The roof is build to keep the home warm and dry and give an architecturalfeature to the house. Roof plays important role in defining the overall look andstyle of the house. It provides additional living space as well as makes thehouse more resilient, energy efficient and weather-proof. Whether designing acontemporary house, an old traditional house or renovating an old house,check below for an understanding and identifying the best roof shape for yourdream house, shed or garage.
Gable roofs: Gable roof is also known as pitched or peaked roof. It is made intriangular shape. Gable roofs will easily shed water and snow and providemore space for attic or vaulted ceiling and allow more ventilation. But thegable roofs can be problematic during high wind and hurricane. It the framesare not constructed with enough supports, the roof may collapse. Gable roofs can make with asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, metal or clay or concrete tiles.
Hip roof: Hip roof has slopes on all four sides and the sides are of equal lengthand come together at the top to form a ridge. Hip roof is more stable and isexcellent for both high wind and snowy areas. Hip roofs are expensive tobuild. It has more complex design and requires more building material. Hiproofs can be constructed using shingles, metal, clay or concrete tiles.
Mansard roof: A mansard roof is also known as French roof. It is four sidedroof with double slope on each side that meets at the centre forming a low pitched roof. Lower slope is much steeper than upper slope. Sides can be flat or curved. Mansard roofs create extra living space. Mansard roof gives the flexibility to make future home additions. Mansard roof is expensive because of embellishments and details that are required to make it. Using metal such as copper or zinc for the steep portion of the roof will be expensive but the maintenance is less, hence is good choice for long term.
Gambrel roof: Gambrel or barn roof is similar to mansard roof – it has two different slopes. But Gambrel has only two sides, instead of four as in mansard. Gambrel is simple to frame out and also provides extra living space.Construction of this roof is simple with few materials needed; hence cost of the roof is also less. It is great idea for outdoor sheds and storage buildings.
Saw-tooth roof: Saw-tooth roof is two or more parallel pitched roofs in which the slope and veridical surface alternates. It resembles the side view of a saw blade. Windows are placed in the vertical spaces of roof, allowing more natural light to get inside the house. It is a complex design and maintenance is high.
Flat roof: Flat roof is generally made on industrial and commercial buildings or houses in low rainfall areas. Heating and cooling units can be placed on flat roofs. But it is susceptible to water leakage.
Butterfly roof: Butterfly roof is v-shaped roof constructed of two pieceswhich are angled up on the outside to give butterfly shape. The upper angle of the outer edges gives space for larger windows, allowing natural light and lower heating bills in winter.
Different Roofing Options
