What Are The Types Of Roofs

The Most Common Types Of Roofs For Residential Buildings

Choosing the right roof for your home is essential to keeping your family safe and comfortable. There are many factors to consider when choosing a roof for your home. The climate in your area will play a role in determining what type of roof is best for you. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions and lots of rain or snow, youll need a stronger, more durable roof. The pitch of your roof will also impact your decision. A steeper-pitched roof will shed snow and ice more easily, while a shallower-pitched roof is better suited for areas with milder winters.

The type of material you are going to use for your roof is also an important consideration. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material. They are fairly affordable, easy to install and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. If you want an upgrade, you may want to consider metal roofs. These roofs are lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant. However, there are just a few of the vast selections of roofing materials available. From metal tiles and clay tiles to synthetic materials and recycled materials, youll find plenty of attractive roofing materials to choose from.

There are many types of roofs for residential buildings, and working with a professional roofing company is always a good idea if you want to make an informed decision. Here are some of the most common roof types available for residential homes:

Top 15 Roof Types Plus Their Pros & Cons Read Before You Build

When building a new house or retrofitting an existing one, choosing the right type of a roof shape and style can be more difficult than most people realize.

Roofs do a lot more than just serving the most basic practical purpose of protecting a house and its occupants from the outside elements.

For instance, a roofs shape plays a major role in defining the overall look and style of a house. Roofs can also provide additional living space, as well as make your home more resilient, energy efficient, and weather-proof.

This definitive guide to roof architecture and styles will help you understand and identify the best roof shape for your home, shed, garage, or a place of business. We will also explore recommended roofing materials for the common roof types.

What Is A Gable Roof Or Gabled Roof

A gable roof is the typical pitched triangular roof that you see on many houses in the U.S., and its probably what you think of when you picture what a suburban home looks like in most states with the standard peaked roof lines.

These types of roofs can be fairly inexpensive and simple to build, since the shape is not complex.

In fact, the standard or basic gable roof is the design that most other pitched roof types are built upon.

Basic gable roofs can use all types of roofing materials, including but not limited to asphalt shingles, cedar shingles or shakes, slate, and clay or concrete tiles especially if you are building a standard or basic gable roof.

This versatility makes gable roofs even more cost-effective.

However, if the roof is more complex and contains hips and valleys, then standing seam or metal roofing tiles could be a better choice since they are more likely to be leak-proof.

And if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, it is considered best to use a 10/12 or 40-degree pitch angle for a gabled roof.

Another reason that gable roofing is popular because the triangular shape allows snow, rain, and ice to slide right off, which is beneficial in most regions.

The shape also allows for attic storage or even additional living space under the roof, or vaulted ceilings.

One thing to note is that gable roofs might not be advisable in areas that regularly experience high winds or are located along some of the more common hurricane corridors.

You May Like: How To Install Permanent Roof Anchor

When Choosing Roofing Materials Consider The Following Questions

Now that weve gone over what makes each roof style unique, heres everything you need to know about home roofing materials, from the pros to the cons.

But before you begin charting course, ask yourself these essential cues:

• What kind of specialized installation will this material need?
• Are there a variety of colors and styles available in this material that complement your home?
• Does the material meet the local fire codes in your area?
• Are there special installation and maintenance techniques to consider?
• Depending on frequent weather conditions in your area, what kind of performance can each material best provide you?
• What is the cost, lifespan, and warranty for each home roofing material?

These essential answers to these questions will help you determine the best roof style choice for your home and budget. And since there are a ton of roofing material options priced from high to low, heres what makes them different.

Upgrade Your Commercial Roofing System

Whether you choose metal roofs, EPDM roofing, asphalt shingles, or any other single-ply rubber material to cover your commercial buildings, working with highly skilled roofing contractors is imperative. At Mars Restoration, we are an experienced local team that strives to protect you and your commercial properties from the elements with our exceptional commercial roofing services.

Our trusted technicians can help you select from different flat roof types, offer energy efficiency options, implement vital ventilation systems, and even assist in maintaining your roofs integrity throughout the years.

Dont wait to get started on your commercial roofing project. Call us today at 335-8484 to set up your free inspection.

Read Also: How To Calculate Roofing Materials

Types Of Roofing: Roof Tiles

A roof tile is an individual roofing unit made out of fired clay or another material that resembles fired clay tile in appearance and strength .

Some metal panels are manufactured to look like clay tile and are called metal tiles, but they are much larger, thinner, and structurally weaker than clay tile.

Roof tile is designed to be installed in overlapping horizontal courses like shingles. While tiles can be flat and installed essentially like shingles, they more commonly have curved profiles, and fit together so that the bottom, cupped section carries water off the roof, and the top, arched section covers the joint between two tiles and keeps water out.

