If you’re in the process of designing your dream home or envisioning a future project, you might be surprised by the numerous options available when it comes to roofs. From various styles to a wide range of materials, there’s more to consider than just ‘roof’ and ‘shingles.’ In fact, with almost as many roofing material choices as roof styles, homeowners and builders alike can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions to make. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Let’s explore the different types of roofs and materials available to help you bring your design vision to life.
Roof Types
Gambrel
Gambrel roofs are a staple design feature on many barns, characterized by a unique slope that descends from the peak towards the eaves before continuing downwards to the house’s foundation. This distinctive shape is marked by two sides that rise steeply from the base and then meet at the ridge, creating a triangular silhouette when viewed from the side.
Gable Roof Types
The Gable roof is a timeless classic, frequently employed on residential buildings. Its distinctive design features a slope that begins at the peak and gradually decreases as it reaches the eaves. This style is particularly well-suited for regions prone to heavy rainfall or snowy conditions. For homeowners seeking a traditional aesthetic, the Gable roof offers a reliable and practical solution.
Skillion
When it comes to constructing roofs, we often opt for skillion roofs in our shed projects, with plans to implement a similar design on our upcoming goat barn extension. While many homeowners also utilize this style, its benefits extend beyond agricultural applications. By starting at the highest point and descending straight down, skillion roofs excel at shedding rain or snow – making it an ideal choice for collecting rainwater.
In fact, we rely on this design to harvest water for various purposes.
Flat Roof Types
For those who prefer a clean and simple aesthetic, a flat roof may be the ideal choice. This design eliminates any peak or slope, creating a seamless surface that can be particularly practical in areas where heavy snowfall is rare. When considering a flat roof, it’s essential to factor in your local climate, as excessive snow accumulation could become too burdensome for the structure.
The roofing calculator can help you determine whether this style is suitable for your building, taking into account variables like snow load and region-specific weather patterns.
Bonnet
The gambrel roof style, as showcased on Houzz, has always been a favorite of mine. Its distinctive design features two slopes, with the first one being steeper and terminating at dormer windows before sloping downwards again. This unique configuration gives the roof a charming, bonnet-like appearance that adds character to any house.
Mansard Roof Types
Inspired by the nostalgic charm of childhood classics like Madeline, this unique roof style has been captivating homeowners with its distinctive charm. Characterized by a flat initial slope that suddenly dips downward, French roofs (also known as pavilion or Mansard roofs) offer a timeless aesthetic that’s perfect for those seeking to add a touch of classic elegance to their home.
Hip
The hip roof is another timeless architectural element that exudes a sense of nostalgia. Characterized by its sloping sides that rise from a central valley, this style is often associated with older homes, evoking a sense of classic charm. When viewed from above, the flat upper surface gives way to a series of abrupt slopes on all four sides, creating a unique visual profile.
Saltbox Roof Types
Home design software often takes inspiration from traditional architectural styles, and one such style is the saltbox roof type. With its distinctive pitch on the front side and gradual slope towards the back, this design has been a staple in many neighborhoods for generations. I recall seeing numerous homes in my hometown sporting this unique feature, giving each neighborhood a distinct character.
Curved
While curved roofs are often associated with outbuildings, there’s no reason why they can’t be used on houses as well. In fact, incorporating a curved roof into your home’s design can add a unique and eye-catching element to the exterior. A curved roof is essentially a rounded roof that extends about halfway up the house, creating a sense of fluidity and movement. It’s not to be confused with dome-style roofs, which we’ll explore further in our discussion.
Sawtooth Roof Types
While sawtooth roofs are not typically found in traditional or rural settings, they are more prevalent in modern locations where budgets can accommodate their unique features. For those with the means to invest in their homes, these roofs offer a versatile design that allows for the creation of lofts and higher ceilings, ideal for maximizing interior space.
Jerkinhead
In Indianapolis’ rich history, a specific style of roof once reigned supreme. My great grandmother, who began her married life during this era, would have been familiar with this architectural feature. Although its popularity has waned over time, it’s not impossible to incorporate this nostalgic design into a modern home. The only consideration is that it may require more effort and planning compared to contemporary roofing options.
Dome Roof Types
The concept of a dome roof has a profound impact on the overall design of your home. When you opt for a dome-shaped roof, it’s only natural that your house will take on a similar rounded silhouette.
However, this architectural trend is gaining popularity today due to its numerous benefits.
With smaller, eco-friendly homes becoming the norm, dome roofs offer advantages such as increased wind resistance, improved resilience in the face of natural disasters, and a more streamlined aesthetic that can enhance the overall appeal of your property.
Pyramid
Roofs without vertical sides, also known as hip roofs, are a nostalgic nod to older homes. Characterized by their peaked tops, these roofs come together seamlessly, creating a unique and timeless aesthetic. If you’re looking to bring back a classic style element in your own home, consider the charm of a hip roof – it’s sure to make a statement.
