Roofs are the unappreciated heroes of the home. They shield our insides from the hot sun, keep rain at bay, and protect us from the dangers of more extreme weather. They are also the epicenters of good energy design and play a huge role in determining the energy usage of a home. The roof you choose is an important consideration when it comes to your home’s overall sustainability and quality. This article will go over what types of roofs are popular, their benefits, downsides, and how they can be used in different parts of town. Choose the right Roof for the Right Climate
- While there are many different types of roofs that can be used in a variety of climates, certain types will perform better in certain areas.
- What type of roof you choose is largely determined by two factors: drainage and aesthetics.
- For example, some places experience much hotter temperatures than others.
It is important to choose a roof that is durable enough to handle severe weather while also providing long-lasting beauty. Roofs currently in use range from the very low-end to the very high-end. But all roofs will wear over time, and you want to select a roof that won’t need maintenance for years to come. Your roof should last up to 50 years. If it lasts less than 25 years, then it’s not a good choice for your home.
Low Rise Residential Roof Types
The first category is the low-rise residential roof, a term that encompasses almost all of the residential roofs. These roofs are ideal for homes with one or two stories. Each of these roofs has its own upsides, which we’ll discuss later. But any type of home can be built with any type of roof. The only difference is that different types require different amounts and types of maintenance such as more flashing when installed in areas with harsher weather conditions like snow and rain. Gable Roof
Gable roofs are the most common because they are simple, sturdy and easy to build. Gable roofs are named for their gables, which are triangularly shaped roof extensions that can be used for decoration or for the attachment of exterior fixtures like gutters. These roofs have a higher pitch than flat roofs, which helps them shed water more easily. This, along with the gabled ends and wide eaves, makes them perfect for climates where there is a lot of snowfall in winter. These roofs work best on houses with small footprints. But they are not made to withstand severe weather because they are not very durable, especially when compared to flat roofs. Hipped Roof
Hipped roofs have a slope which is steeper than flat roofs. These have become popular on homes that have a more modern look and style because they give the home a bigger look than the traditional, boxy look of most homes. However, hipped roofs aren’t as durable as gabled roofs because of their sloped nature. This characteristic is actually what allows them to fit such small footprints. Another downside to these roofs is that during heavy rain, water can cascade down the roof and into the interior of your home, which presents a safety hazard for your family.
Gable Roof
Gable and hipped roofs are a new style for residential luxury homes. These roofs are popular because of their added beauty, particularly on modern homes. They offer a much cleaner look than a flat roof and a lot of customization for your home. It’s important to note that these roofs are very similar in design to flat roofs, which is why you can install gable vents on the roof. These vents channel air flow from the exterior of your home back into the interior where it is needed most. This improves air circulation within your home and prevents heat from escaping during hot summer days.
Homeowners in suburbia and rural areas have the option of installing a low-rise roof with a hip style. These types of roofs provide an interesting way to spruce up the exterior of your home without altering the way it looks from the street. The hip styles on these roofs are also good for providing more headroom on your low-rise home. Because you can add a deck to hip roofs, they are also a great choice for homeowners who like having places outside to entertain guests or spend time with their family. Hip roofs are also popular choices among homeowners that want an interesting and contemporary design on their house but don’t want to change the overall feel of their home with a new design.