If you are building or buying a new house, you probably have a long list of must-haves, none of which include the roof. You know the house will certainly have one, but you have not concerned yourself too much about what style it is. However, when you look at a house you are considering buying, the roof will play an important role in your decision to buy. That’s because besides offering cover for the people who will live inside the house, it is a crucial part of the property’s curb appeal. Here are some of the most common types of roofs.
Gabled Roof
Finding a house with a gabled roof is not too difficult since it is the typical pitched roof that is used on many houses around the country. These roofs are so common because they are easy to build and their shape is not too complicated. Also, they lend themselves to be covered by most types of roofing materials, making them very versatile. The gable also works from the inside since it can serve to create additional living space.
Hip Roof
While gabled roofs only have two sides, hip roofs have four, and they come together to make a ridge at the top. Although very common, they are well-suited for areas with heavier winters since they allow precipitation to run off and are considered more stable. They also allow the use of most standard roofing materials.
Mansard Roof
Also known as French roofs, these roofs consist of four double sloped sides that come together to form a low-pitched roof in the middle. Their height allows for extra living space, often referred to as a loft or garret, and is convenient should you want to build additions in the future. Their silhouettes can be either convex, concave, or run at a straight angle. This roof works well with dormer windows, which are useful if you use the loft space because they let in light. Stone or another masonry can be added around the dormers.
Saltbox Roof
This type of roof is generally found on earlier Cape Cod or Colonial-style homes. Their main characteristic is a distinctive asymmetrical design. On one side, the roof is flat with only a slight slope, while on the other, there is more of a “lean-to” structure. Their name originated from the shape of boxes of salt sold in the New England area during the time of the early settlers.
Dome Roof
It is not easy to find a dome roof on a residential property unless it is part of a prefabricated structure that could be used to adorn a contemporary design. Their inverted bowl design is very distinctive and memorable.
Flat Roof
As the name implies, flat roofs have very little pitch, just the minimum that is needed to allow for water runoff. They can be manufactured out of several different types of materials such as PVC, roll roofing, or metal sheets. Weston roofing metal roofs have increased in popularity not only because they can be used as additional living space if they are fitted with a deck or patio. But with increased ecological awareness, many people are using them as roof gardens or places where they can grow their own herbs, fruits, or vegetables.
