Researching the best roof types is an important step for anyone considering a new roof or adding a roof to their home. Each roof design offers its own unique set of benefits, challenges, and aesthetic appeal, making it crucial to understand the options available.
From the practicality of a gable roof to the modern elegance of a butterfly roof, this article dives into the world of roofs, providing a detailed look at various styles. Whether you're aiming to enhance your home's durability against the elements or simply seeking to elevate its appearance, finding the right roof type can significantly impact both the functionality and curb appeal of your property. A well-maintained roof is vital, and incorporating gutter guards can save you from frequent gutter cleaning, ensuring your roof's longevity.
Let's explore the features, pros, and cons of each roof type to help you make an informed decision.
14 Common Types of Roofs
When it comes to choosing the perfect roof for your home, the variety of options available can be overwhelming. Each type of roof not only adds a unique aesthetic to your property but also comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. To help you navigate through this crucial decision-making process, we've compiled a comprehensive table of the 14 most popular roof types. This guide outlines the key pros and cons of each, aiming to provide you with valuable insights to consider what's best for your home's architectural style, climate resilience, and overall functionality.
| Roof type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gable roof | Simple design, effective water runoff, good ventilation, easy to construct | Not ideal for high wind areas unless properly braced |
| Hip roof | Stable, good for high wind and snowy areas, durable | More expensive than gable roofs due to complexity |
| Gambrel roof | Maximizes attic space, easy water and snow runoff, aesthetically pleasing | Can be less stable in high wind areas |
| Flat roof | Versatile use of roof space (e.g., gardens, terraces), modern look, easy access | Requires more maintenance, not the best option for areas with heavy rainfall due to water pooling risks |
| Dormer roof | Adds natural light and ventilation, increases usable space, enhances curb appeal | Can be expensive to add, potential for leaks if not properly installed |
| Butterfly roof | Unique modern design, effective water collection, allows for larger windows | Complex and expensive construction, requires meticulous maintenance |
| Skillion roof | Simple and quick to construct, modern appearance, effective water runoff | Less space in the attic, not suited for high wind areas unless well-designed |
| Saltbox roof | Interesting design, good for snow and rain runoff, more living space at the back | Asymmetrical design can complicate construction and layout |
| Curved roof | Aerodynamic, visually appealing, customizable curvature | Higher cost due to complexity, may require specialized materials |
| Dutch roof | Combines benefits of gable and hip roofs, adds space and aesthetic appeal | More complex design can increase construction costs |
| Bonnet roof | Protects exterior walls from weather, provides additional outdoor living space | More complex to construct, can be more expensive than simpler designs |
| Intersection roof | Adds architectural interest, excellent drainage | Complex design can lead to higher construction costs |
| Cross hipped roof | Excellent for homes with complex layout, good drainage and stability | Complex and expensive to build, requires more materials |
| Clerestory roof | Provides natural light and ventilation, adds aesthetic appeal, allows for privacy while letting in sunlight | Can be more expensive due to complex design and construction, may require additional insulation to maintain energy efficiency |
Selecting the right roof type is more than just an aesthetic choice; it's a long-term investment in your home's future. The table provided offers a glimpse into the diverse world of roofing, highlighting the functional and aesthetic implications of each option. When it comes to roof repair, remember that timely intervention is crucial. As you consider these popular roof types, think about how each aligns with your needs, preferences, and the specific demands of your local climate. Remember, the ideal roof not only complements your home's design but also enhances its protection and energy efficiency, ensuring comfort and security for years to come. If you're considering a change, remember that window replacement can be just as important as the roof in terms of energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Below is an even more close look in to each type of roof, along with illustrations.
Gable roof
The gabled roof, often called the pitched or peaked roof, is arguably the most iconic roof shape in residential buildings. Recognized for its triangular shape, this type of roof is beloved for its simplicity, effectiveness in shedding water, and ease of ventilation and attic space creation. It fits perfectly with a variety of architectural styles, from classic to contemporary, and its design allows for efficient water runoff, reducing the risk of water pooling and damage. The gable roof is also particularly advantageous in areas that have heavy snowfalls, as its steep pitch helps to easily shed snow.
