Consider some of the most prevalent roof designs and how they affect your choice of roofing materials whether you’re getting a new roof or planning an addition to your home that requires additional roof space.
Roof Designs, Shapes & Styles
In certain cases, a roof can account for as much as 40% of the exterior of a property, which can have a significant impact on its overall appearance and curb appeal. Choosing roofing materials and shingle colors that match the form and slope of your roof, as well as the exterior appearance of your home, is important when it comes time to build a new roof.
Choosing the right types of roofs and shingles materials for your house can be aided by familiarizing yourself with the performance and aesthetic implications of various roof shapes and slopes.
Most Popular Materials for House Roofing
As you can see, you have a wide range of options when it comes to roofing type and construction material. Residential roofing materials can be categorized as follows.
Shingles
They can be made out of asphalt, fiberglass, or a combination of the two. Roof tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them one of the most popular roofing materials. Roof Shingles come in many shapes and sizes, so it is helpful to see examples of the many materials that can be used.
They are the most popular choice for new buildings since they are a good value for the money. Then there are architectural shingles that look like wood or slate. The additional benefit of architectural shingles is that they are thicker and consequently more durable.
Metal
Because of new developments in design, metal roofs have recovered their prominence during the past few years. Withstanding corrosion and wind damage, standing seam metal roofs are ideal for snow removal. If you don’t want your home to look too industrial, these can come in whatever color you can think of.
Aluminium Shingles
Metal shingles, rather than metal panels, are becoming more popular among home builders. Metal shingles mimic the look of regular asphalt or fiberglass shingles while offering the same level of protection as corrugated metal. Metal shingles are made of robust aluminum. What better way to combine efficiency and beauty than with metal shingles?
Clay Tiles
The elegance of clay tiles, which are commonly found on Spanish and European-style roofs, can be felt throughout a property. Because of their fire proofness and resistance to moisture and insects, clay roofs have a long lifespan. During storms with heavy winds or hail, they can, however, break.
Tiles made of Slate
One of the most long-lasting and long-lasting building materials available is slate tile, which is made from quarried rock. Slate roofs can last for centuries, making the initial investment worthwhile. Slate roofs, on the other hand, tend to be quite heavy, and will consequently necessitate additional structural support.
PVC
To avoid seams, PVC single-ply membranes are commonly utilized on flat roofs. Using a single layer of thermoplastic material and heat welding, they create a strong, waterproof seal.
Rubber EDPM
The rubber flat roof material EDPM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is exceptionally resistant to rip. Therefore, it is suitable for flat roofs that are frequently walked on as well as structures that are vulnerable to hail or wind damage.
Wood Shingles
Redwood, cedar, and pine are commonly used to make wood shakes or shingles. Most commonly, they’re seen on rustic or Cape Cod-style homes, but they can also be found on more contemporary ones as well. The application of wood shakes is more time consuming than that of standard roofing shingles. This is why if you go with wood shingles, you’ll want to work with a contractor who has experience working with them.
Types of Roofs
Additionally, you should be aware of what kind of roof works best in your area and climate, since the weather will have a significant impact on the health and condition of your roof.
Look around your neighbourhood and broad area to see what kinds of roofs are common, and conduct some research to find out what kind of roof works best in your area.
1. Cross Gable Roof
Pros
- Make attic ceilings more spacious
- Because of their simple form, they are extremely cost-effective to construct.
- Easy water evaporation helps to keep leaks at bay.
Cons
- More vulnerable to wind damage than other types of roofs.
- It is necessary to build more vents in order to get enough ventilation.
- It may not look as good on older or more traditional residences.
The ridges of two or more gable roofs meet at an angle, usually perpendicular to one another, to form a cross gable roof. Homes with an attached garage, for example, frequently feature this style of roof.
2. Combination Roof
Pros
- Combination roofs have the advantage of being adaptable to a variety of architectural styles.
- It can be created from a broad variety of materials, making it suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes.
Cons
- Combination roofs may be more expensive than single design roofs, but they are by far more versatile and they can be adapted to fit within any reasonable budget.
As the name suggests, a combination roof is made up of more than one type of roofing material. Combination roofs are used in the majority of custom-built residences. The gable-and-hip configuration is the most prevalent style of combined roofing.
3. Skillion Roof
Pros
- Most other roofs are more expensive and time-consuming to build than the skillion roof.
- Additionally, it has greater drainage than roof types with a more gradual slope.
- Verandahs and other parts of the home can benefit from the usage of this sort of roof.
Cons
- Its main drawback is that a low ceiling height is required if the pitch is too steep.
One smooth surface slopes in one direction on a skillion roof. Because of its unusual pitch, it has a much steeper slope than does a flat roof.
4. Gambrel Roof
Pros
- For structures with an upper apartment, it provides more room, making it suitable.
- In comparison to other roof types, it requires less construction material
- Low-cost to build and maintain
Cons
- When significant snowfall falls, the structure may collapse under the weight.
- Requires a lot of time and effort to maintain.
- Leakage is common on gambrel roofs that have been improperly built.
