It’s common practice in homebuilding to assume that the roof can be made to match any structure. This assumption is sometimes incorrect. There is a very wide variety of roof types, each of which is designed for a certain purpose and may be better suited to particular climatic conditions or architectural styles. For instance, hip roofs are more suited to windy areas, whereas a regular gable roof is better suited to snowy ones.
To help you sort through the many roofing options and choose which is best for your project, we’ve compiled a list of distinct roof types that may be applied to a wide variety of construction types.
See also: Shingles roofing: A guide to choosing the right one for your house
Types of roof: 15 types of roofs you can choose from
Gable Roof
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A gable roof is characterised by having two sloping sides that come together to create a triangle. It is both the simplest and the most prevalent type of roofing.
Pros
Gable roofs have a slope that allows water and snow to drain off, and the basic form allows for construction that is both quick and economical. Gable roofs are an excellent choice for homes of any architectural style.
Cons
A gable roof does not make the best choice for locations that are prone to strong winds or storms.
see also about the clerestory window
Gambrel Roof
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Gambrel roofs are quite similar to gable roofs; however, on each side of the roof, there are two pairs of identical slopes. These rooftops date back to the period of the Dutch colonial era, although they are now often seen on residences and barns.
Pros
Gambrel roofs have a straightforward and more beautiful form than gable roofs, yet they are just as simple and inexpensive to construct as gable roofs. The pitch allows for sufficient water to drain away once it rains.
Cons
Gambrel roofs are incapable of withstanding the burden of a significant snow load as a result of their short top slope. These types of roofs also do not fare well in areas that are prone to hurricanes.
Hip Roof
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Hip roofs are distinguished by their four steep sides that converge in the form of an apex or ridge. There are many other versions of the hip roof type, including hip and valley rooftops and pyramid roofing, but the conventional hip roof has a form that is similar to a square.
Pros
Hip roofs provide their own internal support and are able to endure strong winds, making them an excellent option for locations that are prone to hurricanes. In addition to improving how a house looks, they help water and snow slide off the roof.
Cons
Hip roofs are more susceptible to water damage than other types of roofs because they contain several seams. In addition, the construction of these roofs is more costly than that of a regular gable roof.
Hip and Valley Roof
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The conventional hip roof may be elaborately embellished to take on the form of a hip and valley roof. They are composed of a number of hipped portions that converge into a valley.
Pros
Hip roofs are self-bracing, making them an excellent choice for areas prone to hurricanes and heavy winds. Their slope facilitates the drainage of rain and snow, and their various sides make it possible to install an exceptional gutter system.
Cons
Because hip and valley roofs are packed with seams, they are more likely to suffer from water damage. Building one of these structures is not only difficult but also quite costly.
Skillion Roof
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Skillion roofs have a single-level surface that slopes in one direction. These kinds of roofs may be seen in a lot of ultra-modern buildings.
Pros
Building a skillion roof is a straightforward and economical process. They offer a house a more modern appearance, and the steep slope that they have makes them perfect for areas that get a lot of snow and rain.
Cons
A skillion roof can’t handle strong winds since it only has one slope, and the sharp pitch might make the attic area smaller.
A-Frame Roof
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Roofs in the shape of an A-frame have two steeply sloping sides that meet at a peak and touch the ground. The patterns are reminiscent of the letter “A,” and although this sort of roof is often seen on cabins, it also fits very well in the design of ultra-modern buildings.
Pros
Rain, snow, and strong winds are no match for the A-Frame roof, which performs well in all kinds of weather. The letter “A” is a straightforward motif for do-it-yourself projects.
Cons
Because of the high slopes, the interior angles are problematic. A-frame structures are also inefficient when it comes to heating.
Bonnet Roof
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A hip roof having four edges and a little inclination at the bottom is known as a bonnet roof. This kind of roof extends beyond the home’s outer walls and provides shade in the form of a bonnet. The employment of bonnet roofs in tropical regions, particularly atop pool dwellings and gazebos, is quite common.
Pros
Shade and shelter are provided on all corners of a house by a bonnet roof because of the form of the roof. Its hipped parts enable an outstanding gutter system to be installed while also making it very resistant to wind.
Cons
Building structures with bonnet roofs is a costly endeavour. They also contain a lot of seams, which makes the possibility of water damage much greater.
Butterfly Roof
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Unlike gable roofs, which have two parallel sloping sides that converge at the peak, butterfly roofs have two sloping sides that meet in a central valley. These unique roofs feature a design that is reminiscent of the mid-20th century.
Pros
The slope of a butterfly roof is beneficial for water drainage and makes it an excellent choice for rainwater collection. The aerodynamic design performs well in conditions with strong winds.
