What are the five main types of roof styles?
5 Different Types of Roofs You Can Choose For Your HomeMansard Roof. This particular style of roof is French. ... Saltbox Roof. For those on the adventurous side, this is the roofing style to look into. ... Flat Roof. ... Pyramid Roof. ... Skillion Roof. ... Gable Roof. ... Hip Roof. ... Jerkinhead Roof.More items...
What are the 3 main types of roofs?
Three Common Roof Designs and Their AdvantagesHip. A hip roof has slopes on all of its sides. The roof doesn't have even a single vertical side. ... Gable. A gable roof features two sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. ... Flat. A flat roof has an extremely low pitch and is almost horizontally level.
What are 6 types of roofs?
Six Roof Designs and StylesFlat.Hip.Gambrel.Mansard.Salt Box.Contact Kings Roofing.
What is the most common type of roof style?
But the most common type of roof you see on homes today is an asphalt roof. An asphalt roof is a roof system made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components. The reason for its popularity is simply because it's the most cost-effective type of roof for the average homeowner.
What is the most durable roof?
Corrugated galvanized steel is one of the strongest, most durable roofing materials, since it lasts longer, is more resistant to wind, and absorbs less heat than asphalt shingles.
How many roof types are there?
If you are not sure about what type of roof design or roof style you have, below are 13 different types of roofs.
What is the cheapest roof to build?
Generally, a gable-style roof with asphalt roofing shingles is one of the most affordable roofs you can build on a residential home. Asphalt shingles typically cost $1 to $2 per square foot, excluding installation costs. Simplifying your roof design and lowering its pitch can also help you save money.
What is the strongest roof design?
Pros: Hip roofs are one of the strongest designs for a roof. The inward slope on all four sides of a hip roof makes it an excellent design for both high wind and snowy areas. These designs also allow for more ventilation and grand vaulted ceilings or attics.
What is a standard roof called?
1. GABLE ROOF. Also known as pitched or peaked roof, gable roofs are some of the most popular roofs in the US. They are easily recognized by their triangular shape. The Pros: Gable roofs will easily shed water and snow, provide more space for the attic or vaulted ceilings and allow more ventilation.
What's the best roof for a house?
Asphalt Roofing Shingles Relatively lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most houses. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive single shingles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one shingle at a time.
What are the 2 most common roof types?
5 Most Common Types of Roofs Used on Residential HomesAsphalt Shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for homeowners today. ... Metal Roofing. This type of roof is becoming more and more common. ... Ceramic Tiles. ... Slate Shingles. ... Wood/Cedar Shake Shingles. ... Conclusion.
What kind of roof is a modern house?
Pros: Flat roofs look great on modern or mid-century style homes due to their clean lines. They are also common on commercial buildings or home additions such as a sunroom.
What is composite roofing?
The term “composite” can apply to several different types of roofing, since it simply implies that a number of different materials are used in the manufacturing process.
What is a BIPV roof?
Solar shingles and solar roofing are examples of new “thin-film” photovoltaic technology refer red to as “building-integrated photovoltaics,” or BIPV. Solar shingles are designed in the standard size and shape of asphalt shingles so that they can be unobtrusively integrated into an asphalt shingle roof.
What is EPDM roofing?
EPDM is an abbreviation for ethylene propylene diene monomer, the highly engineered compound used to manufacture most types of rubber roofing. Rubber roofing is used primarily on flat or low-slop roofs in both commercial and residential buildings. A “membrane roof” usually refers to a rubber or EPDM roof that is installed in a flat roof ...
How long do shingles last on sloped roofs?
Premium grades of “laminated” asphalt fiberglass shingles are typically warrantied for 50 years.
Why is flat roofing considered low slope?
This roofing category is often grouped with “low-slope” roofing because many of the roofing treatments are the same.
What is the difference between shingles and shakes?
The main difference between shingles and shakes is that shakes are split from the log and have a rough, random texture; shingles have a smoother surface because they’re sawed. A wood roof is expensive, and requires extra skill to install.
Why are clay and concrete tile roofing grouped together?
Clay and concrete tile roofing are often grouped together because they are both masonry roofing materials with similar installation requirements. Whether clay or concrete is used as the molding material, the end result is a roofing tile designed to overlap and/or interlock with adjacent tiles.
How much of the exterior of a house is roof?
Depending on a home’s architecture, a roof can potentially make up 40% of the exterior, often playing a big role in its overall look and curb appeal. So, when the time comes to install a new roof, you’ll want to pick roofing materials and shingle colors that work well with the shape and slope of your roof, as well as complement your home’s exterior ...
How many sides does a hip roof have?
A traditional hip roof consists of four equal-length slopes that meet to form a simple ridge. There are variations, though, such as a half-hip that features two shorter sides with eaves.
