Roof Styles & Materials

A gabled roof is what most people think of when they draw a house - a triangle where the two sides meet on the ridge of the home. Slopes can vary drastically in their slope and work well with many home designs.

One of the main benefits of a gabled roof is that it easily sheds water and snow. It also allows your attic to be larger or let you have vaulted ceilings. A gabled roof allows more ventilation, too. Because it is a simple design, it is easier and cheaper to build and only requires basic maintenance.

On the other hand, gabled roofs do not fare well in areas prone to high winds and hurricanes. High winds can easily rip roofing materials off of a gabled roof and, if there is too much of an overhang, can even detach it from the walls. Additionally, if it does not have properly constructed supports, a gabled roof can collapse.

A gabled roof is what most people think of when they draw a house - a triangle where the two sides meet on the ridge of the home. Slopes can vary drastically in their slope and work well with many home designs.

One of the main benefits of a gabled roof is that it easily sheds water and snow. It also allows your attic to be larger or let you have vaulted ceilings. A gabled roof allows more ventilation, too. Because it is a simple design, it is easier and cheaper to build and only requires basic maintenance.

On the other hand, gabled roofs do not fare well in areas prone to high winds and hurricanes. High winds can easily rip roofing materials off of a gabled roof and, if there is too much of an overhang, can even detach it from the walls. Additionally, if it does not have properly constructed supports, a gabled roof can collapse.

A hip roof is a style of roof where four equal-length slopes rise to meet a ridge in the middle. There are variations where you can have two shorter sides with eaves. This is one of the most visible roofs.

A hip roof is more stable than a gabled roof since there is a slope on all four sides. If you live in a high wind or snowy area, a hip roof is perfect for you because it allows for snow to run off with no standing water. Hip roofs can also offer extra living space, like a crows nest.

Hip roofs do come with a few disadvantages, however. They can be more expensive to build since they are more complex and require more materials. They also require more maintenance since there are more seams that can make it easier for water leaks to form.

A dutch gabled roof is a combination of a hip roof and gabled roof. The bottom of the roof follows a hip roof design and then a mini gabled roof, called a gablet, is put on top. This creates a triangle of siding on the front and back of your roof, which can have windows for extra light or circulation or create extra attic space.

The downside to a dutch gabled roof is that it requires more materials and maintenance to avoid leaks and is thus more expensive. Snow can also build up on the gablet if the pitch is low.

When you picture a classic barn, you’re picturing a gambrel roof. Its two sides have two slopes, one steep and one flatter.

One of the main advantages of a gambrel roof is that it allows for an attic room or loft, which increases the usable square footage of your property and, by extension, its value. They are also easy to install and work with almost every type of roofing material.

On the other hand, the open design of a gambrel roof can cause the roof to collapse under enough weight. For this reason, gambrels do not do well in areas with heavy snowfall or high winds. Because of the flatter slope and multiple seams, gambrel roofs need to be checked more frequently for standing water or leaks.

Gambrel roofs are also highly visible, which can be either a pro or a con depending on the type of roofing material you use.

A mansard roof is also known as the French roof. All four sides have a double slope that meet to form a low pitched roof. The bottom slope will often extend far over the sides of the property, almost like a cottage.

A mansard roof is great if you want the option to expand, either for you or for the next owner. This increases the value of your home. It also allows for extra living space. The roofing materials are also very visible, so it creates a great opportunity to create a beautiful space.

However, the upper slope does not create great drainage, so you’re more likely to have standing water and leaks. It’s not great for areas with lots of snowfall. This roof is also more complex to install, so you’ll typically have higher costs.

A shed roof is what you would see on, well, a shed! It’s basically half of a traditional gable with only one slope. You’ll also see these on ultra modern buildings, cabins, and buildings with large picture windows across the front.

Shed roofs are great if you’re looking for a quick, cost-effective install. It works with every roofing material and has good drainage. However, it’s not always ideal for larger structures, and will require a strong gutter since all the water will drain on one side.

A flat roof is what is often used for commercial buildings or strip malls. Despite the name, flat roofs are not actually flat; they simply have a very low slope. This is because there needs to be some incline for drainage.

