“A roof is not just a shelter, it’s a statement.”
Choosing the right roof type for your home is far more than just aesthetics. You need to look after the –
- durability,
- energy efficiency,
- weather resistance, and
- property value.
Yet, many homeowners face the challenge of picking up the right roof type from a wider list of available options.
Let’s be honest here – one wrong decision can lead to long-term issues. It not only affects your comfort but your money as well.
“The roof is the unsung hero of a house,” says architect Kevin McCloud.
How? It works silently above us, protecting us from –
- storms,
- heatwaves, and
- even the coldest nights.
So how do you choose the right roof for your home? Do you want to choose that modern, sleek flat roof you’ve seen in trendy design magazines?
Or, is the classic pitched roof a more practical solution?
And what about the long-term costs? Are you investing in a roof that will require frequent repairs or one that will stand the test of time?
Well, let’s find out.
What Are Different Roof Types of Residential Places?
Box Gable Roof
A box gable roof is a type of gable roof where the two sloped sides of the roof meet to form a triangle, but the edges are enclosed to create a complete triangular shape.
The design helps guide water and snow off the roof, and the enclosed ends make the roof a bit sturdier in strong winds compared to other gable roof styles.
Simple Hip Roof
A simple hip roof has four sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. It also has a continuous eave running along all sides of the roof.
Hip roofs are great because they are easy to install gutters on, offer good resistance to strong winds, and are visually appealing.
However, they tend to be more expensive than gable roofs, and there’s a higher risk of leaks where the roof slopes meet.
Hip and Valley Roof
A hip and valley roof is a design where a gable roof is divided into angled sections, often with parts of the roof running at different angles to each other.
It creates ridges and valleys where the roofs meet.
The roof has higher wind resistance and better gutter performance.
However, the valleys are more likely to leak. So, the roof can be more expensive to build because extra flashing is needed to prevent leaks.
Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is a modified version of a gable roof.
It has less steep sections that slope gently from the roof’s peak, followed by steeper sections ending at the roof’s edge.
The design is often seen in colonial-style buildings and barns.
It gives more interior space and allows for better drainage.
Front Gable Roof
A front gable roof has two roof sections that meet in the middle. It creates an upside-down “V” shape facing the front of the house.
Gable roofs are easier to build and maintain than hip roofs.
These are great for preventing moisture buildup, especially snow.
Mansard Roof
A mansard roof is a variation of the gambrel roof. It has two slopes on each side of the roof.
The lower slope has dormers or small windows that extend outward.
It has similar benefits to a gambrel roof. However, the focus is on creating functional space in the upper part of the roof where the dormers are located.
Parapet Roof
A parapet roof carries elements of other roof designs like –
- Clerestory,
- Dome, and
- Dormer roofs.
It has a section that rises above the roof and may have a unique shape, like –
- Hexagonal or
- Hip roofing.
The roof shape types can add more usable space and improve resistance to wind and water.
Cross Hipped Roof
A cross-hipped roof is a variety of the hip roof. The roof has two sections that meet perpendicularly.
It creates a cross shape when you see it from above. The design is great for withstanding strong winds.
How to Pick A Residential Roof Type?
If you’re replacing your residential roofing, here are some important things to consider:
- Can your house’s structure handle the extra weight of the new roofing material?
- Does the material come in colors and styles that fit your home’s look?
- Can local contractors install this material?
- Does the material meet your area’s fire safety requirements?
- Are there any special installation or maintenance needs to think about?
- How well does the material handle the weather conditions in your area?
- What is the cost, and how long will the material last?
- What’s the roof warranty, and does it transfer if you sell your house?
Answering these questions will help you choose the best roof for your home.
While manufacturers provide warranty details, it’s often hard to find the exact cost of materials since contractors bundle the cost of materials and labor together in their quotes.
When shopping for a roof, it’s useful to know that roofing is usually sold by the “roofing square,” which is 100 square feet.
Most of the roofing cost (about 55%) comes from the materials, and labor makes up around 35%. If the old roof needs to be removed, the cost could rise by about 25% due to the extra labor.
Building codes generally allow two layers of asphalt shingles on a house, which can save time and money.
Contractors can nail the new shingles over the old ones, which speeds up the installation and lowers costs.
However, this approach means you miss the chance to check the sheathing for damage, such as water rot, and replace any bad sections.
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