You Install Decorative House Gables
There are certain cosmetic aspects of a house gable installation that you, as a homeowner, could probably handle, but they are primarily cosmetic (e.g., painting your newly installed house gables). But, to maintain structural integrity and ensure safety and code compliance, you should hire a licensed professional to make any structural changes to your home — including installing gable decorations.
“Any change to the structure of your home should include a qualified professional,” said Marlene. “You need to take the weight of the added structure into consideration; so, let’s say you want to pop a gable on a plain, two-slope bungalow, you want to make sure that the roof and the structure of the home can hold the additional materials and that it is installed correctly to maintain structural integrity.”
So, before you start to install decorative roof gables, have a qualified professional evaluate the structural integrity of your roof to confirm it can support the additional weight of the gables without compromising its stability.
The second practical consideration is to prioritize proper water drainage by carefully designing the house gables to prevent potential leaks, safeguarding your home against water damage.
Additionally, you (and the contractor you work with) need to take into account attic ventilation requirements and adhere to local building codes and regulations to ensure compliance and safety standards are met.
By addressing these practical considerations beforehand, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your decorative roof gables will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, but will also function effectively and securely for years to come.
The Most Common House Gable Decorations
As a homeowner considering gable decorations, you’ll find a variety of options to enhance your home’s architectural charm. Gable brackets not only add structural support, but also infuse intricate detailing, elevating the visual appeal of your gables with timeless elegance. They consist of decorative millwork that is installed in the peak of a roof structure.
Decorative frieze board enhances both eaves and gables, offering a seamless transition between roof and façade while adding a touch of sophistication to your home’s exterior. In some cases, they are used strictly for aesthetic purposes. But a frieze board can also serve a similar purpose as a soffit by keeping unwanted water, moisture, and even pests at bay.
Opting for gable pediments brings classic elegance to your roofline, creating a focal point that exudes refinement and grandeur. Whether you opt for an elaborate or minimalistic gable pediment design, they will bring a sense of old-world charm and sophistication to your home.
Meanwhile, gable finials (sometimes called gable spires or finial posts) provide the perfect finishing touch, crowning your gables with distinctive flair. Typically carved from stone, finials are small, ornamental posts with a rich history of emphasizing the apex or peak of a roof or gable. To envision the transformative power of these decorations, explore examples of homes with well-designed gable decorations, where these elements seamlessly blend to create captivating curb appeal.
Incorporating these gable decorations into your home design can truly elevate its aesthetic appeal, leaving a lasting impression on all who pass by.
House Gable Material Considerations: The Pros and Cons
When considering material options for house gables, you do have quite a few options to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons. According to Marlene, there are three things to consider before choosing any sort of exterior material: your local climate, your budget and your aesthetic preferences based on the style of your home.
Homeowners who live in harsh northern climates will have different needs than those in more humid climates, like Florida.
Wood offers a classic, rustic aesthetic, blending seamlessly with traditional architecture, yet it can demand regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and prevent decay. So, if you live in a cooler climate where there are significant fluctuations in temperature or moisture levels, wood house gables may not be the best option for you.
On the other hand, PVC presents a durable and low-maintenance alternative, resistant to rot and pests, although it may lack the natural charm of wood. So, if you live in a drier climate, you may opt for wood house gables over PVC. But, if you live a little bit further north and have to contend with winter conditions, PVC may be a better option for you and your home.
Metal, while exceptionally long-lasting and resistant to pests, requires occasional rust prevention measures to maintain its appearance and integrity over time. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences, balancing aesthetic appeal, durability and maintenance considerations to find the perfect fit for your home. The latter of which can depend significantly on the climate where you live.
Additional Budget Considerations: Long-Term Maintenance of Decorative House Gables
It is important not just to think about the initial cost of decorative gable trim, but to also consider the long-term maintenance costs that come with varying material choices, as mentioned briefly above.
“When I say budget, you need to consider how much upkeep that material will require,” explained Marlene. “Sometimes one material may require a more significant initial investment, but they need a lot less maintenance.”
When you have a greater understanding of the maintenance requirements of the chosen materials, you will better be able to ensure the gable decorations remain in good condition over time without breaking the bank.
Additionally, ensure that the selected style of gable decorations complements both the home’s exterior design and the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood, as it will help to preserve and even enhance your property value. However, perhaps most importantly, factor in both the initial installation costs and the ongoing maintenance expenses to make a financially sustainable choice.
By taking the time to understand these budget considerations, you can make informed decisions that not only enhance the visual appeal of your home but also make decisions that will align with your financial resources in the long run.
Wrap-up: Investing in Decorative Gables To Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Hopefully, by this point, you can see how adding decorative gables to your home enhances its exterior appeal and boosts property value. But remember that improper installation of decorative gables could impact the structural integrity of your home and thus should be completed by a qualified professional.
IKO ROOFPROs, like Marlene McKoy and her team, will be able to help guide you in the right direction and enable you to make the right decisions, both practically and aesthetically, for you and your home.
