The rake of a gable roof can be quite confusing, because a roof rake is a handy device for removing snow from the surface. Especially as that term uses the word in its original medieval sense, meaning a tool with a row of pointed teeth for gathering something.
However, and this brings us closer to our quest, ‘rake’ also refers to the inclination of something from the perpendicular. So we could say in our line of business a rake is a sloping roof surface, that ‘gathers’ rainwater to the eavestroughs.
Applying This to the Rake of a Gable Roof
Wikipedia defines a gable roof as “one consisting of two sections whose upper horizontal edges meet to form its ridge.” And goes on to mention it is the commonest type we encounter in cold and temperate climates. Gable roofs with (triangular) feature walls at ends have the following attractive advantages:
- Inexpensive, because they require less roofing materials
- Flexible, because there are a variety of designs available
- Simple, easier to erect, and more resistant to the weather
- Efficient because they can create extra attic living space
Gable roofs are however more susceptible to wind damage than hip roofs. Hence it follows there is much to be gained from using a professional roofer to repair the rake of your gable roof.
Maintenance and Repairs to Gable Roof Rakes
Gable roof rakes comprise boards attached to the roof timbers, and usually covered over with roofing material such as asphalt shingles. The commonest problems occur when moisture soaks into those boards, rots them, and drips down into the attic. This moisture can come from rain, snow, or high humidity but the result is inevitably similar.
Pests and other insects can also cause damage to boards on rakes on a gable roof, and open up water channels. The best way to prevent this is denying them access by installing the boards correctly, and regularly inspecting attic space for signs of mold under the lower roof surface.
And finally, it is also essential to check the interface points between roof rake surfaces and gables, dormer windows, and chimneys. Valiant Exteriors offers a full roof and eavestrough inspection and repair service to clients in Calgary. We also replace with new. Call us on (403)829-1661 when you need advice from someone who knows what they are about.
More Information
Snow Drifts Could Cause ‘Gutter Leaks’
The Water From Your Downspouts
Rake of a Gable Roof with Dormer Windows (Hans G. Oberlack BY CC 4.0 Share Alike)