As simple as their purpose may be, the roof on a home or building can be much more complex that you may think. Today, there are many different types and styles of architecture that experienced roofing companies can install, each with a different look and various advantages. Below are twenty of the most popular designs recognized by most roof companies and used on structures all over the world.
- Flat - Although this kind of structure is not actually completely flat, this design when correctly installed by a roof company has only enough angle to promote water drainage, which is usually only a few degrees. It is seen mainly on large commercial buildings, although it is also used on homes.
- Shed, Skillion, or Mono-Pitched - This is a flat design that has been lifted up on one side to create a sharp angle. Mono-pitched roofs have only one pitch across the entire installation that goes from high to low.
- A-Frame - This is the simplest form of pitched design that involves only two long angles that meet at a top ridge. A-frames are unique because the roof extends from the ridge nearly all the way to the ground, giving the structure a resemblance to the letter "A."
- Gable - A gabled roof is the traditional pitched design in its simplest form. This architecture has two angles with one high point in the middle and spans the length of the entire structure.
- Hip - A hipped roof is an expansion on the gable design constructed by roofing companies to have two additional angles at either end of the main pitch. The main ridge is shorter and the two end angles rise up to a point to meet it.
- Hip and Valley - This is a hip design that incorporates multiple pitches over different parts of the structure that come together as hip angles that create valleys between them. It is commonly seen on homes with shapes that expand beyond the standard square or rectangular footprint.
- Pyramid Hip - Another variation of the hip design is the pyramid hip, where all four angles meet in a point at the top. The 4-sided design creates the look of a pyramid.
- Bonnet - This is a design that includes hip construction halfway down, then a second and somewhat flatter angle all the way around. Resembling a hat with a brim, this style is common on ranch houses with full porches and other simpler farmhouse-type architecture.
- Dutch Gable - The Dutch gable is a design that is similar to the bonnet roof, only it does not overhang the house. Dutch gable includes a small gable or gablet at the top and hip angles below and all the way around.
- Gambrel - This is yet another expansion on traditional gable roofs with the straight ridge to edge angle, broken by another angle. It is the classic 4-angle barn roof design.
- Bow - A gable design that is similar to gambrel design as the roof expands where the second angle appears, only without the angle. The entire pitch, from ridge to edge, is simply bowed outward to add overhead space.
- Saltbox - The saltbox is a distinctive, yet simple 2-angle pitched design where the ridge is off center toward the front of the structure. This results in a shorter angle at the front, and a longer one toward the back.
- M-Shaped - This is another gable version that includes two simple gable pitches joined in the center to form an "M." It is commonly used on many duplexes or to add more character to single family homes.
- Butterfly - Butterfly roofs are like inverted gables or the two inside angles of ‘M’ designs. The outer edges are high while the inner angle meets low, in the center. As creative as this design may look, drainage must be carefully handled by a skilled roofing company.
- Mansard - This is a classic French design that consists of a flat area on the top of the building with a pitched angle at the sides, all the way around. The second pitched angle is short, yet useful in adding a full useable level to the building.
- Monitor - A monitor roof is a unique architectural style that involves a simple gable at the top of a raised headspace and a pent or shed style installation further down along the sides.
- Tented - This is a pitched design that resembles a pyramid that includes more than 4, usually 6 or 8 sides. An 8-sided tented design is called a hexagonal design. These type of structures are used on round structures like gazebos, turrets, and circular rooms.
- Clerestory - The clerestory is designed to allow more natural light into a building and consists of a gable that has one angle lifted up higher than the other. The additional vertical space is usually finished with clear glass or windows.
- Combination - A combination design is one that incorporates features of more than one main roofing style. Cross-hipped, cross-gables, clipped gable or half-hipped are just a few of the combinations recognized by roof companies.
- Dormer - This is any architectural style that includes dormers. It is most commonly seen with gable, hip, gambrel, and other pitched designs; however, it is possible to use with more unique designs as well.
Depending on the architecture of your home, many of the roofs discussed above may offer you certain benefits such as energy efficiency, additional attic space, and a distinctive look. If you are interested in changing the style of your roof, contact an experienced roofing company to help plan such modifications. A roof company is your partner in making your house functional, beautiful, and well-protected from weather!
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