A gambrel roof is a two-sided symmetrical roof with a shallow upper portion and a steeper lower slope on either side that is most typically found on barns. Despite the fact that this design makes the most of a building’s loft space, it is typically reserved for outhouses and barns due to its unsuitability in places with frequent wind or snowfall.
5. Flat Roof
Pros
- An outdoor garden or patio, it provides ample room.
- HVAC units can be put on top of the roof so that they are nicely concealed.
- Makes it easy to add solar panels.
Cons
- Extremely vulnerable to leaks, as water tends to collect on their surface.
- Due to the need for constant upkeep, they can be expensive to maintain
- Regular inspections are necessary to find and fix leaks before they cause significant harm.
A little slope is present on flat roofs to facilitate the drainage of rainwater. However, flat roofs can also be a popular choice for residential construction, as the flat surface is ideal for growing a garden on top of a home’s roof.
6. Hip Roof
Pros
- Excellent for high-wind environments because of their great level of stability.
- Snow can easily be swept away from the roof, preventing it from accumulating on top of it.
- Hip roofs are an excellent alternative for any style of home because of their attractive look.
Cons
- The usage of additional building materials is required during construction.
- Addition of dormers makes it more vulnerable to water leakage.
- When it comes to ventilation, hip roofs might be a bit of a challenge.
The ridge of a typical hip roof is formed by four slopes of equal length. Some varieties exist, such as the half-hip, which has two eaves on each side.
If your home has a hip roof, you’ve probably noticed that the majority of the roof is visible from the street. As the most noticeable part of your home’s exterior, the shingles you choose for your hip roof will have a significant impact on the entire appearance.
7. Mansard Roof
Pros
- In order to produce a unique design, the sides can be either flat or curved.
- Open or closed dormers can be added with ease.
- Attic or garret living quarters can easily be added to this home.
Cons
- In addition, the roof has a low pitch, making it difficult to shed snowfall.
- Adding aesthetic elements to a mansard roof necessitates a higher initial investment.
- Maintain and repair more frequently than gable-style roofs
There are four double sloping sides that meet to produce a low pitched roof in the centre of the roof known as a “Mansard roof” or a “French roof,” which was initially designed by architect Francois Mansert.
Since they make future extensions simple, mansard roofs are popular because of the extra living space known as a garret or loft they provide in the form of attic storage.
No matter how flat or curvy the sloping sides are, however, the bottom slope is always steeper than the upper one.
8. Butterfly Roof
Pros
- When it comes to rainwater harvesting, a butterfly roof’s middle valley is ideal.
- Solar panels may be easily installed thanks to the design’s unique shape.
- Larger windows can be installed, allowing for more natural light to enter.
Cons
- The waterproofing of a butterfly roof must be done meticulously to avoid leaks.
- Drainage systems are more susceptible to clogs and require more frequent cleaning.
- A home with a butterfly roof that has larger windows may experience uncomfortable temperature swings throughout the year.
A butterfly roof is formed when two inwardly sloping panels meet in a single valley. Butterflies have wings, and this roof design is very similar to that of the flying insect. Its shape makes it particularly popular for homes that receive lots of sunlight but very little rain.
9. Shed Roof
Pros
- With shed roofing, porches and patios can be shielded from the elements without having to alter the roof’s design.
- Require very little in the way of construction materials.
- Even folks with limited building skills can build it
Cons
- Some properties may be harmed by their plain appearance.
- If the roof does not have the right slope, it may cause drainage issues.
- The roof of a shed can be difficult to get utility wires through.
If you’re a fan of contemporary home designs, a shed roof is a great option. Half of a typical gable can be seen in this “lean-to” style of building. On ultra-modern homes, the shed roof is employed in its entirety rather than just on porches and extensions. In general, the slope of a shed roof is 4 in 12 or less. However, greater slopes will hasten water flow.
Houses with shed roofs are often distinctive constructions that express the individual tastes and personalities of the people who live in them. There are a wide range of window arrangement options for shed roofs, from modest rows of panes right beneath the roof to enormous picture windows across the front of the house.
10. Ridged, multi-gable (M-type)
Pros
- If you’re looking for a multi-gabled roof for townhouses, rowhouses, or duplexes, this is the best option.
- Withstand strong winds
- With different roof designs, such as a shed or hip roof, it can be employed
Cons
- Debris is more likely to build up in the valleys of M-shaped roofs because of their steep slope. As a result, more regular cleaning is necessary.
- Do not allow rainwater to drain away from the building as quickly and efficiently as traditional roofs.
- Costlier to repair or replace than a single gable or hip roof.
There are two independent sections of a multi-gabled roof, each having a separate gable roof and a valley between them. The summits of the gables make an “m” when viewed from the front. They’re a popular choice for homes that have had additions because they don’t necessitate changing the basic roof layout.
Conclusion
A wide variety of roof designs can be seen in this article. In addition, the sheer variety of building materials means that there is practically an infinite number of roof options. In addition, the style of siding on your home may affect the type of roof you choose. To come up with a design that is right for you, consider the style of your house, the climate, and your financial situation.
