If you’re familiar with pole building vocabulary, then you know that a flying gable is a triangular shaped overhang of the roof on the gable wall of the building. A bird’s peak is a very similar feature, but it’s not exactly the same.
So, which of these design features should you choose if you’re looking to add a little flair to the roofline of your pole building? We’ll explore all the details to help you decide.
What’s the Difference Between a Flying Gable and Bird’s Peak?
To the layman, a flying gable and bird’s peak may be hard to distinguish at first glance — they both look like pointed ends protruding from the roofline. The essential difference is that a bird’s peak begins protruding later.
A flying gable will start to gradually extend to a point starting from the eaves of the gable wall. A bird’s peak does not start extending to a point until much closer to the ridge.
Do These Features Serve a Purpose?
Both flying gables and bird’s peaks are design elements. Because of its more elongated style, a flying gable may add a small amount of extra coverage over the entry of your pole building, but its primary function is to enhance the look of the building.
Can I Add a Flying Gable or Bird’s Peak to Any Building?
The name “flying gable” may give you the impression that this design element is meant for buildings with a gable roofline — but that’s not necessarily the case.
Both flying gables and bird’s peaks can be added to gambrel and monitor style buildings as well. Of course, they look slightly different in these cases.
On a gambrel building, the flying gable can still extend from the eaves, but it must follow the changing pitch of the roof as it gets closer to the ridge. A bird’s peak, on the other hand, could begin extending from the change in pitch between the eaves and the ridge.
On a monitor building, a flying gable or bird’s peak can be added to the narrow raised center section of the roof; this area looks like a small version of a gable wall, so it lends itself well to these design elements.
Should I Choose a Flying Gable or Bird’s Peak?
Given that you can add these design elements to any style of pole building, the decision about which one to choose simply comes down to your preference.
Look through our Idea Gallery for a more complete picture of what a flying gable would look like on your new building, and talk through any questions you may have about flying gables or bird’s peaks with our team.Whichever feature you choose, the experts at Beehive Buildings are ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us to get started on planning your dream building today!