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Building elements

Gable end

A gable end is the triangular upper part of an end wall, between the two slopes of a pitched roof.

Also known as gable, gable wall, gable end element, gable ladder, gable truss

On a pitched roof the end walls rise to a point under the ridge. That triangle, the gable, closes the roof space and carries the cladding, and it often has to take wind load on a large exposed surface.

Gables are awkward to build in place: they are high, sloping and exposed. Building them flat as prefabricated elements, with the frame, sheathing and even cladding fitted, and lifting them in as a unit is quicker and safer than working at height.

Related terms
Roof trussA roof truss is a prefabricated triangulated timber framework that supports a roof and spans the space between external walls. Wall panelA wall panel is a prefabricated section of wall: a timber or steel frame, often already fitted with sheathing, insulation, windows and services. It is built in a factory and assembled on site. RafterA rafter is a sloping roof beam that runs from the ridge down to the wall plate and carries the roof covering.
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