Types of Roofing

Roofs are very important part of any type of commercial and home construction. Roofs help protect the interiors from the harsh sun, rain, snow, blizzards, in short environmental conditions. Roofs have a long historic connection and a particular architectural roof types tells one more about the cultural influences of a region.

The upper most part of the building, the roof, helps in protecting the building. There are many things that require particular roofing types, like a letter box to a church, a stadium and even a bus stop. In a home, a roof protects the house from environmental conditions. In a garden, roof types protect the conservatory from cold, wind and rain, but allows sunlight to reach the plants under it. The roofing type in a veranda, may help protect the area from sunlight. Thus, according to the various needs, there are different types of roofing. Let us see the different types of roof, you need to know when building a home.

Roofing Types

As mentioned earlier, roof types are the most important aspect of our homes. You can choose from many types of roofing, when building a new home or repairing a current roof. Depending on the roof type, you will be able to give a different look and feel to your home. The following are the different types of roofs that you can choose for your home.

Gable Roof
The gable roof type is one of the most popular types of roofs for homes. This roofing type has two roof surfaces that are of the same size. They are pitched at the same angle, back-to-back. This makes a ridge at the top and forms a triangular roof. This roof type is a very cheap design and easy to make. It provides a good ventilation and more ceiling space. However, it is not good for high wind areas, as it can suffer from damage.

Cross Gabled Roof
The cross gabled roof is similar to the gable roof, only that it has two parts that cross. The two roof sections are put together at a right angle. The two ridges formed are perpendicular to each other. The length, pitches and heights of the two roof, may or may not differ from each other. You can use this roofing types for Tudor and Cape Cod style homes.

Flat Roof
The flat roof as the name suggest is flat, but has a slight slope to assist in shedding of water. They are sometimes referred to as 'low slope roofs'. These roof types require fewer materials while building and therefore are more economical. However, you may need to re-roof these roofs more often, as the materials last about 10 to 20 years. Also, if the pooled water is not cleared regularly, the roof maybe damaged. If you live in areas that receive more rain and snow, this roof cannot prove to be an ideal choice.

Mansard Roof
This a popular roof type that was made by architect Francois Mansart in the 1600's in France. This type of roof has two distinctly different slopes, on each side. The upper portion of the roof has a low slope so that just enough water run off can occur. The low slope cannot be seen from the ground. The lower part of the roof has a steep pitch with dormers attached. These roofing types offer a lot of attic space. It also provides additional space known as the 'garret'. If you live in heavy snowfall areas, this roof type is not recommended. The snow can build up on the low slope portion and cause strain on the bracing.

Hipped Roof
This type of roof is similar to gable roof with all sides of the roof slopes that meet the walls of the house. You can use this type of roofing, if you live in areas of high winds or hurricane. They have a good internal bracing and are not easily peeled off. Hipped roofs offer less internal roof space and thus provide less storage areas.

Cross Hip Roof
This is similar to hipped roof types. This roofing type has two parts that cross. The two roof sections meet at a point that is called a 'valley'.

Pyramidal Hip Roof
This is a hipped roof type that forms a pyramid shape. There are four equal triangles that meet at a single point at the top of the roof.

Slatbox Roof
This roof type is similar to a gable roof. It has two sides that are not symmetrical to each other.

Shed Roof
The shed roof has a single roof face that slopes down the entire structure. It is sometimes referred as lean-to roof. It is one of the easiest and the cheapest roofs to build.

Gambrel Roof
This roof type like the Mansard roof has two distinct slopes with two symmetrical sides. The top slope is lower and the bottom slope has a steep pitch that may be nearly vertical. It is also known as the barn roof, as it is commonly seen in hay barns. It has ample space for storage.

Bonnet Roof
The bonnet roof is the least common type of roof that you may come across. It is a type of modified hipped roof that is found in French Vernacular architectural roof types. This architectural roof type is opposite to the Mansard types of roof. The upper slope is steeper than the bottom slope and the bottom slope hangs over the house. Thus, it covers the open sided porch and gives shelter from sun and rain. These types of roofing are also known as 'kicked eaves' roof.

These were some of the types, that you can consider while constructing a roof. You need to take into consideration the various weather, environmental, cost factors and your requirements, while choosing one of the different types of roofing.