Tudor Artisans : Architectural Stone : Tudor Gablecaps

Classic Tudor Gable Cap

Classic gable cap wall coping using a flattened apex profile (other profiles are possible). The gable cap system has an optional set of midpoint triangle inserts and an apex triangle accent (shown in the sample drawings below with a 14/12 pitch, but other pitches are available). This system could also be complimented by a corbel at the base of each "wing-out" end points. The gable cap coping's depth (or height) is 4.125" and width is 15.5" (profile shown here: (drawing)). The accute rise angle as shown is 56 degrees.
Example Drawing (PDF)

About Tudor Gablecaps : Tudor gable caps are extremely important elements within Tudor architecture. These elegant copings add a wonderful stone "crown" to the gable (usually built as a parapet to the roof line). These caps help define (and accentuate) the all important powerful gable the is so central to Tudor architecture. Tudor houses are gabled and cross-gabled (no hip roofs allowed!). The thickness of the wall of the gable is evident by the thickness of the parapetted gable cap. It is important to not make these important elements too thin - a common mistake in modern Tudor buildings. We have found that a classic thickness is approx. 2 brick lengths. The flanged edging of the cap can enhance the wall's thick appearance. These powerful thick wall parapets are extremely important in the massing that must be evident in well-done Tudor designs. The apex peek is a place where finials can appear - sometimes taking on complex carved shapes of lions. Finials can also apprear on top of the base "wing-out" of the parapet. Corbels or large natural stones are used as supporters to the base "wing-out" end points of the coping. Date of last Modification: August 20, 2012 Contact: info@tudorartisans.com