Crow-stepped gable
A crow-stepped gable, also known as a stepped gable or corbie step, is a design for a building’s triangular gable end. It takes the form of a stair-step pattern at the top of the stone or brick parapet wall which projects above the roofline.
Used as decoration, as well as being a convenient method for finishing brick or stone courses, crow-stepped gables were traditionally used on Dutch houses, Danish medieval churches, and Scottish buildings dating back to the 16th century. They were also a feature of the northern-Renaissance Revival and Dutch Colonial Revival styles of 19th century America.
Crow steps are commonly made of sandstone or brick, which, due to their porosity, generally have to be capped with lead or a stone coping, or sealed with other materials.
In addition, as the roofing slates do not reach the outer face of the gable with crow steps, several techniques had to be employed in order to maintain the water-tightness, including:
- Raising the last slate using a wedge and laying mortar over the edge to seal the gap.
- Cutting a groove approximately 25 mm (1 inch) deep to the inside edge of the steps and inserting a lead abutment flashing.
- Lead flashings placed into the joints between bricks as they are laid.
See also: Crow-step.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.