Pro: Cost

• Building a gambrel roof typically costs less money than other types of roofs. The ease of framing and constructing the roof is usually the reason for the lower price. However, the size of your project and type of roofing materials used can affect the cost, so be sure to get several quotes to identify the best price for a gambrel roof in your area.
  
  

Pro: Extra Space

• Because of its design, a gambrel roof provides more space beneath the roof than a gable roof or other types of roofing. You can use this extra room for additional storage or another floor in your home. You can also add a gambrel roof to your garage or shed to add valuable storage space to these structures.
  
  

Pro: Appearance

• A gambrel roof provides a unique look that can draw attention to your home. Its distinctive shape provides a dramatic appearance for your home's exterior, but also has an elegant feel, particularly when paired with a colonial style house. While it is often used in rural settings because it is a common option for barns, a gambrel roof can make a significant statement in a suburban setting where it is not as widely used.
  
  

Con: Limited Durability

• One of the major issues with a gambrel roof is that it not as durable as other roofing types. In particular, it does not hold up well in areas that receive heavy snowfall and are subject to high winds. If you live in an area of the country with these weather conditions and still want to add a gambrel roof to your home, you must use reinforced trusses used for the roof sheathing, particularly on the upper pitch.
  
  

Con: Frequent Maintenance

• Due to its lack of durability, a gambrel roof requires more maintenance than other types of roofs in order to prolong its lifespan. Inspect the roof seasonally to determine if damage has occurred due to weather conditions so you can have repairs made promptly. A gambrel roof also requires repainting more often than other roofing types because exposure to elements may fade or distort its finish.