Why add windows to a gambrel roof?
Adding windows to the sides of the gambrel roof can bring natural light in and increase the use of the upper story. Gambrel Roof Illustration. The steep sections of gambrel roofs are very visible, so homeowners should carefully consider the appearance of their roofing shingles.
What is a miniature gable roof?
A miniature gable roof, or “gablet”, is perched atop a traditional hip roof. Dutch Gabled Roof Illustration. The gable portion provides homeowners with increased attic space and can even be fitted with windows for added sunlight.
What is a gable roof?
Think back to your first crayon drawing of a home. Chances are you drew a gable roof. It’s basically a triangle with the base resting atop the house and the two sides rising to meet the ridge. Slopes can vary drastically on the gable roof from steep chalet-style designs to rooftops with a gentle grade.
What is a clipped roof?
Clipped gable roofs are designed with the basic shape of a gable, with two sides rising to meet a ridge, but then borrow an element from hip roofs: the top peaks are “bent in,” creating small hips at the ends of the roof ridge.
Why do some homes have flat roofs?
Additionally, some home additions may use a flat roof to provide extra second floor living space. Keep in mind flat doesn’t really mean flat —there needs to be some incline to allow for water drainage.
What is the most common type of hip roof?
Simple Hip: The most common type of a hip roof. It has a polygon on two sides and a triangle on two sides. The sides come together at the top to form a simple ridge.
How to choose a pitched roof?
When choosing a roof, first determine what type will and won’t work for your area. For example, if you live in a snowy area, a higher pitched roof that is designed to easily shed off high accumulations of snow, can be one the most practical options. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, then consider your needs.
What material is used for a Gambler roof?
A standing seam metal roof over a Gambler roof shape with two window dormers. Suggested Materials: The material used for a Gambrel roof will depend on the style of the house. Wooden, asphalt or slate shingles are widely used. However, using metal will greatly cut down on the amount of maintenance required.
What is the best material to use for a mansard roof?
Using metal, such as copper or zinc for the steep portion of the roof, can be more expensive up front, but will require much less maintenance down the road, making it a good long-term choice. Using wood or slate shingles in a diamond pattern is a way to make a mansard roof stand out.
What is a Jerkinhead roof?
Or, it can be described as a hip roof with two short sides. – They may also be referred to as clipped gable or English hip roofs.
What is a curved shed roof?
Curved shed roof with standing seam panels on a ranch home. Roofs do a lot more than just serving the most basic practical purpose of protecting a house and its occupants from ...
What is a gable roof?
Also known as pitched or peaked roof, gable roofs are some of the most popular roofs in the US. They are easily recognized by their triangular shape. Pros: Gable roofs will easily shed water and snow, provide more space for the attic or vaulted ceilings, and allow more ventilation.
Types of Shingles
Shingles can be characterized as units of roofing material which are flat, relatively small, and designed to be installed in an overlapping pattern, most often in horizontal courses.
Types of Roof Tiles
A roof tile is an individual roofing unit made out of fired clay or another material that resembles fired clay tile in appearance and strength (mainly concrete).
Types of Roof Panels
Essentially, a roofing panel is a large, rigid or semi-rigid roofing unit formed from some type of sheet material.
Other Types of Steep-Slope Roofing
Other types of roofing materials are used, but are not appropriate for most steep-sloped structures. These can be considered “niche” roofing materials, and are intended for use in special, atypical roofing applications.
Types of Bitumen-Based Roofing
One of the oldest waterproofing materials known, bitumen (which in the roofing industry today refers to both asphalt and coal tar pitch) formed the great bulk of all flat roofing installed in the 20th century.
Types of Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
Now used in over 75% of new commercial low-slope roof installations, single-ply roofing is a relatively cheap alternative to traditional bitumen roofs.
Other Types of Low-Slope Roofing
There are other kinds of low-slope roof systems, although some of them don’t actually use different materials from the ones already mentioned.
Gable roof
Arguably the most basic roof design, a gable roof features two symmetrical slopes on each side of the house, meeting at the top. This forms a triangular design that has a few advantages. They can be simple and cheap to build, plus the sloped design does a good job of letting snow, ice and rain slide right off.
Dutch gable roof
The Dutch gable roof is another variation of the gable roof. In Britain, they are known as “gablet roofs.” This roof is essentially a hip roof, but it adds a small gable (or gablet) to the top of the roof. This can create additional space under the roof and allow more natural light into the house. Some designs may also add windows to the gable.
Box gable roof
For the most part, the boxed gable looks the same as the standard gable roof. The biggest difference with this design is the roof continues past the edge of the house, creating a noticeable triangle shape. This subtle change allows the house to stand out more.
