You may be considering a new or expanded roof. Knowing the basics of roof design and how they affect your choice of roofing material is essential.

Roof Types, Designs, Shapes & Styles

A roof can make up as much as 40% of a home’s exterior. As a result, it plays a significant role in curb appeal and aesthetics. When it comes time to replace your roof, you will choose roofing materials and colors for shingle shingles that match the shape and slope of the roof and complement the exterior design of your home.

You can determine which shingles or roofing materials will be best for your home by understanding different roof shapes’ performance and design implications.

Roof Slope

Your roof’s slope has both an aesthetic and practical function. For example, a steep slope roof, such as one made from snow or rain, will allow water to run off faster. The roof’s slope can be expressed as a ratio based on the roof’s proportions.

Contractors may use 6 in 12 or a contracted version, such as 6/12 or 6:12. The roof will rise 6 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally. This aspect is easily translated to any number. For example, a roof with a slope of 4 in 12 will rise four inches vertically and twelve inches horizontally.

Your home’s roof slope can create exciting silhouettes, whether flat or steep.

When choosing roofing materials, remember that the higher the slope, the more visible the roof’s surface from the ground. This can have an impact on your home’s exterior design.

These calculations can be left to the roofing contractor by most homeowners. However, it is essential to note that the International Residential Code has specific slope requirements for all roof coverings. This includes asphalt roofing tiles. The right roofing contractor will help you choose the best slope for you.

While some roof types have a specific slope, this is not a hard rule.

8 Common Roof Types

Gable roof

Recall your first crayon drawing of a house. You probably drew the gable roof. The gable roof is a triangle, with the base at the top of the house and the sides rising to the ridge. Gable roof slopes differ from steep chalet-style roofs to gentler rooftops.

Gables are a popular roof style and work well with many home designs. You can add gable front gables to your entryways or a cross gable design with two ridges at right angles.

Clipped Gable Roof

Bullnose is another name for the clipped gable roof. The clipped gable roofs have the basic shape and form of a Gable while two sides rise to meet a Ridge. However, they borrow an element of hip roofs: the top peak is “bent in,” creating small hips at both ends of the roof’s ridge.

These hips add architectural detail to homes and highlight designer shingles.

Dutch Gable Roof

Another combination roof style is the Dutch gable roof. It combines design elements from both hip and gable roofs. For example, a miniature gable roof or “gablet” is perched on top of a traditional hip roofing.

Gables provide homeowners with more space in their attic and can be fitted with windows to get additional sunlight.

Gambrel Roof

Imagine a traditional red barn with white trim. Now imagine a gambrel roofing. The two sides of the roof have two slopes, one steeper than one. You can use the upper floor as an attic or loft. The upper story can be made more livable by adding windows to the sides and roofs of the gambrel.

Gambrel roofs have steep sections that are easily visible. Therefore, homeowners should be careful about the appearance of their roofing materials.

Hip Roof

Traditional hip roofs comprise four equal-length slopes, which meet to form a simple and elegant ridge. There are other options, however, like a half-hip with two shorter sides and eaves.

A hip roof will make most of your roof visible from the outside. Because it is so prominent, the type and color of roofing tiles you choose for your hip roof will significantly impact how your home looks.

Mansard Roof

The mansard roof is a classic French design seen at the Louvre Museum in Paris. This design has four sides and double slopes and can have flat or curved lower slopes.

The mansard roofing was initially developed in France, but it became trendy in the United States. This style allows homeowners to make the most of the upper story, with multiple windows and ample interior attic space. It is also attractive when dormers can be added.

Pro Tip: Choosing architectural shingles with a slate-like form can increase this roof design’s old-world appeal.

Shed Roof

A shed roof is an excellent choice if you like modern home designs. The “lean-to” style is half the size of a traditional gabled roof. Although they initially used it to cover porches and add-ons, shed roofs now cover the entire structure of ultra-modern constructions. Most shed roofs have a lower slope, with 4-12 being the most common. However, steeper slopes can increase water runoff.

Shed roof homes are unique structures that reflect the owners’ style and personality. There are many window placement options with shed roofs, including small rows of glass panes under the roof and large picture windows at the front.

Flat Roof (Low Slope Roof)

Flat roofs are often associated with strip malls or industrial complexes. Flat rooflines were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, when many middle-century modern architects tried them out, creating homes for actors and wealthy business people. Flat roofs were in keeping with the time and blended into the surroundings. They also provided large open floor plans. Some homes have a flat roof with a small amount of roof surface, while the rest of the roof has a hip or gable design. Some home additions may use a flat roof for additional living space on the second floor.

Flat doesn’t necessarily mean bland. There must be inclines to allow water drainage.

Pro Tip: Low-slope roofs are especially susceptible to leaks. They must be waterproofed thoroughly and topped off with a suitable material such as a self-adhesive, multi-ply modified bitumen membrane system or a PVC, TPO, or rubber membrane.

How do you choose the right roofing shingles for your style of roof type?

Mentioned above are the common roof types. There are many sub-types available you can combine in a variety of styles. It is up to the individual to choose the right shingle.

• Browse houses online and drive through neighborhoods to find the right style and color for your dream home.
• Consider your neighborhood. It’s up to you whether you want to blend in with your surroundings or stand out. This will depend on your personality as well as your exterior design goals.
• You may also be subject to HOA restrictions or building codes that restrict your options. Make sure you do your research before you start any project.

Framingham Roofing MA roofing tiles are compatible with all roof types. However, there are some exceptions for specific roof slopes. To see how your roof might look in different shingle styles, and coordinate it with your home’s exterior, use your contractor’s roofing color and design tools.

After you have found the look you like, you can talk to an independent roofing contractor. They will help you choose the right shingles for your roof design and provide an estimate and financing options.