10 Types of Roofs for Your Home: Roofing Materials & Shapes

Your roof is a combination of material and style. Learn more about roof shapes and the pros & cons of different roofing materials.

10 Types of Roofs for Your Home: Roofing Materials & Shapes Close
Page Summary

10 Types of Roofs for Your Home: Roofing Materials & Shapes

Posted by Gary Ashton on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 at 10:36am.

Popular Roof Styles

Whether you're building a brand-new home or shopping for an older one, understanding the most popular types of roofs can help you get exactly what you want. Each style, from traditional shingles to modern flat roofs, offers unique benefits that can enhance your home's functionality and aesthetic appeal. But what makes one roof shape stand out over another, and how do materials like metal, clay, and concrete come into play? Let's explore how different roof designs can elevate your home's functionality, energy efficiency, and overall style.

Roofing Materials

Traditional Shingles

Traditional shingles offer a good balance of affordability and durability. They come in various styles and colors, allowing you to tailor the look of your home while benefiting from effective waterproofing. However, keep in mind that they require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and deterioration, so be prepared for routine inspections and cleaning.

Pros

Primarily made of asphalt, traditional shingles are a favorite choice among homeowners due to their affordability and practicality. Their prices generally range from $3 to $8 per square foot, and they typically last between 20 to 30 years. They also come in various colors and styles, allowing you to customize your roof to match different designs, ranging from cottage-style architecture to homes in suburban neighborhoods with HOA design standards.

Traditional shingles have a relatively straightforward installation process, leading to lower labor costs and quicker completion times They also offer adequate protection against weather conditions like rain and snow. While they mightn't be the most energy-efficient option available, asphalt shingles do offer a practical and affordable solution for a common roof.

Cons

Traditional asphalt shingles have a relatively short lifespan of about 20-30 years. They're also vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like wind, rain, or snowfall, leading to leaks and increased repair expenses. Traditional shingles also have a tendency to absorb heat, which can drive up your energy costs.

You'll also need to inspect your roof frequently and clean off any debris to prevent mold growth or shingle curling. Lastly, the installation process can be labor-intensive and costly. If your roof has multiple angles or requires additional structural support, these factors can increase the cost.

Clay Tile Roof

Clay tile roofs offer a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, making them a solid choice for many different residential architecture styles. You'll appreciate their resistance to fire, pests, and extreme weather, which translates to low maintenance and long-term cost savings. However, be prepared for higher initial installation costs.

Pros

Clay tiles offer both longevity and aesthetic appeal. They are a durable roofing material that can last between 40 to 50 years, making them a wise long-term investment. Another benefit is their ability to reduce energy costs. These tiles provide excellent insulation, reflecting heat and helping to regulate indoor temperatures. This can lead to a reduction in cooling expenses.

Additionally, clay tiles enhance the architecture of your home. Their unique look is particularly complementary to Mediterranean-style designs, but can add charm to any residence. Beyond aesthetics, these roofs are also fire-resistant. They are also low maintenance and resist rot, insects, and extreme weather conditions.

Cons

One drawback of clay tile roofs is their weight, requiring additional structural support. This can drive up costs and complicate the process. Clay tile roofs are known for their high installation costs, typically ranging from $8 to $15 per square foot. This makes them a less attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.

Additionally, their installation demands skilled labor due to the precise techniques required for proper alignment and sealing. This further increases costs and makes the installation process more complex. Another concern is the brittleness of clay tiles. While they offer extended durability, lasting up to 100 years, they can crack under impact from hail or falling branches.

Metal Roofing

Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing offers impressive durability, often lasting 40 to 75 years. Its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions makes it a reliable choice for areas with severe climates. While the initial installation cost is high, its long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

Pros

Metal roofing is remarkably energy-efficient, reflecting solar radiant heat and potentially reducing cooling costs by 10-25% in warm climates. Another benefit is its impressive lifespan, lasting between 40 to 75 years, far outlasting traditional materials like asphalt shingles.

Metal roofing is also highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow, and hail. Additionally, many metal roofs are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. They also require little maintenance, such as periodic inspections and cleaning. Their sleek look also helps them go perfectly with modern and contemporary homes.

Cons

Metal roofing material can be prone to denting from hail or falling branches, especially if it's lightweight or lacks protective finishes. This can be a considerable concern if you live in an area with heavy winds or frequent storms. Installation costs for metal roofs typically range from $200 to $1,000 per square, making them one of the pricier options.

Additionally, metal roofs can conduct heat, which might lead to higher cooling costs in hot climates without proper insulation. This is especially true for homes with a sloping gable roof that traps heat. Noise is another factor; metal roofs can be markedly louder during rain or hail. You might need additional soundproofing measures to mitigate this issue.

