The roof is one of the most noticeable parts of every house. It plays a vital role in protecting you and your loved ones against heat, snow, rain, and other weather conditions. Typically, the shape of the roof is designed according to the climate of your house’s location to fit your roofing needs.
But besides protection, the roof adds aesthetics to your home. This is especially true if the roof style fits the architectural design of the entire structure. Many roof styles are being used in suburban homes today. Some of them, however, may require special roofing services and maintenance. If you’re looking for a good roof design, here are some of the well-known styles you can use:
Gable Roofs and Their Variants
One of the most popular roof designs in America, gable roofs have a recognizable triangular shape where two sides slope downward toward your home’s walls. They are also sometimes known as peaked or pitched roofs. This style can provide good ventilation to your home as well as adequate attic space. Due to its triangular design, it can redirect rainwater effectively.
There are a handful of variations to the gable roof design, including box gable roofs, cross gable roofs, and flying gable roofs. Since they have a more straightforward design compared to their other counterparts, they’re often cheaper to build and easier to maintain. They can also appear in several residential styles like Gothic Revival, Cape Cod, Georgian, and many more.
Flat Roof
As the name suggests, flat roofs are a style that is practically level. Even though it’s called flat, it actually has a 10-degree slope. Although flat roofs are more commonly used in larger structures and commercial buildings, they’ve recently become more popular for residential homes.
One significant advantage of having a flat roof in your home is the ample space it provides on top of your property. This space can be converted into a roof deck or lounge area for relaxation and entertainment. In addition, air conditioning units and solar panels can be installed on your roof instead of on the ground. Alternatively, you can turn your roof into a beautiful garden if you have a green thumb.
Flat roofs are also cheap to install and maintain because there is less risk for the roofing services contractor. They’re more accessible, easier to inspect, and often more stable than sloped roofs. However, a critical downside to flat roofs is the lack of drainage. Rainwater can pool up on the top, leading to potential leaks.
Hip Roof
Another popular roof style in America is the hip roof. This design is similar to gable roofs. However, hip roofs have all sides sloping down towards the walls. Because of how they are designed, hip roofs are better suited in places that experience a lot of high winds or heavy snow.
They’re also visually appealing and tend to fit nearly any architectural style. On top of that, hip roofs can be combined with other roof designs, allowing you to increase your home’s curb appeal. However, keep in mind that hip roofs can be more expensive to install and maintain than gable roofs. This is because of the materials used, the labor required, and the complexity of the design.
Shed Roof
Shed roofs, also known as lean-to roofs, are roofing designs with only one slope. They look similar to gable roofs. Although it was traditionally used on home additions like sheds and porches, some modern homes have integrated shed roofs in the design. Many homeowners have opted for this style of roofing because they’re cost-effective, less time-consuming to work on, and have a simple design.
You can have a shed roof installed using a wide range of roofing materials like asphalt shingles, wood, and light metal. Because of their sloped design, you won’t have any issues with rainwater pooling. Plus, water will only flow in one direction since it’s only sloped to one side.
One downside to shed roofs is that it’s not often suitable for larger homes. A bigger house may need a more complex roofing structure to protect the occupants properly. Due to its simpler design, a shed roof may not fit well in that situation. Also, gutters may need to handle more volumes of water when it rains because this design only has one slope.
With so many roofing designs to choose from, knowing your local climate, weather conditions, and architectural style can help you select what you should pick. That way, you can sleep well at night, knowing that you and your loved ones are safe and sound.