Roof tile was one of the very first manufactured roofing materials, known to be in use at least 4,500 years ago.

Clay Tiles

Shed Roof Or Skillion Roof

A shed or skillion roof has a distinct design with a noticeable slope consisting of a single flat area surface. They are also sometimes referred to as lean-to roofs, mono-pitched roofs and pent roofs. The roof is pitched at a perpendicular angle and is not attached to any other roof surface, which was a popular roof technique used during the Victorian period. Properties with a skillion roof tend to be either of the circular or butterfly variety. Circular skillion roofs feature a soft-curved edge, while butterfly designs slope towards a particular point.

You May Like: How Much Does Synthetic Slate Roof Cost

Energy Efficient Upgrades For Any Property

Many of these roof systems offer business owners durable, affordable, and additional energy incentives. Metal roofs can help reduce energy costs when applied to low slope roofs or pitched roofs. Owners who utilize this style could benefit from tax incentives, especially if paired with solar panels.

How often you need to make repairs or replacements on your roof systems can factor into its overall environmental impact and cost. Even though it has a higher initial price point, a metal roof can last up to 50 years, but it isnt best for commercial flat roofs. Instead, a popular commercial roof type for a low slope roof system or a flat roof would be PVC, Modified Bitumen, or an EPDM roofing membrane.

These roof membranes are not as easily affected by ultraviolet light or the elements. Plus, an EPDM roofing material could cover an entire roof for a fraction of the price of other styles.

How Do Flat Roofs Drain

First of all, a flat roof is never absolutely flat. Wood battens are installed at intervals to allow for a slight slope The water then flows into gutters that take the water to a downspout and away from the foundation.

Larger structures like apartment buildings and malls have a drain at the edge of the roof. Pipes carry the water to the downspouts and safely away from the building.

Read Also: How Long Do Shingle Roofs Last In Florida

What Causes Moss To Grow On Roofs Does Baking Soda Kill Moss On Roofs

Moss, algae, and lichens look the same to homeowners looking up from the ground, but theyre actually different kinds of growth.

They form from deep shading over the roof and from water and debris on the roof. Moss damages the roof shingles and must be removed as soon as possible. Homeowners not wishing to use chemicals on their roofs can use baking soda to remove the moss.

Mix one pound of baking soda with one gallon of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray the moss. Give it two to three weeks to work and spray some more if necessary.

Types Of Roof Designs & Styles

When designing a building, it can often be taken for granted that the roof is a one shape-fits-all affair, but this is definitely not the case. There are a huge number of roof types, all serving a different purpose and more suitable to certain weather conditions and building styles.

Need specialist roofing contractors for your domestic or commercial project? Call us on .

Knowing which roof is which, and whats most suitable for your needs can be an overwhelming process, JTC Roofing have compiled 28 types of roof designs available for a range of building styles here:

We are a leading metal roofing contractor, providing roofing in a range of styles and materials across the UK, as well as offering a roof repairs service. Weve worked on a wide variety of buildings, from industrial warehouses to ornate churches, so our team are equipped for any project.

We work with aluminium, lead, copper, zinc, and stainless steel roofing contact our team today to discuss whats best for your project and to book a contractor to survey your site.

Also Check: Is Flex Seal Good For Rv Roofs

Roof Shapes And Styles

Materials & Systems> Thermal & Moisture Protection

Every roof is designed to serve a particular purpose, with the aesthetic appeal being only one of many considerations that have to be taken into account. In this article we cover some of the most common roof styles and shapes, giving you an insight into each of their distinct characteristics.

Keep in mind that many of these roof shapes can be combined or connected on a single building to create a more complex roof, which may lead to a more interesting composition.

Roof Complexity And Durability

The material you choose must fit your roof properly. If your roof is steep or has a lot of bends, corners, valleys, and ridges, it wont be easy to use certain roofing materials, such as tile or metal. Asphalt may be your best bet for complex roofs, according to Shirley. When choosing a material, its essential to balance the price with its expected lifespan to get as much bang for your buck as possible. Learn how your homes roof shape and type can affect the roofing material you choose.

Recommended Reading: What Is Needed To Replace A Roof

Types Of Roofing Materials

In addition to the type or style of roof that you choose and your regions climate, youll want to consider what type of roofing material works best for your area, the type of roof that you desire, and your budget.

Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly utilized roofing materials, and they will work with most roof designs.

However, keep in mind that asphalt isnt as durable or long-lasting as other roofing materials, and if you live in an area that deals with extreme weather like hailstorms, windstorms, heavy rain, or even earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes, you may want to look into other types of roofing materials.

If you do live somewhere with these types of weather patterns or events, clay or concrete tile might be a good choice.

While they tend to be used in hot, dry climates, most clay or concrete tiles are rated for wind uplift of 125 MPH or higher.

