What type roof

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Personal Business. Resources Home. Enter your 5 or 9 digit ZIP Code. Get a quick bundled quote » Continue a saved quote » Find an agent ». Here is a list of 9 different types of roofing to consider for your next re-roofing job: 1. Solar tiles Advanced solar collectors integrate seamlessly into existing shingles, generating up to 1 kilowatt of energy per square feet. Metal roofing Metal roofing comes in vertical panels or shingles resembling slate, tile and shake — and lasts about 60 years.

Stone-coated steel Interlocking panels mimic slate, clay or shingles and resist damage caused by heavy rains up to 8. Slate Slate roofing lasts more than years. Rubber slate Rubber slate looks natural and can be cut with a knife to fit intricate roofs like those found on Victorian homes.

Clay and concrete tiles Clay and concrete roof tiles can withstand damage from tornadoes, hurricanes or winds up to miles per hour and even earthquakes, according to "A Summary of Experimental Studies on Seismic Performance of Concrete and Clay Roofing Tiles" by the University of Southern California for the Tile Roofing Institute. Green roofs Green roofs are covered with plants and can improve air quality, reduce water runoff and insulate homes to reduce urban heat islands.

Built-up roofing This heavy roofing consists of layers of asphalt, tar or adhesive topped with an aggregate and is only for flat roofs. Homeowners Coverages Discounts Claims. Sawtooth roofs do allow for the installation of eco-friendly additions, like PV solar panels, geothermal lighting, and radiant heating systems. They can utilize most roofing materials, including wood shingles, metal shingles, or reinforced concrete.

A type of hip roof with no gables or vertical sides, pyramid roofs are usually used for smaller homes like cabins and bungalows, or sheds, garages, or other outbuildings. Pyramid roofs are popular in hurricane or windstorm prone areas, since they are extremely wind resistant. They also provide good ventilation and extra storage or attic space, or the interior can be left open for a high ceiling. Note that pyramid roofs may be costlier to construct and maintain due to the complexity of the roof design, but they do provide the aforementioned advantages.

They can be crafted from nearly any common roofing material including asphalt shingles, composite shingles, metal shingles, slate, clay or concrete tiles, or wooden shingles or shakes.

Dome roofs are rarely seen in most residential settings, although they may be available in a prefabricated form and could fit into a contemporary design as a detail or even as the main roof. Shingles, metal, or even glass will work for a dome roof, but metal requires the least maintenance and is generally considered to be the best choice for most structures.

Also called a shed roof or a lean-to roof, skillion roofs are single-angled sloped roofs that can be attached to a taller wall or be an alternative to a flat roof for a stand-alone structure. Skillion roofs are common for additions to existing homes along with being a good choice for sheds and porches, but more contemporary style buildings may feature a skillion roof as a design statement.

Skillion roofs have some significant advantages if your property is located in the mountains or northern midwest or New England, since their slope allows for quick snow and water runoff, which makes them ideal for regions that get heavy snow or rainfall. Standing seam metal roofing is perhaps the best choice for a skillion roof, particularly since it allows for the installation of PV solar panels, which naturally increase the energy efficiency of the home.

Much like a skillion roof, a curved roof is often attached to a taller wall or used as an alternative to a flat roof. Unlike a skillion roof, however, curved roofing systems feature an arch that can range from a low slope to a rounded peak, allowing for water runoff and creating a contemporary shape.

A curved roof can be used for an arched entrance, an addition or wing, or an entire structure, and they can provide an interesting raised ceiling for the interior as well as a unique silhouette for the exterior. Curved roofs can work in nearly any environment or climate, and they are typically made of metal due to their flexibility.

Lower sloped curved roofs tend to be preferable in an area that receives high winds or windstorms due to their stability, while a higher curve or arch is ideal in places that get heavy snow or rain in order to allow for the water to run off and drain.

A flat roof is almost exactly that — a roof that has so little slope or pitch that it appears to be completely flat although they do have a very slight pitch to allow for water runoff.

Flat roofs can be made from many types of material, although EPDM rubber or TPO and PVC roofing membranes are the most common, along with tar and gravel , roll roofing, or metal sheets. There are many advantages to a flat roof — you can use it as a deck or patio, for instance. The outdoor living space can be a wonderful advantage in the spring and summer, or whenever the weather cooperates in your area. Depending on the details of your property, it may also be possible to partially enclose a flat roof for a penthouse-style private deck.

You can also put heating and cooling units on top of a flat roof, which is a good way to keep them out of the way and avoid obscuring the architecture of your home with that equipment. Another advantage of a flat roof is the ease of installing PV solar panels , which will improve the energy efficiency of the structure — and of course, adding solar makes a flat roof eco-friendlier.

