When it’s time to give your home a major upgrade, and you want to start by replacing the roof, you will need to be familiar with the different roof types available.
Before you get the services of a professional roofer who has the right roofing insurance coverage, you have to find out first how certain roof types will look with your house.
It’s also important to know their strengths, downsides, and how they’ll perform in the climate where you live.
Learning about the different roof types will also help you choose the roofing materials that work best with them.
Here are some of the most common roof types to help you decide which one to pick for your roof replacement project.
Gable Roof
It’s probably safe to assume we’re all familiar with the gable roof since it’s the type of roof you can find on house drawings we did as children.
One of the most common roof types, a gable roof has a triangular shape that is easy to recognize. That distinct shape also happens to shed snow and water with ease.
With its relatively simple design, a gable roof is easier and cheaper to build than other types. The design itself also allows for more ventilation and attic space.
Practically all types of roofing materials go well with this roof type.
Flat Roof
If you plan on doing something more unique with your roof, like one of those rooftop gardens or even a patio, then you might want to consider going for a flat roof.
Of the many roof types, a flat roof is perhaps the easiest to build. It also won’t cost much as it only requires fewer building materials.
However, since a flat roof only has a very slight pitch to allow water to run off, pools tend to form on it, especially after heavy rainfall. That’s why your roofing materials should be continuous and without seams. PVC, tar and gravel, metal sheets, rubber membrane, TPO, and roll roofing are the best materials for a flat roof.
Shed Roof
If your home is on the rustic side when it comes to its design, a shed roof would be an excellent idea for a replacement.
Also referred to as a skillion roof or a lean-to, a shed roof is a single, sloping panel attached to a taller wall. Water and snow run off quite easily on a shed roof, whose simple but architecturally appealing design makes assembling it a straightforward task. Given its straight, uninterrupted design, a shed roof is a perfect place for solar panels.
However, if your house is located in a high wind area, a shed roof will be prone to problems, especially if it’s not built in accordance with correct standards.
For a shed roof, wood shingles, asphalt shingles, and standing-seam metal would be some of the best materials.
Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is a two-sided roof, with each side having one gentle and one steep slope.
Often found on barns and farmhouses, a gambrel roof is designed in such a way that it provides more space for an attic or a loft. Constructing and maintaining it is inexpensive, and building it requires fewer building materials.
Slate, wood, and asphalt shingles are commonly used for gambrel roofs.
Mansard Roof
Also referred to as a French roof, a mansard roof is essentially a four-sided gambrel roof. Each side of a mansard roof has a double slope, one steep and the other shallow.
As with a gambrel roof, a mansard roof allows for the creation of an attic or any kind of extra living space. For its roofing material, metal often comes recommended.
Hip Roof
A hip roof is a four-sided roof with an inward slope on all sides. The length of each side is the same, and they all come together at the top, forming a ridge in the process.
Sturdier than a gable roof, a hip roof has a slant where snow can slide off easily, making it great for houses located in snowy as well as high wind areas. As with many other roof types, a hip roof also allows for additional living space.
Most types of standard roofing materials are suitable to use for hip roofs.
Saltbox Roof
One of the most attractive features of a saltbox roof is its asymmetrical design. One side is shorter and typically covers the house’s top floor, while the other side is long enough to reach close to the ground floor.
A saltbox roof is ideal if you live in an area that receives plenty of rain and snow since its high pitch can shake them off with ease.
You can use all types of roofing materials for a saltbox roof.
There are many other roof types out there, but the ones listed above should be a good enough place to start exploring your roofing options. Once you factor in the weather in your area, your home’s style and design, and your personal tastes, you should be able to choose the perfect roof type for your home upgrade.
Author Bio:
Rachel Porter is the content specialist for Custom Contractors Insurance, LLC, an Arizona roofing and contractors insurance company. When not writing, she enjoys reading and mountain biking with her friends.
