The Different Types of Roofs

1. The Gable Roof

The gable roof is actually the most popular roof in the United States and will also be known as a pitched or peaked roof. These roofs are easy to recognize as they have a triangular shape. The gable roof is popular because it is able to easily shed water and snow. The gable roof will also provide you with additional space in the way of an attic or allows you to have vaulted ceilings for better ventilation. They have a simple design which makes them very easy to build and they will be cheaper than many of the other more complicated designs. The problem comes when you have a gable roof in areas with high winds or hurricanes. If the frames are not constructed correctly, the roof can collapse and the wind will peel the materials off the roof. If there is too much overhang in these cases, the roof could be detached from the house by high winds.

2. The Hip Roof

A hip roof will have a slope on all 4 sides. Each side will be an equal length and the slopes will meet at the top to create a ridge at the peak. This method of construction makes the hip roof more stable than the gable roof. They are also ideal for areas with snow and high winds. The slant of the roof ensures that the snow slides off and that there is no standing water left behind. You could also have additional living space with these roofs by adding a dormer or crow’s nest to the property. The primary issue for many people is the fact that the hip roof will be more expensive than the gable. The more complex design of the roof will require additional building materials. If a dormer is added, there will be additional seals which could allow water to leak if it has not been installed correctly. This is a major issue that you will need to have remedied as soon as possible and which could cost you more.

3. The Mansard Roof

The mansard roof, which is also called the French roof, is 4 sided and has a double slope which all meet to create a low-pitched roof. The lower slope of the roof will be much steeper than the upper slope with the sides being flat or slightly curved. This will depend on the style of mansard roof you are looking at. The primary benefit of the mansard roof is the fact that it creates additional living space. The attic can be used as a full living area which will increase the overall space within your home. The roof offers flexibility as you have the option of expanding your home when you want or need to. The primary issue with this roof is the fact that the low-pitched section of the roof is not ideal for areas with snow. The snow will not slide off the roof very easily which could cause major issues. These roofs will also cost more because of the detail that goes into them.

4. The Gambrel Roof

The gambrel is similar to the mansard as it has 2 different slopes. The primary difference is that the gambrel will only have 2 sides compared to the mansard’s 4. The lower side of the roof will be almost vertical while the upper low is not as steep. This type of room is commonly used on barns, log cabins, and Georgian style homes. The benefit of these roofs is the additional living space that you get in the attic. The frame of the roof is also simple which lowers the overall costs. These roofs are ideal for storage as they offer you the space you need without compromising the rest of the home. The primary problem with this roof is the fact that it cannot handle high winds or heavy snowfall. The open design of the roof will make it more susceptible to collapse when faced with extreme pressure. The roof also needs to be well constructed and must be maintained on a regular basis. It is recommended that you have the roof inspected at least once a year from your local roofing contractors to check for any damage.

There are a lot of different types of roofs that you can use for your home. However, some roofs are more popular than others and some roofs cannot handle certain weather conditions. It is important that you find a roof that suits your budget as well as the environment.