If you’re planning to add on to your home or want a very open floor plan, a flat roof is the way to go. A flat roof also gives you the opportunity for a roof deck, solar panels, or a roof garden.

The negative side to flat roofs is that they leak easily due to a tendency for water to pool. They must be sealed properly to avoid this issue. In general, flat roofs need more regular maintenance to keep the roof from leaking.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America. Shingles come in different quality ratings and some are impact resistant. They are durable and adapt well to expansion and contraction, but should be replaced after 20 years. They are easy to install, provide decent waterproofing and come in a variety of colors.

Perhaps the biggest downside to asphalt shingles is that they do not stand up well to heavy winds. Also, if you opt for a lower quality asphalt shingle to save money, you may end up needing to do more maintenance to keep your roof weather-tight.

Clay roof tiles are made from fired and unglazed clay, giving them their reddish color. Clay roofs are great for hot climates or where there is salt in the air. They can also stand up to heavy winds and even earthquakes. Clay tile can last up to a century if taken care of properly, and add a unique look to your home.

On the other hand, a clay tile roof will cost more than many other roof types, averaging around $10 to $18 per square foot. Clay tiles are also prone to break easily when stepped on, something that will require professional maintenance to repair.

Slate roofing is the most traditional roofing material on our list - it has been used since the 1700s! Slate comes from areas with a lot of clay and volcanic ash. It has a very natural look and is great for architectural designs with lots of roof showing. It is very durable and stands up well to rain, hail, and high winds. Slate is also very versatile, coming in a range of styles and colors.

Although your slate roof will last a long time, that durability is reflected in the price of the roof. A slate roof can cost anywhere between $30 and $75 per square foot. Like clay tiles, slate is also heavy and can break when walked on. To ensure that it is done correctly, a slate roof will require professional installation.

Cedar is the most common wood used for wood shingles or shakes. Shakes are similar to shingles, but are only sawed on one side and have a more rugged appearance. Wood roofs are beautiful and environmentally friendly, but are more expensive and have their own limitations. Wood roofs do best in dry climates, and can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance. They can also survive wet climates, but will be more high maintenance to avoid moss and rot.

While a cedar shake roof is beautiful, is not a good option for climates with high humidity or areas prone to wildfires. While not the most expensive roof material, cedar shakes will run more than asphalt shingles, averaging between $4.50 and $9 per square foot.

Love the look of a slate roof but not the price? Consider synthetic slate roof tiles! This new type of roof tiles are made from recycled plastic and rubber. They are much more lightweight and affordable than many other roofing materials. They are also easier to install, and can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance. A synthetic slate roof is a great alternative to traditional slate, since you can get the same look for a lower cost, usually between $6 and $12 per square foot.

While a synthetic slate roof has a lot to offer, there are a few downsides as well. Just like with slate tiles, synthetic slate tiles can be damaged by hail or by walking on them. As a relatively new roofing material, it may also be a challenge to find a contractor with the right training to install synthetic slate tile.

A copper roof is the most expensive type of metal roof available. Copper roofs can be made from panels, shingles, tiles, or standing seam, and can cost between $10 and $22 per square foot. They are unique and beautiful, as well as lightweight, and can last up to 75 years with proper maintenance.

Copper roofs do change to green as they get older as the metal oxidizes, and will require regular maintenance to maintain their original appearance. They can also be dented by hail, and require special training to install. That could make finding a contractor a bit more difficult.

A standing seam roof is the most common kind of metal roof, often made of steel or aluminum. This type of roof gets its name from the raised seams that interlock to keep moisture from seeping inside. Other than its unique appearance, a standing seam roof has the same benefits and drawbacks as other metal roofs. The average cost of a standing seam roof is between $6 and $12 per square foot.

Stone-coated steel mimics slate or clay shingles, making it a durable and versatile option for any roof. These shingles are a great option for wet, windy areas or places that suffer frequent wildfires. They are low-maintenance and do not need to be replaced frequently. Some types of stone-coated steel shingles have even been warrantied to last the life of the house.

Perhaps the only potential downsides to a stone-coated steel roof is the noise: this type of roof can be very noisy in rain or other weather. While not the least expensive option, stone-coated steel shingles typically average between $5.40 and $10.50 per square foot, which is significantly less than some other materials.