Concrete Tile Roof

Concrete tile roofs excel in insulation and energy efficiency, reflecting heat to keep your home cooler and reducing heating and cooling costs. However, keep in mind that their installation is more labor-intensive and costly, though the performance benefits are often worth it.

Pros

Concrete tile roofs offer homeowners a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal. These roofs are renowned for their long lifespan, typically ranging from 40 to 50 years. Concrete tiles are highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They also have excellent insulation and help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, which helps reduce energy costs.

Additionally, concrete tiles offer aesthetic versatility. Available in a wide variety of colors and styles, they can mimic the look of traditional materials like clay or slate. They are also resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage, enhancing the overall safety of your home. Their robust nature guarantees that your roof remains intact even during heavy winds and hail.

Cons

The installation of concrete tiles can be labor-intensive and costly, leading to higher initial expenses. Concrete tiles are also quite heavy, requiring additional structural support to guarantee the extra weight won't damage your home's foundation. In regions with heavy snow, the added burden can additionally stress your roof's framework.

Moreover, while these tiles are durable, they can crack under extreme weather conditions like hail or severe temperature fluctuations, requiring periodic maintenance and inspections. Additionally, the energy efficiency of concrete tile roofs can be compromised if not properly installed. Poor ventilation might lead to heat retention, increasing your cooling costs.

Roofing Styles

Hip Roof

The hip roof style forms a top ridge and all sides are sloped. A vent is often added along this ridge. This durable and sturdy styles is an asset for homes in areas with heavy snows and high winds. This style may include connecting wings with gables or dormers. A square building has a roof which is pointed at the top while rectangular buildings form a ridge. Hipped roofs are found on French Creole, French Provincial, Mediterranean-inspired Neocolonials and American Foursquare homes. A hip roof does require additional engineering to build which adds to the cost of the design and execution. Other styles, such as the Mansard roof, may be considered to be a variation of the hip roof style.

Gable Roof

This triangular roof is useful in areas which receive significant snow and rainfall. Precipitation easily slides off of this style of roof. Homeowners benefit from increase ventilation in a home, which, with proper insulation, can help with energy costs. However, homes in areas which get hurricanes and high winds may want to forgo this option.

Gambrel Roof

A gambrel or barn roof has two sloped sides. It offers a simpler and less expensive design than that of a mansard roof. The design allows for the creation of a loft or additional space. This style of roof is often a feature on Dutch Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonial homes.

The difference between a gable roof vs. a gambrel roof is that a gable roof has two panels, while a gambrel roof has four. This allows a gambrel roof to have more of a curve.

Mansard Roof

Mansard Roof Photo

A Mansard or French roof offers two sloping sides for each face, a sort of cross between a hipped roof and a gambrel roof. A very steep lower slope can give the appearance of a vertical wall while the upper slope is pitched low. This style creates additional living space on the uppermost floor of a home. Dormer windows are generally incorporated in this style. The Mansard roof style can be more expensive than when compared with gable roofs. The style offers a more elaborate shape. Homes in areas with heavy snowfall may not benefit from this style.

This roofing style was characteristic of French Renaissance buildings and was used in the roofing design of The Louvre. It was revived periodically due to the extra living space created and homes in the Victorian style in the United States often featured a Mansard Roof. Today, Neo-eclectic houses and two-story apartment buildings incorporate this style of roofing.

M-Shaped Roof

The M-shaped roof is a roof with two steep sides that meet in a V, and two corresponding slopes on either side of the V. M-shaped roofs get their name from their appearance, which is much like a stylized M, or an upside down W. These roofs are common in multi-unit homes, but can also be featured on older and modern single family homes.

M-shaped roofs are striking in appearance, and somewhat unusual, which can help improve the aesthetic value of the home. However, M-shaped roofs can also be costly to keep up with and repair. Roofers may charge more money for working on a steep roof. Most M-shaped roofs are pitched steeply to ensure good runoff through the center.

In addition, the center of the M can be a trap for debris, and should be cleaned out regularly. Failure to keep up with maintenance of an M-shaped roof can cause costly problems for homeowners.

Side Gable

This type of roof style may be the most popular due to how easy it is to construct. Gables face the sides, while the slope is at the front and back of the roof. This style of roof may have front gable roofs, or front and back gables roofs, such as those from the Minimal Tradition. Side gable roof styles are often a feature of Georgian Colonial, Colonial Revival and American Colonial homes in the United States.

Types of Roofs: What to Keep in Mind

Choosing the right roof design is essential for your home's longevity and aesthetics. Whether you opt for traditional gables or a striking M-shaped silhouette, each material offers unique benefits. Assess your home's architectural style and local climate to make an informed decision, guaranteeing your roof not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well.

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

Leave a Comment