Slate roofing systems are considered to be some of the most luxurious or high-end roofing options, and for good reason.

Not only is natural slate uniquely striking, it can last for 50 to 100 years or longer, making a slate roof an excellent long-term investment.

Wooden shingles such as cedar shingles or cedar shakes are another good choice for a long-term investment due to their longevity, durability, and high-end feel, and they will work with most of the aforementioned roof types or styles.

Types Of Roofing: Low

Low-slope roofs are often called flat roofs, although its extremely rare for a roof to actually be completely flat.

Good roof design will ensure that all types of roofing have at least some slope, so water can drain off the roof. Water is corrosive and you dont want it sitting on a roof for any longer than it has to.

Any roof with a slope of less than 3-in-12 can be considered a low-slope roof, and the roof covering on a low-slope roof is called a membrane.

Because of the low slope, these roofs do not shed water very quickly, high winds may cause water to actually move up-slope, and water may sit on some parts of the roof for days.

Because of these conditions, a proper low-slope roof membrane must form a continuous, monolithic barrier against water entry. Because the types of roofing materials that are used in low-slope applications are installed to form an unbroken surface barrier against the weather, the roof covering on a low-slope roof is called a membrane.

Also Check: Is Tin Roof Better Than Shingles

How Much Does A Roof Replacement Cost

The average roof replacement costs about $8,000, but the exact amount varies by building materials and the size of the roof. The cost can range between $5,500 and $11,000 based on the homes size and type of roofing material.

There are many types of roofs, which vary in terms of durability, cost and life expectancy. The table below shows the average cost per square foot for different roof materials and how often they typically last.

Cedar Shingles And Shakes

Cedar is popular as roofing material because of its natural appearance, durability, and long life. It can last for 30 years if properly installed and maintained. While cedar can fade and lose its color, it can be stained or painted for a refreshed look.

• Cedar shingles have a smooth and tapered appearance. When installed they lie completely flat and cover the roofs entire surface. Cedar shingles are sold in different grades. Grade 1 is premium grade and most suitable for roofing materials.
• Cedar shakes are thicker and made from top grade wood, so they are more durable and last longer than cedar shingles. Cedar shakes are split off and project a more rustic appearance.

Don’t Miss: How To Rid Moss On Roof

Can A Roof Have Hips And Gables

Yes, many roof styles include both hips and gables.

• Intersecting: This roof type is also called an overlaid hip, as it looks like a hip roof was taken and laid over a gable roof, at a 90-degree angle.

• Jerkinhead: Imagine an open gable roof, with a small covering at the very top of the gable. Thats a jerkinhead roof. The small covering is angled outwards and creates two small hips.

• Dutch gable: A Dutch gable is the opposite of a jerkinhead. It looks like an open gable roof at the very top but flares out into hips for the rest of the roof.

These roofs styles may combine the advantages and disadvantages of both hip and gable roofs.

What Is A Sawtooth Roof

If you picture a saw blade and how the edge is serrated, then you have a good idea of what a sawtooth roof looks like.

Composed of multiple slopes set at the same angle so that the vertical and pitched surfaces alternate , sawtooth roofs are becoming a popular choice in modern home design.

This is because sawtooth roofs allow for higher ceilings, larger windows, and lofted living space.

However, sawtooth roofing systems are costly to install and maintain due to their complicated design they also pose a higher risk for leaks and water damage, making them inadvisable for areas that receive heavy snow or rainfall.

Sawtooth roofs do allow for the installation of eco-friendly additions, like PV solar panels, geothermal lighting, and radiant heating systems.

They can utilize most roofing materials, including wood shingles, metal shingles, or reinforced concrete.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Calculate Roof Square Footage

How Much Does Replacing A Roof Cost

The cost of a roof replacement can vary widely. The three main factors it depends on are the type of roofing material you choose, the price of labor, and the size and shape of your roof. The average cost of a roof replacement nationwide is $8,314. The typical cost range is between roughly $5,500 and $11,000.

• 01 of 12 Imagesines / Getty Images
• Average cost of rolled roofing: $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot

Rolled roofing material is the mainstay of low-slope residential roofs as well as outbuildings like shops, sheds, and other utilitarian structures. Rolled roofing consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules. Each roll is about 100 square feet of roofing and about 3 feet wide.

Rolled roofing is one of the cheapest roofing materials, but it doesn’t offer much aesthetic value. The large, thin strips offer a fast and convenient way to cover a sloped-roof building like a workshop where appearances aren’t important. It can be applied either with the torch-down method or with roofing nails.

On average, rolled roofing lasts about 5 to 8 years before it needs to be replaced.

Built-up roofing is one of the oldest types of roofing materials for flat roofs or low-pitch roofs. BUR systems are constructed with several layers of roofing felt impregnated with asphalt that is applied hot.