A Guide to Roof Styles

When building or remodeling a home, there are many decisions to make that affect functionality and appeal. One of these is the style of roof you choose to install.

There are many roof styles, and the choice you make can impact the rest of your home project including the attic space, ceiling height, cost, and even durability of the roof. Before you decide on a roof style, it is important to understand your options.

What are the different types of roofs?

There are nearly as many types of roofs as there are styles of homes. Each style provides a different level of curb appeal and functionality. The graphic below illustrates a few of the most popular roof types.

Drawings of different styles of roofs. These will be described in the following paragraphs.

As shown in the image above, some of the most common roof styles are:

Flat. A flat roof has a very low slope and appears flat from a distance. This style of roof is not actually flat but features a slope between ¼ and ½ inch per foot which is necessary for drainage.
Shed. A shed roof features a single downward sloping side. This style is often used for porches and additions but can also be used to roof an entire home.
Open Gable. An open gable style roof features two sloping sides that meet in the middle at a central ridge. This style is very common due to its simplicity and ease of installation.
Box Gable. This style of roof is a variation of a gable roof. Rather than an open section under the point of the roof, this triangular section is boxed to provide more definition and strength.
Hip. This style has four sloped sides that meet at a single ridge. Hip roofs are very strong and popular in areas with high winds.
Pyramid Hip. The pyramid hip roof style is a variation of the traditional hip style. It features four symmetrical sides that meet at a point. This style is popular for square homes and buildings.
Jerkinhead. This style is a blend of gable and hip roof styles. It features two slopes that meet at a central ridge and a short, hipped section on the front and back.
Mansard. This style is one of the most complex on this list. It features four sides that have two slopes each – one above the other. The lower slope is much steeper than the upper slope and typically includes dormer windows.
Gambrel. The gambrel roof style is sometimes called a “barn style” roof because it is often used for traditional barns. It features two sides that each have two sets of slopes. Like the Mansard roof style, the bottom slope typically has a much steeper pitch than the upper slope.

Understanding Important Features of Different Roof Types

Each style of roof has its own blend of positive and negative aspects, but there are some commonalities between styles. Depending on your needs, the following factors could make a style of roof more or less suitable for your home.

Roof Complexity Impacts Cost and Durability

Simple roof styles like Gable and Shed are usually economical to design and install. On the other hand, more complex styles, like Mansard and Gambrel, have a higher price tag.

The complexity of a roof style also impacts its durability. Simple styles tend to feature overhangs which can make them vulnerable to high winds while more complex styles don’t tend to share this weakness.

Roof Slope Impacts Drainage and Ceiling Height

Roof styles with low slopes – such as Flat, Mansard, and Gambrel – tend to drain water relatively slowly. These types of roofs also impact other important features of your home.

Slow drainage on low slope roofs can allow water to pool and this often leads to leaks. On the other hand, roof styles with steep slopes – like Gable, Shed, and Hip – drain water quickly, which helps to prevent pooling water and reduce debris like sticks and leaves.

The pitch of the roof can also impact the amount of usable attic space and the interior ceiling height. Roofs with very low slopes – like Flat roofs – tend to have little room for an attic. Additionally, roofs with very steep slopes – like Shed and Gable roofs – provide a lot of attic space under the pitch, but little useable room under the sides. Roof styles with multiple slopes – like Gambrel and Mansard – tend to offer the most usable space in an attic or higher ceilings on the top floor for those areas without an attic.

Which style of roof is right for you?

The right roof style for you will depend on many factors including the style of your home. Gable and Hip roofs add curb appeal to traditional style homes while Shed and Flat roofs can make a statement in a modern design.

As you choose a roof style, be sure to take your local climate into account. If you live in an area with high winds, use caution when choosing a roof style with large overhangs. Additionally, if your area experiences heavy rainstorms, keep drainage in mind.

With so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to choose the perfect style for your home. An experienced roofer can help you decide which styles work best for your climate and meet the needs of your family.

Roof Installation from Complete Roofing

Complete Roofing is a local, licensed, and insured roofing company with locations on the Mississippi Coast, Alabama Coast, and in Greater New Orleans. We install, repair, and replace all types of residential and commercial roofs.

Our experienced team can answer your questions and help you choose the right roof style for your home. To contact a roofing specialist in your area, use the following links for our 3 general areas or click your city for express service: