Your home’s roof can greatly enhance its architectural style, add curb appeal, and add value to the property. Not sure how your house’s roof should look like? Here are six roof types and tips on how to choose the right roof design for your modern home.
When homeowners and architects talk about curb appeal, they often refer to things like a covered porch, landscaped front yard, a unique front door, or shutters. How many times does roof design appear in such a conversation? The chances are very rarely or not at all.
It’s time to start giving more attention to the roof of a home. Even if you don’t realize it, your home’s roof is more than a simple “shelter from the storm.” The design of your home’s roof can add character and enhance its curb appeal. Even if you’re not ready to buy, and only looking at houses to rent, you should still consider the roof as choosing the wrong kind may have it’s issues in the long run.
Flat roof
As the name suggests, flat roofs are flat. Or, at least they appear to be so. Yes, you’ve got that right. They only seem to be flats because they have a slight pitch too, to allow for water to run-off and drainage.
This type of roof is typically used for industrial and commercial buildings. Yet, it is also a popular choice for residential homes located in both high and low rainfalls areas.
What’s more, flat roofs are also commonly found in modern architecture style properties and home additions such as a sunroom.
One major benefit of flat roofs is that they provide a little extra living space on the roof for areas such as a patio, a roof garden, or even a partially enclosed for a penthouse room.
Moreover, another benefit of flat rooms is that you can place heating and cooling units on them and keep them out of sight so that they don’t ruin your home’s overall design. What’s more, flat rooms are great for eco-friendly homeowners as the design is also a good choice if you want to install PV solar panels.
Gable roof
Gable roofs are the most popular roof choices among US homeowners. They can easily be recognized for their triangular shape.
Many homeowners prefer gable roofs for the fact that they easily allow water and snow to run off. They also offer more room for the attic and vaulted ceilings, plus more ventilation. Moreover, compared with other roof designs, gable roofs are easier and cheaper to build.
What’s more, gable roofs can be built with almost any type of material, from metal to concrete tiles and asphalt shingles. A local roofer can help you choose the right material for your area
However, one con of gable roof is that they are very susceptible to damage under strong winds because they hand over creating eaves. If the frames aren’t constructed and installed correctly with adequate supports, the roof can collapse. Yet, if you don’t live in a high wind area, this might not be something to worry about.
Hip roof
Hip roofs are somehow similar to gable roofs only that they are built with slopes on all four sides, which actually makes them sturdier and more durable.
Hip roofs are a popular choice for homes located in high wind and snowy areas because the roof slant is designed to allow the snow and water slide off.
Yet, one of the cons, compared to gable roofs, is that they are a bit more pricey to build, and they also have a more complex design that will require more building materials.
Shed roof
Shed roofs, also known as skillion roofs or lean-to, are a single sloping roof usually attached to the taller wall of the property. You can also think of shed roofs as a more angled flat roof because they have a more or less similar design.
Shed roofs are a popular choice for home additions, such as porches. However, over the last few years, they have also been used for more modern style homes.
One of the main advantages of shed roofs is that they are easy to assemble, and they require much fewer building materials compared to any other roof types. The angled flat shape also allows snow and rainwater to easily run off, making this type of roof a good choice for high rain and snow areas. However, they aren’t the best choice for high wind areas.
Shed roofs also allow you to install PV solar panels if you want your home to be a more energy-efficient and independent house.
Mansard roof
Mansard roofs are also often referred to as French roofs. The design includes four sides and a double slope on each side, connecting and forming a low-pitched roof. However, the sides’ shape can be either flat or curved, depending on the style you think works best for your home.
One of the advantages of mansard roofs is that they create a lot of extra living scape inside your home. You can use the space as a full attic or even create a living quarter, which is very popular today.
What’s more, mansard roofs are a great choice if you want to have the flexibility to make any home addition in the future.
However, one disadvantage of this roof type is the fact that they are not ideal for areas receiving heavy snowfall due to its low-pitched portion. Moreover, if you are on a tight budget, you should know that mansard roofs can cost more than other roof types because there are a lot of details and embellishments that go into them.
Jerkinhead roof
Jerkinhead roofs are basically a combination of elements from both gable and hip roofs. They are also often referred to as English hip roofs.
Now, the advantage of jerkinhead roofs is that they provide more stability than regular gable roofs. Moreover, by clipping or turning the point down, this roof style offers more resistance against wind damage. Yet, the jerkinhead roof design can cost you more than other roof styles.
What to consider when choosing your roof’s design?
There are many aspects to consider when choosing your roof’s design, including cost, function, what it protects your home from, and, obviously, its aesthetics and personal preferences.