Hip roof
A hip roof consists of four slopes, spaced equally and all meeting in the center of the roof. This results in four distinct sides to the roof. Hip roofs are also popular because they are both durable and versatile, holding up well against snow and ice. They also leave you with more shade than a gable roof because of their four separate sides.
Gambrel roof
Even if you don’t know the name of this roof, you would immediately know it if you saw one. These roofs are the type you often see on barns, creating that classic look. They have two sloped sides but with two slopes on each side. The lower slope is usually steeper, while the upper slope has a lower pitch.
Shed roof
Shed roofs have a single slope, creating a modern, distinguished look. Another name for this roof type is skillion roof or lean-to. These roofs tend to have a lower pitch, but adding a steeper slope helps water and ice run off more quickly. Steeper slopes are ideal in the mountains and in other areas that see its share of snow and ice.
Flat roof
A flat roof is just as it sounds. However, these roofs usually have a slight incline to allow water to run off. Flat roofs are most common in larger buildings, such as schools, office buildings, and shopping malls. However, some modern homes may also use this design to create a more unique look.
What is the best type of roofing for a flat roof?
Built-up roofing. This heavy roofing consists of layers of asphalt, tar or adhesive topped with an aggregate and is only for flat roofs. Tar and gravel roofs, also for flat roofs, are best for roof-top decks with heavy foot traffic.
What is the most common roofing material in America?
While they may help offset energy costs with solar power, they also cost more than traditional solar options. 2. Asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials in America because they’re effective in all environmental conditions.
How long does metal roofing last?
Metal roofing. Metal roofing comes in vertical panels or shingles resembling slate, tile and shake – and lasts about 60 years. Metal excels at sloughing off heavy snow and rain, won’t burn and resists high winds. It is lightweight and can be installed over existing roofs.
How long does a roof last?
They can last 20 to 25 years. The best type of roof for you really depends on your climate, budget and house. To see what’s best in your area, talk with licensed roofing contractors and look at some of the newer developments nearby to get ideas on what type of roofing material to use.
Can you withstand a tornado with a concrete roof?
Clay and concrete tiles. Clay and concrete roof tiles can withstand damage from tornadoes, hurricanes or winds up to 125 miles per hour and even earthquakes, according to "A Summary of Experimental Studies on Seismic Performance of Concrete and Clay Roofing Tiles" by the University of Southern California for the Tile Roofing Institute.
Benefits of a Tile Roof and How to Get Started
We know that as a homeowner, looking for the best contractor that understands the different roof tile types can be overwhelming, whether you’re looking for tile roof replacement, a tile roof repair, or a new installation. We’re here to make that process easy.
What are the different roof tiles types?
Below we’re covering the different tile roofing systems that may be an option for your home.
What type of roof tiles are best?
We’ve covered concrete tiles, composite roof tiles, and ceramic tile versus a shingle roof. As you dig deep into tile options, you’ll learn more about roofing material we haven’t explored, like interlocking roof tiles, barrel tiles, square clay tiles, plus materials like polymer sand, portland cement, and more.
Tile Roofing Cost
Tile roofing is a case of “you get what you pay for.” While there are cheaper alternatives on the market, they will typically lack the beauty and design of more expensive roof tiles. They may also be made of lesser quality and need to be replaced more frequently.
How Do You Find a Trusted Roof Tile Contractor?
Whether you are in need of a roof repair or replacement for your tiles, we know the one thing that matters is having an expert you can trust. You also need a contractor that is familiar with your local area and the installation process of all different types of tiles and different types of roof systems.
Expert Tile Roofing Contractors
Are You Ready to Install A Tile Roof? Contact the Allstate Roofing team today for a free roof inspection and roof tile quote.
Table of Contents
Related Pages
About This List of Roofing Types
- This page provides an overview and a brief introduction to all the various types of roofing used on buildings in the world today. By “types of roofing” we don’t just mean the primary roofing materials themselves, but also the different ways the materials can be put together to form the roof, the way they function to keep water out, and all the associated traditions, techniques, and performance a…
Types of Roofing: Steep-Slope Roofing
- This is the sort of roofing you find on a pitched roof. For this type of roofing to function properly, the roof slope must normally be greater than 3-in-12. Steep-slope roofing does not form a continuous waterproof membrane and it depends on gravity to rapidly shed water. The roofing material on a steep-slope roof typically takes the form of overlapping units which are individuall…
Types of Roofing: Low-Slope Roofing
- Low-slope roofs are often called “flat roofs”, although it’s extremely rare for a roof to actually be completely flat. Good roof design will ensure that all roofs have at least some slope, so water can drain off of them. Water is corrosive and you don’t want it sitting on a roof for any longer than it has to. Any roof with a slope of less than 3-in...