Unorthodox Dutch Gable

Down here in Oz, the roof line we have chosen is quite un-orthodox. We see "Dutch gables" here frequently, but in our case, the Dutch gable extends the full height of the roof (which makes its a full gable) except that we have retained the fascia and guttering beneath the gable (see pic below). I have seen this sort of thing on American buildings though. Of course when you design these things, its never quite possible to appreciated the complexity and additional assembly time. However, I do now!

In the photo below, the battens have be laid, ready for the roof cladding. The battens at the gable-end have not been cut-off yet (my carpenter will do this, and fit the fascia and gable cladding). A single row of slates can just be seen above the guttering at the gable end, along with some flashing ready to be positioned.

So why is the sarking (foil/paper lining) coloured blue!! Well, its to stop the reflection of heat from the sun onto the workers face/eyes. A long time ago it was just silver-foil colour, and the brickies/roofers would get sun-burnt / blinded. I am not sure if this colouring is just an Australian thing, or if its a feature in other places too.