Without roofs, our homes are not homes; roofs give us shelter and protect us from weather conditions. The roofing materials and designs have a world in themselves. If you’re renovating your home or commercial property and wondering what roof type and design you should go with, then give a read to this guide. In this article, we’ll discuss about different roof types and explore the perks of each roofing material.
Popular Roof Types
Gable Roof
Do you remember your childhood when you drew a house on paper and then painted it? If it’s two parallel lines of 30-45 degrees, it’s probably a gable roof. This is one of the most common roof types and a go-to choice for any home.
Mansard Roof
Château de Maisons-Laffitte is the finest example of a Mansard roof. It was designed by Francois Mansart and finalised in 1651. It has four sides with dual inclines above them, combining to a point and ending at the top. Despite being a French-style roof, it became famous in the United States, and homeowners began to replace their roofs with this one.
Hip Roof
An old-style hip roof consists of four equal-length slides that move upward and connect to form a modest edge. There are different designs, though, such as a half-hip that has two shorter sides with eaves. Since most of the exterior is clearly visible, the materials and shingles you choose impact its appearance.
Clipped Gable Roof
There are other names for clipped gable roofs, such as the bullnose. The structure of these roofs is a simple form of a gable. Plus, both sides rise upward to make a peak point. These roofs are a living example of the architect’s effort in your home structure.
Dutch Gable Roof
A Dutch gable roof combines the characteristics of a gable and a hip roof. It has a triangular shape on the top (gable) with a small hip roof that sits over it. This design is often used for enhancing visual appeal and additional attic space.
Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is symmetrical, with two slopes on each side, with the lower slope steeper than the upper one. This style is commonly seen in barns and sheds, as it offers more overhead space in the upper levels.
Shed Roof
Shed roofs are solo, slanted surfaces, like a modern lean-to. They’re a great option for smaller buildings like extensions or garden structures and offer a minimalist look with no complex structure and lower height.
Flat Roof (Low Slope Roof)
The second name for flat roofs is ‘low-slope’ or ‘low-pitched. Those who don’t know much about them think of a 0-degree flat roof, but it’s a bit more titled (1-10 degrees) to allow water to drain when it rains or when you wash the roofs. It is commonly found in commercial buildings but can also be installed in residential properties. Flat roofs are suitable for installing solar plates and customised rooftop gardens.
Types of Roof Materials
Metal Roofing
First of all, we have metal roofs, which offer a wide range of material options. They’ve been used for roofing in domestic and commercial buildings such as cattle farms, homes, and shops, and they’re a top choice for many. Installing them is no hassle, and can be installed over the existing roof.
Asphalt & Asphalt Fiberglass Shingles
Whenever we talk about roofing material, the first thing that comes to our mind is asphalt fiberglass shingles. These are the most popular shingles of all time. They contain a fiberglass mat rooted within the shingle, creating an additional layer of strength and offering resistance to aging. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive, quick to fit, and robust. They are available in a vast range of colours and are backed by a 50+-year warranty.
Composite Roofing
Composite roofing material is the most durable in the roofing industry, with over 50+ years of warranty. Most of the manufacturing is done with recyclable materials, and it’s a top eco-friendly option over other roof types. Resin, rubber compound, paper products, asphalt, and fiberglass are used to manufacture composite roofs.
Corrugated Roofing
Corrugated roofs are popular for outdoor garden spaces. They are shaped like wavy chips and are highly efficient. Since they are lightweight and last for years with proper maintenance, you can expect great value for money. Those who want to complete their home renovation in a limited time can go for them they can be easily installed over existing roofing materials.
Rubber Roofing
Rubber roofing materials, made of ethylene propylene diene monomer, are a great option for waterproofing and protecting buildings from leaks. They fit well with flat and low-pitched roofs and offer great resistance against water. Beyond these perks, rubber roofs also offer better insulation and minimize the sound coming from outside.
Wood Shingles
If you love wood, then these shingles are for you. They offer a luxurious structure and enhance your home’s looks. Want to know what the raw material is? It comes from either Red Cedar, Eastern White Cedar, or Alaskan Yellow Cedar. You can install these roofs for your home, apartment, flat, or grand villa.
Clay & Concrete Tile Roofing
Clay and concrete tile roofing—are these the same? Great question. This roofing type is frequently disclosed as a group due to stonework roofing materials because both demand similar installation. Warmer regions, not tropical or rainy geographies, are the most suitable weather for these tiles.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofs are very costly to produce and challenging to install. They are a ‘stone-roof’ category but are considered unique due to their unmatchable properties. On average, a well-maintained slate roof lasts up to 75+ years, which is why landlords who prefer them choose them.
Energy-Efficient Shingles
These are qualified as Energy Start ® roofs that can reduce the temperature up to 10 degrees Celsius. Cool roofs mean a cool home and less energy consumption. With proper installation, you can expect that the inside of your home will be pleasant and won’t demand much air conditioning.
What Roof Type Is Best for You?
Well, it depends upon your preferences and the style you want for your dream home. Each roof has its pros and cons, but once you determine the goal of your roofs, it’ll be easier for you to decide. For instance, if you want long-lasting performance and don’t want to replace your roofs for years, then asphalt shingles are dependable. Likewise, if you demand an eco-friendly option, then composite roofs are good to go as they’re made from recycled material.
Whom to Hire for Roofing Project?
If you search around, you will find hundreds of roofers who offer roof services. Unfortunately, not all of them deliver projects as per the standards, and most even do more damage to your roof instead of keeping it in top shape. Thus, at 406 Roofing, we offer reliable roof installation, repair, and maintenance services. With a wide range of options, we allow our clients to choose the desired material and install it most finely. You can contact us via (+1) 406-209-4395 or office@406roofing.com to consult with our specialists and get tailored recommendations.