What is the Difference Between a Gable Garage and a Hip Garage?

When you have a new garage built, you have a lot of decisions to make. You will need to decide whether you want a two or three-car garage, whether you want a manual or electronic garage door opener, and whether you want flood vents installed. Some of this comes down to how you plan to use your garage. You might want different things if you plan to use your garage strictly for parking your cars in, primarily for storage, or as a space for working on projects. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether you want a hip garage or a gable garage. Our experienced Chicago, IL garage-building experts will work with you to design the kind of garage you need.

Gable Garages and Hip Garages Have Different Roofs

The main difference between a gable garage and a hip garage is the roofing. A gable garage’s roof has two sloping sides that meet at a point in the middle, forming a triangle shape. A hip garage has a four-sided roof, where four triangular sides meet at a point in the middle.

Choosing Between a Gable and Hip Garage

If you live in Cook County, IL, you are used to getting a lot of snow each year. The climate you live in is an important factor in deciding what type of roof you need for your garage. Hip garages are usually more wind-resistant and structurally sound, but snow and rain slide off gable garages more easily. Other factors you should consider include:

• Storage space – Because hip garages usually have taller roofs, they offer more overhead storage space. If you want your garage to have an attic you can use to store things, a hip garage might be for you. If you would prefer a gable or do not want to have to climb a ladder to get your things down, you could consider building a garage with more floor space.
• Aesthetics – A lot of homeowners want the roof of their garage to match the roof of their house for aesthetic reasons. If you are in a Homeowner’s Association, they may require this or have other rules on what kind of garage you can erect on your lot. As always, your contractor will check all local regulations related to garages.
• Cost – Gable roofs are less complex and usually less costly to build.

Contact a Chicago, IL Garage-Building Expert

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is a leading Cook County, IL garage-building expert. We have been in the industry for 45 years. Contact us at 630-852-8485 to arrange a free, on-site estimate.