Are you looking to install a new roof on your home?

If so, you’ve probably already spent a lot of time researching which types of materials are best for your home. From asphalt to metal to slate to clay, there are certainly a lot of materials to choose from.

But, don’t get so caught up in the material that you forget another very important factor that goes into choosing a new roof: the style.

That’s right, the style of the roof is just as important as the material. While the material of the roof can help keep your home safe, the style of the roof can help keep your home looking good. This is very important for those who may be looking to sell their home down the road.

With the right roof style, you can boost the curb appeal of your home and add value to your home.

So, what options are out there in terms of style?

Check out this guide to learn how to pick the best roof style for your home.

The Different Types of Roof Styles

Picking out the right roof style is all about knowing what options are available, as well as the pros and cons of each option.

So, let’s take a look at the different types of roof styles.

Gable Roof

The gable roof is one of the most common types of roof styles. The word ‘gable’ refers to a triangle spot that is formed when two pitched areas come together.

It’s also known as a peak or pitched roof, and it’s an excellent choice for homes that have separate wings. There are different kinds of gable roofs, such as the Dutch gable, the crossed gable, the front gable, and the side gable.

Here are the main advantages of a gable roof:

  • It easily sheds snow and water
  • It allows for more ventilation
  • It’s a simple design and great for anyone who wants a “classic” looking home
  • Easy to build
  • Cheaper than other roof types

And, here are the disadvantages of a gable roof:

  • Doesn’t always hold up great in areas with high wind
  • If roof frames aren’t properly constructed, there’s a potential of collapse

If you’re looking for something traditional and simple, a gable roof is a great option for you.

Flat Roof

A flat roof, also known as a mansard roof or a French roof, is characterized by two different slopes on all four faces of the roof. These faces meet to form a pitched roof, and the lower slope of a flat roof is usually much steeper than the higher slope.

So, contrary to popular belief, a flat roof is not a roof that is uniformly flat all the way across the top.

Here are the pros of a flat roof:

  • Great for those who want to make use of space on the upper level of their home
  • Great for those who may want to add home extensions in the future
  • Great for those who want to give their home a modern look

It’s also important to keep the following cons in mind:

  • Flat roofs aren’t a great style for those who live in areas with heavy snowfall
  • Because the design is more complex, installing a flat roof is a bit more costly and labor-intensive

If you want to learn more about the benefits of installing a flat roof, check out this guide.

Hip Roof

A hip roof contains slopes on all four sides, with each side being equal in length. These slides come together to form a ridge.

There are two main tips of hip roofs, simple hips and cross hipped.

Here are the biggest advantages of a hip roof:

  • They’re more durable and stronger than gable roofs
  • Excellent for those who live in areas with high wind or heavy snows
  • They can offer extra living space

The cons of a hip roof include:

  • They’re more expensive to build due to their complex design
  • Major problems can result due to poor construction or lack of maintenance

If you’re looking for an upgraded version of a gable roof and don’t mind the maintenance, then a hip roof is a great option.

Gambrel Roof

Another popular roofing style is the gambrel roof. A gambrel roof is easy to recognize, as it’s the type of roof used on barns. But, you can also find gambrel roofs on homes, log cabins, and farmhouses.

The gambrel roof is similar to the mansard roof, however, it has two sides instead of four. Also, the lower side of the roof has an extremely steep, almost vertical slope. In contrast, the upper slope is much lower.

Here are the biggest advantages of a gambrel roof:

  • A lot of potential space for expansion, as there’s plenty of room below the roof
  • In addition to housing, gambrel roofs are great options for outdoor storage spaces, like sheds and
  • A less expensive alternative to mansard roofs
  • Great for anyone who wants to give their home a colonial or rustic style

Then, here are the main cons of a gambrel roof:

  • Doesn’t hold up well in areas with heavy rain and snow
  • If the pressure becomes too much, the roof can collapse

Other Roof Types

While these are the most popular roof styles, there are still other great options to choose from.
These include:

  • Catslide roof
  • Dormer roof
  • Shed roof
  • Lean-to roof
  • Rainbow roof
  • Butterfly roof
  • Bonnet roof
  • M-Shaped roof
  • Hexagonal roof
  • Clerestory roof
  • Saw-tooth roof
  • Combination roof
  • Skillion roof
  • Curved roof
  • Saltbox roof
  • Jerkinhead roof
  • Pyramid roof
  • Dome roof

These roof types are all certainly worth looking into as well, with each offering their own unique benefits.

Are You Ready to Choose a Roof Style?

As you can see, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to roof styles.

Be sure to take your time examining the pros and cons of each roof style, as this will help you choose the best roof for your home.

And, be sure to keep browsing our blog for more home building tips and tricks.