As part of your home purchasing or re-roofing endeavor, it’s crucial that you understand all the different types of roofs available and their capabilities. This Roofing 101 guide offers an ideal starting point.
Roof styles have an enormous effect on its aesthetics, energy-efficiency, attic space and maintenance requirements.
Gable Roof
Your roof is one of the most significant features on your home, adding curb appeal and impacting energy-efficiency, attic space requirements, and maintenance needs. Understanding different types of roofs will help inform decisions for future home construction or remodel projects or home remodels.
Gable roofs feature two sides that meet at the ridge, creating two angles that form an L shape that meet at an axis or point, forming two distinct corners, perfect for snowshedping while being relatively economical to construct.
They can be used independently or with dormers for additional attic space and wind resistance. A dutch gable differs in that it utilizes a hip roof as its base instead of using traditional sloped roofing; this increases attic space significantly and needs additional bracing for stability.
Slate Roof
Slate roofs give historic homes a classic and distinctive aesthetic while being exceptionally durable, lasting over 100 years with proper installation.
Slate roof tiles come in an assortment of colors, sizes and thicknesses; one popular installation style involves placing larger tiles near the eaves while smaller tiles are set higher toward the ridge – then joined together using mortar joints.
Slate roofing requires the expertise and experience of an experienced roofing contractor in order to be installed correctly, as this material can be extremely difficult to work with and installation must last generations. Furthermore, slate roofs are relatively costly.
Flat Roof
Flat roofs can be recognized by their almost level appearance when compared to sloped or pitched roofs, yet most still feature up to 10degree pitches in reality.
Flat roofs may conjure images of strip malls and industrial buildings when people think of flat roofs, but they are just as appropriate in new homes built with contemporary or southwest architecture. Furthermore, their design makes it easier to install solar panels for energy efficiency purposes or create an easy space for gardening on top of them.
One drawback to consider when considering this type of roof is its lower insulation potential than pitched roofs. Furthermore, regular inspections should be carried out to prevent leaks and other issues, which is especially crucial in colder climates.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs are a top choice in many parts of the country, especially those living in harsher climates. Not only are they durable, enduring high winds and rainstorms well, they require minimal upkeep.
Standing seam and concealed fastener panels are two popular types of metal panels, often locked together at their seams or seamed mechanically for expansion and contraction as the metal warms. Conversely, concealed fastener panels use screws for securement for an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Metal roofs offer many benefits, from reduced cooling costs and increased resale value to increasing energy efficiency. Before making the leap into installing one for yourself, however, it’s essential to thoroughly research all possible types of roofing options in terms of benefits and risks.
Tile Roof
As well as being durable, tile roofs also offer homeowners a range of design choices for their roofing system. Choose between clay or concrete tiles in various colors. Additionally, there are even tiles designed to imitate other roofing materials like slate.
As tile roofing can be quite heavy, it is crucial that your existing structure can support its weight before choosing one material over another. Consulting an engineer could be necessary in assessing load-bearing capabilities before selecting specific roofing material options.
Explore the various factors involved in evaluating roofs and practice selecting suitable cover boards for an example project at Raceway Motorsports Park. This course specializes in this roof type.
