If your roof is getting close to the 20-year mark, it’s time to start planning for a roof replacement.
And if you hate the shape of your current roof, now is also the perfect time to change things up. However, you can’t pick a roof style based solely on the way it looks.
We’ve put together this list of common roof types so you can find the best fit for your home.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Pitched Roof
A pitched (or gable) roof is one of the most popular roofing options in America. The slanted roof resembles the top two sides of a triangle.
Pros
Because of their slanted design, pitched roofs allow things like rainwater, snow, hail, leaves and other debris to slide off the sides. This type of roof will also give your home more attic space, room for extra insulation, or higher ceilings.
Pitched roofs are simple to build, which makes them cheaper than more complex designs.
Cons
Pitched roofs aren’t good options for places that get strong winds or hurricanes. This type of weather can damage the roof or, in some cases, cause it to collapse.
2. Flat Roof
Flat roofs, as the name suggests, are flat. But they aren’t completely flat. These types of roofs have a slight pitch to prevent water from gathering on the surface.
Pros
Flat roofs are easier and cheaper to build than any other type of roof, including a pitched roof. Any roofing contractor, such as Ragsdale roofing and Innovations LLC, can build a flat roof, so you won’t have trouble installing one.
They can also expand the living area of your home. For example, you can put HVAC units on the roof to keep them out of your way. You can also put some chairs on your roof and use it as a hang-out spot.
Cons
Even though they have a slight pitch, flat roofs are prone to leaks. You might have to spend a lot of extra money on maintenance and repairs, making it more expensive than other roofs in the long run.
3. Hip Roof
Hip roofs are slanted on all four sides, kind of like a pyramid. But unlike a pyramid, they don’t end in a point. Instead, the top flattens out into a ridge.
Pros
The four slanted sides of a hip roof make it more durable and stable than other types of roofs. This means it can withstand heavy snow and strong winds. And, like a pitched roof, you don’t have to worry about standing water gather on the top of your roof.
These roofs can also give you enough space for a sizeable attic. They also make it easy to install add-ons, such as dormers.
Cons
Hip roofs have a more complex design than the other roofs on this list. Because of that, they take longer to build and can be more expensive.
4. Gambrel
A gambrel roof resembles a traditional barn roof. It has two sides (like a pitched roof), but those two sides each have two different slants. The top of each side slants like a normal pitched roof, but the bottom of each side falls into a much steeper, almost verticle slant.
Pros
Since gambrel roofs are so large, they provide a lot of extra living space inside your home. They are also simple to build (even though they may seem somewhat complex), which brings the cost down.
Cons
This type of roof doesn’t hold up to strong winds or snow very well. The open design of the roof can’t take the weight of heavy snowfall. too much snow can cause it to collapse.
Understanding Different Roof Types
Finding the right roof for your home comes down to more than just aesthetics. Different roof types are suited for different environments, so you have to understand the pros and cons of your options before you make a final choice.
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