Butterfly Roof Types
There’s something undeniably charming about the butterfly roof design. Its whimsical appearance is reminiscent of a butterfly in flight, making it a standout feature that’s sure to evoke a sense of delight. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, however, lies a practical advantage: this style of roof can be an effective way to collect rainwater and even accommodate solar panels. For those committed to reducing their environmental footprint, the butterfly roof offers a unique and functional solution.
Combo
When designing a custom rooftop, you may want to consider combining different roofing styles to create a unique and personalized look. This combo approach allows you to blend elements from two or more distinct roof styles, such as gabled, hip, or flat roofs, to produce a one-of-a-kind design that reflects your home’s individual character. By applying these combined styles in various sections of the house, you can create visual interest and add depth to your overall aesthetic.
Roofing Materials
When it comes to selecting the perfect roof for your home or building, choosing the right material is crucial. Fortunately, you have a wide range of options to suit your style and preferences. From traditional materials to modern innovations, here’s a rundown of the most popular roofing materials:
Asphalt Shingle
When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt shingles are a popular choice for many homeowners. One of the primary reasons for their widespread adoption is their affordability – they’re relatively inexpensive to install on your roof. Additionally, repairing asphalt shingles can be a straightforward process, which appeals to those who value ease of maintenance. For individuals seeking a no-frills roofing solution that’s simple to upkeep, asphalt shingles may be an ideal fit.
Organic Shingle
Organic shingles, an affordable alternative to traditional options, are crafted from recycled materials like wood chips. This eco-friendly choice also boasts impressive waterproofing properties, making it a suitable selection for roofing purposes. Despite their benefits, organic shingles do carry some drawbacks – they tend to be heavier than fiberglass-based alternatives and have a shorter lifespan.
Homeowners should carefully weigh these factors when deciding which type of shingle best suits their needs.
Wood Shingle
Wood shingles have gained popularity due to their energy-efficient nature and impressive durability, lasting between 30 and 50 years. On one hand, this longevity is certainly a significant advantage. On the other hand, wood shingles also present some unique challenges. For instance, they are more prone to catching fire, require greater installation expertise compared to other roofing materials, and possess limited repair capabilities.
In fact, if a damaged wood shingle is encountered, it often necessitates a complete replacement, which can be a costly and inconvenient process.
Fiberglass Shingle
Fiberglass shingles from Histand Bros. offer a lightweight yet durable roofing solution. Their unique properties make them an attractive option for homeowners and builders alike. Not only do they boast impressive durability, but they also typically come with a longer warranty compared to other roofing materials. Additionally, fiberglass shingles are often priced lower than their counterparts while maintaining fireproof qualities.
Three Tab Shingle
While basic asphalt shingles provide a solid foundation for any roofing system, three tab shingles offer a unique aesthetic advantage. Unlike their standard counterparts, three tab shingles feature pre-cut tabs that create the illusion of installing multiple shingles at once. This innovative design allows for a faster and more visually appealing application process, making it an attractive option for homeowners seeking to enhance their property’s curb appeal.
Tile Roof
When it comes to Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes, a tile roof is a common sight. What’s great about these roofs is their versatility – they can be molded to fit any number of unique shapes and designs, allowing homeowners to put their personal stamp on the exterior of their property. But beyond just aesthetics, tile roofs also offer some practical benefits. For one, they’re excellent at keeping homes cool by reflecting heat away from the structure.
This is especially true when the tiles are made in lighter colors, which can help reduce the amount of heat that’s absorbed and subsequently transferred into the home.
Metal
When the time comes to install a new roof, I’m inclined towards opting for a metal one. The versatility of metal roofing lies in its ability to be crafted from a variety of materials, including galvanized metal, zinc, tin, aluminum, and copper. Notably, a well-maintained metal roof can withstand the test of time, boasting an impressive lifespan of around 50 years. For those seeking long-term durability and minimal replacement needs, a metal roof presents a compelling choice.
Plastic
When it comes to constructing a greenhouse, plastic roofing is often the preferred choice. However, its applications extend beyond just greenhouses. For instance, some homeowners opt to attach a separate greenhouse unit to their main residence, essentially creating an indoor-outdoor growing space. If you’re considering a similar setup for your home, incorporating a plastic roof into your design might be worth exploring.
Slate
Slate roofing is an impressive material that boasts a remarkable lifespan of around 80-100 years. Its durability allows it to withstand various elements, including water, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking long-term protection. However, the weighty nature of this roof presents several challenges. Notably, its heaviness makes DIY installation extremely difficult, requiring professional expertise instead.
Moreover, homeowners must ensure their property’s structural integrity can support the added weight, adding complexity to the process. Furthermore, repairing a slate roof typically necessitates hiring professionals due to its heavy weight, increasing costs compared to other roofing options.
Living
According to Inhabitat, our last consideration for roofing materials is the living or green roof. This innovative option features a lush landscape planted directly on top of the structure. Not only does it provide excellent insulation, but it also requires periodic maintenance through trimming and pruning. As an eco-friendly solution, this approach not only reduces energy costs but also offers a cost-effective installation process compared to other options.
With 15 distinct roof types and 10 unique roofing material choices now on the table, homeowners can confidently select a custom-designed roof that matches their one-of-a-kind abode.
