7 Types of Roofs to Look for When Buying a House

Roofs are similar to icing on a cake as they beautify the house and add personality to it.

If you have just taken a quick look at roofs, you have likely noticed different designs. Every roof provides protection for the home, but each design varies in slope and composition.

Continue reading to discover seven unique roof designs and their popularity in specific regions and climate zones. If you are in the process of purchasing a new home, it is crucial to determine which materials and styles work well for your new living space.

1. Lean-To and Skillion Roofs

People who are interested in minimalist designs may be drawn to the skillion roof, also known as the lean-to. It features a single steep incline, making it a perfect choice for individuals residing in regions with high rainfall. Skillion roofs are in demand in New England and other mountainous areas with frequent snowfall, as their angles help speed up the melting and runoff of snow.

Looking to enhance your living space with sunlight?

You will have the option to incorporate environmentally friendly skylights with a skillion roof. Because this layout lacks different angles, there is plenty of room to incorporate solar panels, resulting in lower energy usage.

Tips: According to roofing services by the Sunshine Coast's best, another factor to take into account is the type of shingles that are advised for a skillion roof.

Asphalt shingles are suitable for almost any type of roof, including skillion roofs.

They are affordable and come in a range of textures and colors. Many homeowners who wish to add solar panels prefer using standing seam metal roofing.

The installation of a skillion roof is simpler than that of other roof types, leading to cost savings. However, opting for a skillion roof means giving up valuable attic space.

2. Hexagonal Gazebo Roofs

Bees possess excellent mathematical abilities. Many years in the past, these hardworking flying bugs shared their superior, fashionable honeycomb design with the world.

Before the invention of the ruler, people knew the importance of making sure all hexagonal sides were the same length to ensure their combs support their hives, leaving no margin for mistakes.

Tips: When constructing a new home and seeking an impressive roof, consider using the design of the honey maker's initial model.

Hexagonal gazebos are now adorning houses in various neighborhoods nationwide, no longer just serving as charming backyard additions.

All six triangular pitched panels are the same size and rest on rafters for support.

While a honeycomb needs tens of thousands of bees, you won't need a crew that big to construct your hexagonal gazebo roof. Nevertheless, it is essential to only recruit licensed and highly skilled experts. You will have to spend a significant amount of money.

3. Dome Roofs

The dome roof is certainly not typical, but it can bring a sense of grandeur.

If built correctly, it can also function as a waterproof barrier, which is perfect for almost any area and weather conditions. A dome roof is a popular choice for homeowners looking to incorporate a gazebo or a crow's nest into their property.

Constructed following the immutable principles of physics, these roofs are incredibly durable and can endure fierce storms, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. Metal or asphalt shingles and aluminum or wood shakes are the choice materials.

Note: One of the main advantages of the dome roof is its natural capability to insulate and regulate the temperature inside a house.

As the dome structure does not need weight-bearing posts, homeowners have extra living and storage space available. Disadvantages consist of elevated labor and installation expenses.

Furthermore, the dome roof must adhere to the building regulations in your area and it could prove difficult to market a house with a dome.

4. Shed Roofs

The shed roof is a level roof with a unidirectional incline, like a skillion roof, and can also take the shape of a gabled roof with two sloping sides forming an A-shape.

Its ease of construction has made it a favored choice for various home designs like cottages, small houses, and farmhouses, while being considered one of the most budget-friendly roofing choices. Choosing an asymmetrical roof design and opting for a bold color roofing material can add excitement to your shed roof.

On a shed roof with a moderate to steep pitch, all types of roofing materials, such as asphalt and metal, can be used together.

Some shingles may not be suitable for low-pitched shed roofs; therefore, it's important to consult with your builder to determine the most appropriate type before making a final decision on the shingle. The greater the incline, the greater amount of space for living and storage purposes.

5. Gable Roof (and Its Dutch Variant)

Gable roofs are a popular choice for roof styles.

The triangular shape of gable roofs makes them easy to recognize. They are well-known for their simple construction and easy installation, their ability to provide adequate airflow, and their effectiveness in removing water and snow from the roof.

Note: One significant drawback of gable roofs is their vulnerability to strong winds due to their steep slope. Still, they remain a common option for roofs in homes due to their affordability and the ample living space they offer.

A Dutch gable roof, on the other hand, combines elements of both a hip roof and a gable roof to create a sturdy structure. It uses the same hip roof design while including a gable, also called a "gablet", on top.

This kind of roof offers additional attic room and typically includes a window for natural light penetration. The drawbacks of Dutch gable roofs stem from the fact that they combine 2 roof types, making construction more complicated and resulting in increased costs.

Because there are multiple meeting points in the roof structure, it is crucial to tightly seal and waterproof them to avoid water leakage.

6. Mansard Roof

Mansard roofs feature dual slopes on each of their four sides, with the upper slope being gentler than the lower slope. The edges are typically straight but can sometimes be curved.

Victorian Era houses are where they are most likely to be seen. Mansard roofs provide a significant increase in living space within homes and are known for their efficient design.

One of the most difficult roof styles to construct is the Mansard roofs, primarily because of their complex design. They are unable to resist heavy snowfall, which could pose a significant issue for residents in states where snowfall is frequent.

7. Flat Roof

Flat roofs belong to the category of simpler roof design types. They're easily identifiable because they typically resemble their name: flat! They're typically not perfectly flat, as they may have a slight incline to assist with water drainage.

While frequently selected for business structures, they are occasionally utilized in houses for living purposes. Flat roofs are inexpensive to construct because of their uncomplicated structure and affordable materials. Extra space can be utilized for activities such as gardening, installing solar panels, or storing air conditioners.

Constant maintenance is needed for flat roofs, presenting a major challenge. In regions with heavy snowfall, you will need to regularly clear snow from the roof. You must also make sure that water is flowing away correctly to prevent roof decay.

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