You can also grow a garden on a flat roof, therefore creating a green roof which not only is good for the environment, but also adds an additional layer of insulation and helps make your heating and cooling systems more efficient and cost-effective. Last but not least, flat roofs tend to be less expensive due to their relatively simple construction, but they are more prone to water leakage and damage, and may require more regular maintenance than a pitched roof.

A combination roof is exactly that — a combination of different types of roofs and design features. For instance, a home could have a gabled roof with a skillion over the porch, or a hip roof with a gabled front porch, or a gabled roof with a domed cupola — or any combination of styles.

Combining various roof styles can add a lot of architectural interest and even durability to a property — just be sure that the various styles and materials work for your climate and be prepared to do extra maintenance.

Combination roofs may also require more labor to build, and keep in mind that the ridges and valleys which combination roofs tend to have more of than simpler roof designs will need extra care when it comes to waterproofing. One thing to know is that flat roofs are generally not completely flat, but rather have a very low pitch or slope to help with water runoff.

Flat roofs can often provide a more contemporary or modern look, and they can be less expensive than a pitched, sloped, or gabled roof. Depending on your location, a flat roof can be a cost-efficient choice as well, especially if you live in a desert or otherwise arid area e. On the other hand, pitched roofs offer higher stability and wind resistance, and the sloping allows for quick and easy water runoff, making pitched roofs preferable for areas that receive heavy rainfall, major storms, or lots of snow and ice in the winter.

Homes located anywhere in the northern U. Pitched roofs are typically made of shingles asphalt, composite, wood, cedar, slate, or metal , or standing seam metal. The aforementioned styles — gable roofs, hip roofs, jerkinhead roofs, mansard roofs, gambrel roofs, and saltbox roofs — are all pitched roofs. Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly utilized roofing materials, and they will work with most roof designs.

If you do live somewhere with these types of weather patterns or events, clay or concrete tile might be a good choice. While they tend to be used in hot, dry climates, most clay or concrete tiles are rated for wind uplift of MPH or higher.

Slate roofing systems are considered to be some of the most luxurious or high-end roofing options, and for good reason. Not only is natural slate uniquely striking, it can last for 50 to years or longer, making a slate roof an excellent long-term investment. Wooden shingles — such as cedar shingles or cedar shakes — are another good choice for a long-term investment due to their longevity, durability, and high-end feel, and they will work with most of the aforementioned roof types or styles.

Metal roofing is another increasingly popular choice, due to its resilience, lower metal roof repair maintenance, and ability to mimic most other roofing materials including slate, clay tiles, or wooden shakes. If you want the durability of a metal roof but prefer the look of stone or slate, stone-coated steel or another form of composite roofing material could be a good choice. No matter what type of roofing material or style of roof you prefer, always consult with an experienced roofing contractor, architect, or roofing company that regularly works in your area and therefore understands the specific demands that the local weather and climate will place on a roof.

Regardless of the roof type that you have, you will most likely need to have it repaired or replaced during the course of your homeownership. Major weather events and other natural disasters can be detrimental to the condition of your roof, of course, but planning ahead and going with a roof structure type and roofing material that works best for your specific area and property can go a long way towards preserving and maintaining the state of your roof.

While the types of roofs for houses vary by climate, architectural style, and personal preference, it is good to understand the types of roof shapes and house roof styles that are common in your area and for your specific kind of home. This will help you make the best possible choice for your needs, whether you are building an existing building or creating a home from scratch with a custom build, or anything in between. I am looking to cover my patio and I have determined that I would like a hip roof as a personal preference.

Your article, by the way, was quite valuable in helping me to understand pros and cons of my preference. I just had my roof replaced at my home just a few weeks ago. When financials allow, I plan to cover the patio. My first question is should I consider an architect to help me plan? Not that money is readily available, but I want to make wise choices. Great photos i love to look at it, why is color red phots? One building in Knoxville Tennessee but has this style is the southern railroad depot I hope this helps.

Nice informative post. Some types that are mentioned in your article are new for me. Thanks for sharing with us. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your new roof needs to be harmonious with its surroundings. Green roofs or living roofs cover your home with vegetation like grasses or native wildflowers that support pollinators.

Green roofs often last 30 to 50 years. Once you know the truth about green roofing , it might top of your list. Solar shingles are one of the newest types of roofing materials.

While solar shingles may work efficiently for 20 to 30 years, this renewable energy solution is an expensive investment. The future of US solar power looks bright. Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies.

She uses her home improvement expertise to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair.

She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros. Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Rachel Abraham, Samantha Allen. Contributor, Editor.

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