Who would have thought that there is so much more to roofs than just something to keep the rain off your head! If you’re trying to decide a style of roof for your home, why not choose one from this guide to the popular different types of roofs.
1. Gable Roof
The style is made up of two surfaces of the same size, angled in such a way to make a triangular shaped roof. This style is so popular as it’s cheap and simple to build as well as being good at casting off water; however it is not a good design for areas with particularly high winds. Slate, clay or concrete are the best materials for this style of roof!
2. Cross Gabled Roof
Like the Gabled roof, the Cross Gabled roof is two roof surfaces fitted at right angles, except the two “Gabled roofs” are fitted perpendicular to each other, making a Cross Gabled roof. Like the regular Gable roof, the Cross Gabled roof has its pros and cons, but on the upside you get a wider variety of styles.
3. Mansard Roof
A Mansard roof has two noticeable slopes on each side. The lower part of the roof has a very steep pitch, whereas the upper part has a much lower slope. This type of roof isn’t great in areas that get a lot of snow as it can build-up and cause structural damage.
4. Hip Roof
While Gabled roofs aren’t great in high wind areas, Hip roofs are excellent! This is due to the sides sloping down to meet the walls of the building rather than lying flat. This is also a great style to withstand a range of elements including sun, wind and rain.
5. Pyramid Hip Roof
An adaption of the regular Hip Roof style, the Pyramid Hip roof is made up of four equal sides which meet at a point on top of the roof.
6. Cross Hipped Roof
If you can imagine two hipped roofs together, then you can picture a Cross Hipped roof. The place where the two sections of the roof meet creates a seam which is known as a valley.
7. Saltbox Roof
Generally made from PVC or similar, Saltbox roofs have been around since the late 1600’s in colonial America. It is a simple design made up of a sloping flat surface and creates a lot of extra space.
8. Flat Roof
Flat roofs are a relatively cheap style of roof as they require little material and are generally made from metal sheets, rubber membrane, tar or gravel. While they are built with a slight slope to avoid rain build up, they still aren’t recommended for houses in areas where there is a lot of snow or rainfall.
9. Bonnet Roof
Not a common style of roof, Bonnet roofs has two slopes that cover all four sides of your house. The upper slope is relatively steep, while the lower slope is less so.
10. Shed Roof
A shed roof is a simple, single surface that slopes down, covering the entirety of the building. It is usually the easiest roof to build as well as one of the cheapest.
This post was written by B.Frisby on behalf of Ashbrook Roofing, roofing experts.
