At first glance of the house, I thought the same thing, “What is up with that roof?” It was the one thing that I was unsure of about the house, but in the “hot” real estate market I was looking in, I couldn’t be picky about such things; the house was in the right neighbourhood, and had all the things I was looking for, minus the roof. I have heard many comments about its structure, mostly negative (okay, constructive criticism!). I have even been told that it looks like the house has a hat on, which on further review, it kinda does!
Unfortunately, it is out of the question to replace the roof due to it’s sound structure and new shingles. Alas, I must embrace the roof and so I went to work researching the structure and how I can improve it!
I have now realized, after hours of research and curiosity, it is a gambrel roof, not a barn roof, to which I was referring to. Let me enlighten you on a gambrel roof, and maybe, you too will grow to love it in the end.
Gambrel roofs are….
a) Consisting of 2 symmetrical sloped sides, which creates the barn look
b) This structure is commonly used to increase usable space on the upper floor
c) Originates between 1600s -1800s, mainly seen along the East Coast, from Maine to Georgia on residential homes. Now commonly used on barns…well, you don’t say!?
d) Is a part of my house that would be too expensive to change so I am lovin’ it’s cute chapeau!
From the pictures, you can see that there is a varying degree of shapes, and although mine is flattest and lamest of them all, I hope to add some decoration such as a pediment or other simple details to help improve it’s look!
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| All images found on google.com |
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Any bright ideas to improve the facade of the roof? It is open for discussion!
Can you change the shingles?
I think they are called shingles, I mean the white paneling that is the top front half of the house…
I love the gambrel roofs and always have. i love the head room on the upper floors. I think the back of your house looks great with the cedar shakes. are you thinking of changing the front sliding to cedar????
Well thank Josie! I am glad someone likes it!
It's growing on me. You will see in later posts, that yes, I am actually extending the house, so the shingles, not cedar shakes unfortunately, will be gone.
And no Tara, the vinyl siding is also staying. It's all about doing this reno at a decent cost, and so we are starting with major things that need changing, like the layout, and then I will start doing the "decorative" stuff!
I asked the same thing about the siding…conclusion: it stays 🙂
Are the two windows in the front, two of the ones that you are changing out? Could you put in larger windows? Your ideas would be a gagillion times better than mine. lol
i said it once and i'll say it again, i love his little chapeau!
Hey Krista! Great house and Fantastic BLOG!!! What is behind the two windows in the front? Two rooms or one. If one you could replace the windows with a centre double french door that opens in and what I think is a Princess (?) balcony. It would get rid of the eye effect and give you fresh air in the room….
Thanks everyone. Good ideas. And I have thought of them too. Unfortunately, the only REAL construction is happening with my addition on the back of the house. I need to find a "clever", enexpensive way to get around the eye effect at the front. I know…not easy! But thank you for your wonderful design ideas. I will be tapping into these along the way!
I would tone down the landscaping to make it simple and elegant that way there can be more focus on the front door and porch. Make the porch look clean and cosy and perhaps the eyes will be brought down from the siding. My house is kinda similar so we can chat sista!
Hi Krista,
I know is a long time from the posts above but I wanted to know what you have done with the place?
We have bought a gambrel roof house and are in similar situation.
To be honest, we didn't change the facade. We decided that once the rest of the landscaping and accents were added, it didn't matter as much 🙂 Maybe in the future we will add something but for now, I want to spend my house reno money elsewhere! Good luck with yours. It will grow on you 😉