Picture a barn—any barn. Do you see it clearly in mind? Good.
Now, focus on the roofline. Does it feature a pair of different pitches? You probably are visualizing a gambrel-style barn.
This post will explain everything you need to know about gambrel barns: what they are, their history, and their advantages and drawbacks. This will help you to decide whether a gambrel roof may be the right choice for your own barndominium project.
What are Gambrel Barns?
A gambrel barn is simply a barn that features a gambrel roof (sometimes the roof itself is just called a “gambrel.”
The shape of a gambrel roof is distinctive. It features two steep slopes on either side, and then two shallower slopes joining to meet at the top.
History of Gambrel Barns
No one is positive of the exact origin or inspiration for European and North American gambrel buildings; theories point toward locations as diverse as the Netherlands, Indonesia and North America itself (among indigenous tribes).
What we do know is that gambrel roofs have long been common in Europe and North America. In Europe, they were referred to as “mansards” or “kerbs”. It was only after they started being constructed on barns and houses in America that they started being called “gambrels” in that part of the world.
When we use the word “mansard” in America, we are usually not referring to gambrels at all, but rather to the type of roofline you see on a lot of Second Empire buildings, where there are sloping sides and then a wide, flat top, along with dormer windows.
Some of the earliest examples of gambrel buildings in the US include:
- Harvard Hall at Harvard Unviersity: 1677
- Peter Tufts House: 1677-78
- Fairbanks House: 1637, but gambrel added later
Pros and Cons of Gambrel Roofs
Now that you know what a gambrel is and have some understanding of its history, let’s talk about the advantages and drawbacks of a gambrel roof for a barndominium.
6 Key Benefits of Gambrel Barndominiums
Let’s start by exploring some reasons to consider a gambrel roofline for your barndo.
1. Easy construction
The framing involved in constructing a gambrel roof is really basic. That means you do not need to hire a contractor with specialized skills to do it; any regular, experienced contactor should be up to the task.
2. Material-efficient
You just need a pair of roof beams and some gusset joints to construct a gambrel roof, whereas there are other types of roofs that require much more elaborate support systems. That means that the materials that go into building a gambrel roof are not as many as you would need for some other roof options.
3. Cost-effective
Needing fewer materials to build a gambrel roof means you do not need to spend as much on the materials. Plus, since construction is easy, it is not as expensive as it would be for a more intensive roof design. You can feed the money you save on a gambrel roof into other aspects of your barndo’s design.
4. Good drainage
The slanted shape of a gambrel roof does not allow water to pool on the top the way it would if you had a mansard roof or a flat roof. As a result, it is less likely that you will need to deal with leaks, wood rot or mold.
5. Interior space
One of the most unique advantages of gambrel-style roofs is that they open up the space underneath them.
Picture for a moment a regular triangular roof profile, and the loft space you can put beneath one. While you can enjoy plenty of floor space under such a roof, the slopes of the walls angle steeply inward to either side, significantly reducing the amount of usable storage or living space and giving the loft a cramped, closed-off feeling.
Now, if you wanted to fully maximize the amount of space in your loft, you would simply opt for straight vertical walls and a flat roof; basically, you would have a full story rather than simply an attic or loft. But the downside is that you would sacrifice drainage, and water would pool above you, compromising the structure.
A gambrel is the best-of-both worlds option. The lower inclines of the roof are very shallow, giving you interior walls that are not fully vertical, but are closer to being so. Then, you have the steeper inclines well overhead.
As a result, the shape of the roof does not intrude nearly as much on the interior space. If you are using it as a storage area, you can pack in a lot more stuff. If you prefer it as a living space, you can put in more furnishings. And instead of feeling cramped, the loft or attic space will feel open and airy. At the same time, water can still drain off your roof.
6. Windows
The shape of a gambrel roof has another advantage as well, which is that it makes it easier to include large windows at either end of the structure—or even large doors (if, for example, you wish to add balconies).
Adding in big windows or doors is a way to make the space feel even more open and inviting, flooding it with natural light. Attics under more traditional triangular roofs are often pretty dark, so this is a nice benefit.
Plus, if you have a beautiful landscape surrounding your gambrel barndominium, large windows in your loft will allow you to enjoy it to the fullest.
6. Classic country look
Finally, there is perhaps no more iconic sight associated with rural America or Europe than the classic gambrel barn, typically painted red and white, but sometimes featuring the natural wood color.
When you build a barndominium with a gambrel roof, you get to evoke that classic country image. You can go with a traditional color scheme to capture the most established look and feel, or you can personalize it with a different set of colors or even materials.
While old-fashioned gambrel barns were made out of wood, you can build a metal gambrel barndominium instead for enhanced durability. A metal barndo can have a more modern vibe if that is what you are after, but you can finish metal to resemble wood as well, so the classic look is still attainable.
So, we can also add versatility to our list of gambrel barndo benefits.
Do Gambrel Roofs Have Any Disadvantages?
Gambrel roofs offer a lot of fantastic benefits, but they are not the best choice for some areas with harsh climates.
For one thing, if your area gets strong winds, you should be aware that gambrel roofs can rip free of their structures more easily than some other roof shapes.
The other issue that gambrel roofs can have is caving in under heavy weight—i.e. a lot of snow.
As we said previously, however, the slopes of gambrel roofs can shed snow, rain and hail with relative ease, so it is unlikely you would run into this problem.
Is a Gambrel Roof Right for You?
Consider choosing a gambrel roof if …
- You want a roof shape that offers substantial loft space and an open feel.
- You enjoy the classic, old-fashioned appearance of gambrel barn roofs.
- You want to save money on materials and construction for your barndo roof.
- You want to maximize natural light and views under your roof.
- You need a roof that offers good drainage, but you are not worried about excessively high winds or more snow than your roof can handle. Consulting with a local architect can help you figure out whether a gambrel roof is suited to your climate.
Ready To Build a Gambrel Barndo?
There is no easier way to give your barndominium a classic rural flavor than by putting a gambrel roof on it. If you are ready to choose a floor plan that features a gambrel roof or design your own gambrel barndominium with the help of an experienced architect, click below to visit our recommended barndo builders and designers.