Cons
The construction of butterfly roofs is quite costly, and they are not the best choice for locations that see a lot of snow. These roofs are susceptible to leaking if snow is allowed to collect on the crest of the roof.
Dutch Gable Roof
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Hip and gable rooftops are combined to create what is known as Dutch gable roofs. They have a gable roof that is encircled by a hip roof and have four descending sides on the hip roof. Dutch hip roofs are another name for these types of roofs.
Pros
A house with Dutch gables has a more refined appearance and maybe more room on the top level. They are resistant to the effects of a wide range of climates, including blizzards, hurricanes, and heavy downpours.
Cons
The construction of Dutch gable roofs is quite costly. They also feature several seams, which increases the likelihood of leaks occurring in them.
Shed Roof
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A shed roof resembles a skillion roof in that it has one side that slopes downward. These roofs are adaptable to a variety of architectural styles.
Pros
A shed roof may be constructed at a low cost and is suitable for both contemporary houses and barns. The angle of inclination of these roofs allows for more efficient drainage of snow and water.
Cons
Storms with heavy winds may cause damage to the roof. They are also not suitable for every interior design scheme.
Lean-To Roof
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A lean-to roof is a kind of shed roof that is often used for auxiliary structures. One of its slanted sides is designed to fit flush against an existing building’s facade.
Pros
The most straightforward solution for house or outbuilding extensions is to use lean-to roofs. Their basic construction makes them reasonably priced. Because of their high pitch, lean-to roofs are excellent at directing water and snow away from the structure.
Cons
In areas prone to hurricanes, buildings with lean-to roofs are not the most prudent option.
Clerestory Roof
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Clerestory roofs are distinguished from traditional roofs by the presence of a continuous band of windows running along the ridge of the roof. A typical clerestory roof will have one sloped roof below the row of windows, as well as another sloped roof on top.
Pros
Clerestory roofs are designed to let in the most lighting and airflow possible while yet allowing for some privacy. These roofs may also contribute to solar heat intake, which is something that is useful in chilly climes. The design of clerestory roofs may be altered to accommodate a wide variety of architectural styles.
Cons
Windows atop clerestory roofs provide a greater threat of water damage and need a great deal of upkeep and repair.
Mansard Roof
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The Mansard roof is a hybrid design that combines elements of the hip roof and the gambrel roof. It has four sides that are hipped, but each side also has two slopes, giving the impression that the roof is curved. There are a few other names for the Mansard roof, including the curb roof and the French roof.
Pros
The Mansard roof design is distinctive in appearance and makes it possible to add square footage to the top level or the attic.
Cons
In order to prevent water and snow from running off, mansard roofing has a steep top pitch. That’s why such roofs are the most susceptible to damage from bad weather. They are also difficult to construct and costly.
Pyramid Roof
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A hip roof may be adapted into a variety of interesting shapes, including a pyramid. An ancient Egyptian structure is formed by the roofs’ four sides coming together to converge at a peak in the centre of the structure.
Pros
Pyramid roofs are resistant to the elements and have their own internal support structure. They provide sufficient room for a drain pipe and have the potential to make a house or other structure seem taller.
Cons
There is an increased potential for leaks caused by the many seams that are seen in pyramid roofs. In addition, the cost to construct one of them is more than that of a regular gable.
Jerkinhead Roof
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Gable-style roofs that have clipped pieces on either end are known as Jerkinhead roofs. The Craftsman, Tudor, and Queen Anne styles of architecture are the most likely to have them.
Pros
Jerkinhead roofs are able to endure severe winds better than regular gable roofs due to the clipped ends that are present on these roofs. They feature a high pitch that is beneficial for water drainage and snow, and the clipped edges on these roofs may give a house the appearance of being from another era.
Cons
The construction cost of a jerkinhead roof is more than that of a regular gable.
FAQs:
Which roof types perform best in winter climates?
Roofs that have a high pitch are preferable in wintry environments because they encourage precipitation to slide down. Hip roofs, gable roofs, jerkinhead roofs, and A-frame roofs are some of the available possibilities.
What is the most suitable roof type for a warm climate?
In a hot environment, almost any roof form will do just well; the material that is used for the roof is the most important consideration. Choose a roof with a light hue if you reside in a region that experiences a lot of heat.
What is the most effective roof type for a snowy climate?
During a snowfall, any roof that has steep angles would perform well. At a minimum, the roof should have a pitch of 1:12 degrees.
What is the most effective roof type for a stormy climate?
If you live in an area that often experiences strong winds or hurricanes, the hip roof is your best option. The hip and valley roof, the dutch gable, the bonnet, and the pyramid all represent different types of this design.
