A roof is often overlooked as a major architectural feature for any structure. The style and design of a roof make a huge difference both structurally and visually. A roof design will also add real value to the property. Whether you are looking to update your existing roof or a completely new roof construction there are so many different styles and designs to choose from. When designing a property, it can often be overlooked that the roof is a one shape fits all, but that isn’t the case. There are many types all have different purposes and may be more suitable to specific weather conditions and the building style itself. Here are some of the most popular residential roof designs recommended by Active Roofing.
Gable Roof Designs
Gable roofs are a classic roof design and the most widely used roof for many homes. This style is favored by many young architects drawing a home. A gable roof is made up of two slanted triangular sides that meet at the top at a 90-degree angle to form a ridge. It is a basic, yet simple roof design and is seen across many homes and design styles. It is a very versatile roof design. This type is ideal in areas with cold and rainy weather conditions. It will insulate the home and drop off rain easily. This prevents moisture from causing water damage. There are many different types of gable roof designs some of these include:
- Box gable roof
- Cross gable roof
- Front gable roof
Box Gable Roof
A box gable has a triangular shape at each end of the house, with the roof section boxed at the end. It is very similar to a standard gable roof.
Cross Gable Roof
A cross gable roof is a design that consists of 2 or more gable ridges that intersect at an angle. The ridges will be placed perpendicular to each other. This roof type is often seen on homes with an attached garage.
Front Gable Roof
Front gables are commonly seen with colonial-style homes but now becoming increasingly popular on more modern buildings. The roof ridge is in line with the building entrance, so the front door is placed under the gable of the house.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs have been a popular roof design for many years mainly with commercial, government, and industrial type buildings, and we are seeing a demand for them in the residential sectors as homeowners are opting for a more modern style home. It is a modern roof design that is not entirely flat as some people may think. Flat roofs are slightly pitched to allow for rainwater to run off.
One of the main selling factors for flat roofs is longevity. Flat roofs can last up to 50 years making them one of the longest-lasting roofs on the market. They are a lot more accessible than sloped roofs. This means that roof repairs, cleaning gutters, and installing household appliances will be a lot less expensive and easier to perform. Make sure to hire the best roofers for flat roof projects to get the job done properly.
Hipped Roofs
Hipped roofs have 4 sloping sides that come together to form a ridge or peak along the top. Hipped roofs are a stable roof design as the weight is evenly distributed around the roof base. You see this type of design in many homes today. It often combines with other features such as the dormer windows on the house, which adds extra living space or storage under the roof. This design creates a profile where visual interests can be increased and without vertical sides.
A hipped roof can be customized to add your own personal touches. The hipped roof shape is more resilient against heavy rain and high winds making it a great option where stormy weather may be common. There are many different types of hipped roof designs some of these include:
Pyramid Hip Roof
The walls of a pyramid hip roof are square instead of rectangular. This makes the roof slope to a pyramid point shape at the top. It is very similar to a simple hip roof.
Simple Hip Roof
A hip roof is the most common roof design. There are 4 sides that feature symmetrical slopes that move towards the wall, with no vertical sides or gables to the roof.
Cross Hipped Roof
This roof design has 2 perpendicular hip sections that form a T and an L in the roof hip. This is an ideal option for a building with a more complex layout rather than a simple rectangle of squares.
Dutch Gable Roof
A Dutch gable roof is a cross of a gabled and hip roof. A partial or full gable can be found at the end of the ridge in the roof which will allow for a greater amount of internal roof space.
Shed Roofs
A shed roof consists of a single plane that angles downwards in one direction. This roof design is commonly used on homes where one wall is higher than the other. Shed roofs are often used for practical reasons, as they can be designed to make an architectural statement that is popular with minimalist or modern homes. One of the main benefits of a shed roof is the amount of light it will let in. Due to its very steep pitch, homes designed with shed roofs are designed to have an extra layer of windows or an entire wall of windows installed up high to let the natural light in that more traditional roof styles would block out.
Butterfly Roof
A butterfly roof is a modern roof design that consists of an inverted gable which forms lifted wings that slope inwards and meet to form a valley. A butterfly design makes a real statement and a big impact on a home. Butterfly roofs can be asymmetrical or symmetrical which determines where the valley is located on the roof. This roof type is ideal if you live in a dry and warm climate. The unique style can help you store and collect water during times of drought.