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Simple design, effective water runoff, good ventilation, easy to construct
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Not ideal for high wind areas unless properly braced
Hip roof
Characterized by sides that incline from all four directions, converging at the peak to create a ridge, the hip roof boasts excellent stability and resistance to high winds. This roof type is a popular choice in both snowy and windy regions due to its robust design. The inward angling of each of the four sides enhances its toughness, making it more sturdy than the gable roof and providing a charming aesthetic that complements a wide range of home designs
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Stable, good for high wind and snowy areas, durable
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More expensive than gable roofs due to complexity
Gambrel roof
The gambrel roof is reminiscent of classic barn designs, featuring two distinct slopes on either side: one steep and one more gradual. This design maximizes usable attic space, making it an ideal choice for extra storage space or additional living areas. The gambrel roof’s unique profile adds a touch of elegance and spaciousness to homes, often associated with Dutch Colonial and Georgian styles, and it allows for easy drainage of rain and snow.
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Maximizes attic space, easy water and snow runoff, aesthetically pleasing
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Can be less stable in high wind areas
Flat roof
Sleek and modern, the flat roof is not actually completely flat but has a very slight angle to allow for water drainage. This roof type is especially popular in arid climates and commercial buildings but is gaining traction in residential homes for its minimalist aesthetic. Flat roofs provide the opportunity for rooftop gardens, terraces, or solar panel installation, making them a versatile choice for those looking to maximize their outdoor living space or enhance energy efficiency.
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Versatile use of roof space (e.g., gardens, terraces), modern look, easy access
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Requires more maintenance, not ideal for areas with heavy rainfall due to water pooling risks
Dormer roof
A dormer is a window-featured extension of the roof, often seen in gable, hip, and other roof types. Dormers are not just visually pleasing and adding character to the home’s exterior —they also increase the livable space by providing additional headroom, light, and ventilation. Whether used for creating cozy nooks within attic spaces or adding natural light to upstairs rooms, dormer roofs blend functionality with charm.
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Adds natural light and ventilation, increases usable space, enhances curb appeal
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Can be expensive to add, potential for leaks if not properly installed
Butterfly roof
The butterfly roof, with its V-shaped design, is the epitome of modern architectural beauty. This roof type is distinguished by two panels that slope down from opposite edges to a central valley, resembling a butterfly's wings in flight. Not only does it allow for larger windows and thus much more of natural light, but it also offers effective water drainage and the potential for rainwater collection. The butterfly roof's unique appearance and environmental benefits make it a favorite among eco-conscious homeowners and architects.
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Unique modern design, effective water collection, allows for larger windows
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Complex and expensive construction, requires meticulous maintenance
Skillion roof
Also known as a shed roof, the skillion roof features a single, sloping surface, unlike the traditional two-sided roof. Its modern and straightforward design is often applied to home additions, porches, and homes aiming for a contemporary look. The skillion roof allows for easy water runoff and can be designed to enhance a home's architectural interest or to maximize sunlight exposure for solar panels.
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Simple and quick to construct, modern appearance, effective water runoff
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Less space in the attic, not suited for high wind areas unless well-designed
Saltbox roof
The saltbox roof is a testament to New England’s architectural history, featuring a long, pitched roof that slopes down to the back, a shorter front side, and a flat front facade. This asymmetrical design not only adds visual interest but also provides more living space at the back of the house. The saltbox roof is renowned for its ability to hold out against harsh weather conditions, making it a durable choice for homes in areas with heavy rain and snow.
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Interesting design, good for snow and rain runoff, more living space at the back
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Asymmetrical design can complicate construction and layout
Curved roof
Curved roofs add a sculptural element to any structure, bending the rules of traditional roofing with their elegant arcs. This type of roof can vary in curvature, offering a dynamic and customizable architectural feature that stands out. Curved roofs are not only visually striking but can also enhance aerodynamics in windy environments and offer unique interior ceiling designs.
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Aerodynamic, visually appealing, customizable curvature
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Higher cost due to complexity, may require specialized materials
Dutch roof
The Dutch roof, or Dutch gable roof, is a blend that combines the characteristics of the hip roof and the gable roof. It features a gable (or a pediment) set atop a hip roof, providing the additional space and visual appeal of a gable with the stability and drainage benefits of a hip roof. This design allows for more attic space or potential for upper-floor windows, making it a versatile choice for adding charm and functionality.
