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8 Common Roof Types You Should Know About
Your roof plays a vital role in protecting your home and enhancing its aesthetic value. That’s why, when you are redoing your roof or renovating, choosing the proper roof type is the key. However, to select the most suitable roof type, it is necessary to research various styles to find the best fit for your home.
Here are the eight most common roofing types you can choose from.
Gable roofs
Gable roofs are among the most common roofing types seen in the United States. They are easy to identify due to their triangular shape and slanting design. They work very well in the US as they quickly shed rain and snow as well as reduce water damage. Gable roofs also provide space for an attic, which is often used for storage. However, if you live in a hurricane-prone region, consider other options as gable roofs as they tend to rake and uplift easily during high winds.
Flat roofs
The name itself is self-explanatory. These roofs are entirely flat, with little or no inclination. They provide you with additional space that can be used for rooftop gardening. Although flat roofs are relatively more affordable, they tend to have a shorter lifespan of 20-30 years.
Flat roofs are made of asphalt, which contracts and expands quickly with temperature changes adding stress to the flashing that prevents leaks and damage to your roof.
Skillion roofs
The distinctive feature of a skillion or shed roof is its single unvarying surface that creates a minimalistic appearance. Skillion roofs go well with modern architecture, as they allow you to insert solar panels and skylights efficiently. However, they don’t offer any attic space.
Butterfly roof
Butterfly roofs look like inverted “V” shapes that resemble a butterfly, hence the name. Butterfly roofs allow you to add windows directly on the top, letting in ample natural light and air into your home. However, butterfly roofs are more expensive as the design is more complex to install.
Hip roof
The defining feature of a hip roof is that it has slopes on all four sides, making it comparatively more stable than a gable roof. Hip roofs last longer and provide more space for natural sunlight to peak into the house if dormers are added. However, they are more expensive than standard gable roofs.
Gambrel Roof
Gambrel roofs are triangular as they have only two sloping sides instead of four. The lower end of the sies has a steeper, almost vertical slope which reduces as it goes up for a gentler slope. These roofs look good and give you more attic room in your house.
Saltbox roof
Saltbox roofs also have a triangular silhouette; however, they vary from the gambrel due to their asymmetrical design. One side of the roof is flat, while the other side has a more leaning structure creating asymmetry. This design allows more storage or attic space. Unfortunately, saltbox roofs are expensive compared to other roofing options as the structure is more complex to build.
Curved roof
Curved roofs have an arched shape, and the arch can be minimal or completely dome-shaped, depending on your choice. They can aid in enhancing your home’s interior with their unique appearance. However, they are more expensive as they require skilled workmanship and more materials than other simple roofing options like gable roofs.
About Christopher Home Improvement
If you are looking for a reputable and professional roofing contractor to install and maintain your roof, Christopher Home Improvement should be your one-stop destination. We have served the residents and businesses in Connecticut and Rhode Island for over 16 years. We are one of the best home improvement companies known for offering roofing services & can help you with any roof-related issues. Call us at 860-381-9336 or fill out our contact form to get a free roofing, siding, gutter, or window repair/installation estimate.
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