When it comes to roof styles, there are many options to choose from. From the classic gable roof to the modern shed roof, each style has its own unique characteristics and advantages. In this article, we'll explore the three most common roof styles: a four-pitched roof, a gable roof, and a flat roof. A four-pitched roof has slopes on all four sides.
This type of roof does not have a single vertical side. It is often used in mid-century modern homes due to its clean lines and low-slope design. The type and color of the shingles you install on a four-pitched roof will make up a large part of the overall exterior appearance of your home, as they are highly visible. A gable roof is what you imagine when you think of a typical square-sided house with a triangle-shaped roof.
It consists of four slopes of equal length that come together to form a simple ridge. Slopes can vary dramatically on the gable roof, from steep chalet-style designs to gently sloped roofs. Variations include a half hip that has two shorter sides with eaves. The mansard roof is another combined style roof that uses gable and four-pitched roof design elements.
It has two sides with two slopes each, one steep and the other soft. The steep sections of the mansard roofs are highly visible, so homeowners should carefully consider the appearance of their shingles. The design allows for the use of the upper floor as an attic room or attic, and adding windows to the sides of the mansard roof can bring in natural light and increase the use of the upper floor. The shed roof is a “slanted” style that looks like half of a traditional pediment. While it has long been used for porches and extensions, the shed roof now adorns the entire structure in ultra-modern buildings.
Most shed roofs tend to have lower slopes, with 4 out of 12 or less being more common, although steeper slopes will accelerate water runoff. Homes with shed roofs tend to be unique structures that reflect the style and personality of their owners. The flat roof has an extremely low incline and is almost horizontally leveled. It is most commonly used in commercial structures such as apartment buildings, shopping malls and office buildings, but was widely used in mid-century modern residential homes in the 1950s and 60s. It's important to note that a flat roof isn't officially flat; it must have a slight slope of at least 2% to allow water and snow runoff. When it comes to choosing a roof style for your home, there are many factors to consider.
Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh all your options before making a decision. Whether you choose a four-pitched roof, gable roof, mansard roof, shed roof or flat roof, make sure you take into account all aspects of your home's design before making your final choice.