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Combines benefits of gable and hip roofs, adds space and aesthetic appeal
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More complex design can increase construction costs
Bonnet roof
Reminiscent of a bonnet, this roof type slopes out beyond the walls of the house, creating a covered porch area around the home's perimeter. The bonnet roof not only offers additional outdoor living space but also protects the home's exterior from rain and sun. Its double slope design allows for efficient water runoff and enhanced durability, making it an option that offers both functionality and visual appeal for homes in regions with varied weather conditions.
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Protects exterior walls from weather, provides additional outdoor living space
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More complex to construct, can be more expensive than simpler designs
Intersection roof
The intersection roof is a distinctive architectural feature, often found in homes featuring intricate floor plans or additions where two roof sections intersect at various angles, creating a dynamic and visually interesting profile. This roof type excels in both structure and purpose, adeptly managing water runoff from multiple surfaces and providing opportunities for unique interior spaces beneath its intersecting planes. Ideal for custom or eclectic home designs, the intersecting roof not only addresses the practical challenges of roofing over irregular floor plans, but also adds character and depth to a building's exterior. Its complexity allows for a blend of different roofing styles, offering architects and homeowners the flexibility to innovate while ensuring efficient water drainage and increasing the overall visual appeal of the property.
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Adds architectural interest, excellent drainage
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Complex design can lead to higher construction costs
Cross hipped roof
The cross hipped roof features two hipped roof sections that intersect at a right angle, often seen in homes with a complex layout or an L-shape structure. This design allows for excellent rain and snow runoff and provides a harmonious look that integrates well with the natural landscape. The cross hipped roof is admired for its architectural beauty and functionality, offering a seamless blend of form and efficiency in water drainage and wind deflection.
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Excellent for homes with complex layout, good drainage and stability
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Complex and expensive to build, requires more materials
Clerestory roof
The clerestory roof stands out as a unique architectural solution, designed to usher natural light into the deeper parts of a building while maintaining privacy and enhancing ventilation. Characterized by a row of windows set high in the walls, directly beneath the edge of the roof, this design divides the roof into two sections at different levels. The clerestory windows capture sunlight at the optimal times of day, illuminating interiors without the heat of direct sun exposure. This roof type is particularly favored in eco-friendly and sustainable building designs, where maximizing natural light while minimizing energy use is a priority. Beyond its functional benefits, the clerestory roof adds a visually striking element to any structure, creating spaces that feel both open and secluded, merging the indoors with the natural world outside.
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Provides natural light and ventilation, adds aesthetic appeal, allows for privacy while letting in sunlight
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Can be more expensive due to complex design and construction, may require additional insulation to maintain energy efficiency
Professional vs. DIY Roofing Projects
Tackling roofing projects often surpasses the skill set of most homeowners, where even a minor error can pose significant risks to personal safety or property damage. Entrusting your roofing needs to a professional contractor, equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills for roof repairs or replacements, is advisable. Dependable firms ensure punctuality and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Roofing Types FAQ
The three main types of roofs are gable, hip, and flat roofs. Gable roofs are the easiest to recognize by their triangular contour, making them popular for their classic appearance and effectiveness in shedding water and snow. Hip roofs have inclines on all four sides that meet at the summit to create a ridge, offering excellent stability and resistance to wind. Flat roofs, while not entirely flat, have a very slight pitch for water drainage and are favored for their modern look and functional space on top.
Flat roofs are generally considered the cheapest type of roof to install, especially for commercial properties. For residential homes, the simplest gable roof can also be among the most cost-effective options due to its straightforward design that requires fewer materials and less labor compared to more complex roof types.
Metal roofs are famous for their durability, often lasting over 50 years with minimal maintenance. In terms of roof shape, hip roofs are known for their durability and ability to withstand high winds and harsh weather conditions due to their sturdy design.
The two basic roof framing types are stick framing and truss framing. Stick framing, the traditional method, involves constructing the roof on-site using separate pieces of lumber. Truss framing, on the other hand, uses pre-engineered trusses (triangular wooden structures) that are manufactured off-site and then installed, which can be more cost-effective and time-efficient.
The strongest roof design is often considered to be the hip roof due to its all-encompassing slopes that provide excellent stability and resistance to wind and snow. The symmetry of a hip roof distributes weight evenly, which is beneficial in high-wind areas or places prone to heavy snowfall, making it a robust choice for many climates.
