A roof is much more than just a cover; it’s a critical part of any building, offering protection from the weather and contributing significantly to its overall look. Some experts say that a roof can account for as much as 40% of a home’s exterior appearance.
Choosing the right shapes of roof is a big decision, impacting both how well your building functions and how attractive it is.
Different roof shapes come with different pros and cons when we talk about cost, how well they stand up to the weather, how much space you get inside, and the architectural style they suit best. Things like how well the roof handles wind, how much snow it can hold, and how easily water runs off all need to be thought about when you’re picking a roof type.
This guide will walk you through the common roof shapes, what makes them special, and what you should keep in mind when deciding which one is right for your building. Talking to roofing pros is key to making a smart choice, and don’t forget that keeping up with regular roof maintenance will help it last longer and work better.
Gable Roofs: Simplicity and Efficiency
Gable roofs are everywhere. They’re the classic “house” shape most of us drew as kids. Two sloping sides meet at a ridge, forming a triangle. They’re popular because they’re simple, affordable, and relatively easy to build.
One of the best things about a gable roof is its ability to shed water and snow. The sloped sides efficiently channel water away from the house, reducing the risk of leaks and buildup that can damage the roof and the structure below.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantages of gable roofs are that they’re affordable, simple to build, and allow for good ventilation in the attic space.
On the downside, gable roofs aren’t as wind-resistant as some other designs, like hip roofs. In areas with high winds, the gable ends can be vulnerable to damage.
Variations: Clipped Gable and Dutch Gable
There are a couple of common variations on the standard gable roof:
- Clipped Gable Roof: This is a gable roof where the points at the top are “clipped” off, creating a small hip at each end.
- Dutch Gable Roof: This design features a gable roof with a smaller gable section built on top of the main roof.
Both of these variations offer a slightly different look while still maintaining the basic advantages of a gable roof.
Hip Roofs: Stability and Weather Resistance
If you’re looking for a roof that’s sturdy and can withstand harsh weather, a hip roof might be the perfect choice. Hip roofs slope on all four sides, meeting at a ridge. They’re known for their stability, especially in windy conditions.
Basic Characteristics
Unlike gable roofs, which have two sloping sides, hip roofs have four, making them a bit more complex to construct.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the biggest advantages of a hip roof is its wind resistance. The sloping sides help the roof stand strong against high winds. They’re also considered more stable than other roof types, and many people find their uniform appearance attractive. Hip roofs are a good choice if you want your house to look good and hold up well, even in tough weather.
The downside? Hip roofs can be more expensive to build than gable roofs. You may also end up with less attic space.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you live in an area with frequent storms or high winds, a hip roof is a solid choice. Just make sure the construction is carefully planned and executed, so water drains properly and doesn’t cause any damage.
Gambrel Roofs: Barn-Style Aesthetics and Extra Space
Gambrel roofs, with their distinctive, barn-like appearance, offer a unique blend of style and functionality. They’re common on barns and in Dutch Colonial architecture.
Basic Characteristics
The defining feature of a gambrel roof is its two slopes on each side. The lower slope is steeper than the upper slope, creating a profile that’s both eye-catching and practical.
Gambrel roofs are a great way to add attic space, and feel like you’re getting a whole new floor tucked up under your roof.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantage of a gambrel roof is the extra attic space it provides. And their distinctive shape can really add to a home’s curb appeal.
But gambrel roofs can be vulnerable to heavy snow and high winds, so they may not be the best choice in areas with extreme weather.
Applications
Gambrel roofs are great for barns, sheds, and houses where you want to maximize the space under the roof. Think of a classic red barn with white trim: that’s often a gambrel roof at work.
Mansard Roofs: French Elegance and Maximum Space
Mansard roofs share a lot of characteristics with gambrel roofs, but instead of having two sides, they have four. Like gambrel roofs, they have two slopes on each side, and the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope.
Mansard roofs are often associated with French architecture, and they’re sometimes described as having a bonnet shape.
Advantages and disadvantages of mansard roofs
The biggest advantage of a mansard roof is that it allows you to maximize your living space, essentially giving you another whole floor tucked right into your roof. They also lend your home a unique architectural style that’s sure to draw attention.
The disadvantages of mansard roofs are that they can be more expensive to construct than other roof types and can potentially cause issues with snow accumulation.
Examples of mansard roofs
One of the most famous examples of a mansard roof is the one on the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Flat Roofs: Modern Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness
While not perfectly flat, these roofs have a barely-there slope that’s just steep enough to let water run off. You’ll often see them on commercial buildings because they’re economical and make the most of the space. But, be aware, they need specialized waterproofing.
Pros and Cons
The upside? They’re cheaper to build, and you could potentially create a rooftop garden or terrace. The downside is that they need more upkeep, and if they’re not sealed correctly, you could end up with leaks.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you go with a flat roof, make sure you use tough, waterproof materials and get it inspected regularly. It’s one thing to imagine sipping lemonade on your rooftop patio; it’s another to deal with a flooded living room.
Shed or skillion roofs: modern aesthetics and efficient drainage
Skillion roofs are simple roofs with a single, sloping surface that’s easy to install and gives homes a modern look.
You may also hear them called “lean-to” roofs.
Advantages and disadvantages
Skillion roofs are simple, affordable, and well-suited to homes that use solar panels.
On the downside, they may cut down on attic space, and their simple lines might not appeal to every homeowner.
Common applications
You’ll often see skillion roofs on home additions, sheds, and modern-style homes.
Other Roof Shapes: Pyramid, Dome, Jerkinhead, and Curved
While gable and hip roofs are common in residential construction, many other roof shapes exist. Here are a few of the more interesting ones.
Pyramid Roofs
Pyramid roofs have four triangular sides that all come together at one point in the center. They’re visually interesting, but they tend to cost more to build. One drawback of a pyramid roof is that it can limit how much space you have inside the building.
Dome Roofs
Dome roofs are shaped like half of a sphere. They can be visually stunning, and they’re also very resistant to the elements. However, building a dome roof tends to be costly and complex.
Some of the most famous buildings in the world have dome roofs. The Pantheon in Rome is an ancient example of how durable and long-lasting a dome roof can be.
Jerkinhead Roofs
A jerkinhead roof is similar to a gable roof, but the ends are clipped off, or hipped back. These roofs can stand up to high winds better than a standard gable roof, but they also tend to be more expensive to build.
Jerkinhead roofs are also sometimes called clipped gable roofs.
Curved Roofs
Curved roofs are eye-catching and add a unique design element to any building. However, they are more expensive to construct than standard roofs, and they require specialized materials and construction methods.
Choosing Roofing Materials and Shingles
Once you’ve decided on the best roof shape for your needs, you can turn your attention to roofing materials and shingles.
Material Selection
When it comes to roofing materials, you’ll want to consider durability, cost, aesthetic appeal, and the climate where you live. Take a look around your neighborhood to see what types of roofs are common in your area.
Common roofing materials include asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and wood shakes.
Shingle Selection
The color and style of your shingles should complement the overall design of your house. The roof style and color can be integrated into the house’s design to create a cohesive look.
Owens Corning® shingles are compatible with various roof types and slopes.
Using Design Tools
Design tools like the Owens Corning® Design EyeQ® Visualizer can help you visualize different roof options on your home, so you can see what they’ll look like before you commit.
To Conclude
The shape of your roof is a major decision that will affect how your building looks and how well it performs. Your roof design is a critical element of your home’s or business’s exterior aesthetic.
When you’re choosing a roof shape, you’ll want to consider the cost, how well it can stand up to the weather, the amount of interior space it allows, and the overall architectural style of the structure. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roof against your budget, your needs, and the typical climate in your area.
It’s also important to consult with experienced roofing contractors to make sure you’re making an informed decision and that your roof will be installed correctly. At Colony Roofers, we work closely with our clients to make sure they get just the right roof design for their buildings.