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What Are the Different Kinds of Roofs?

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A roof is your first line of defense against the elements, natural catastrophes, and a host of other threats, and what your roof is made of matters a lot.

Before you can choose which type of roofing material you’ll use for your renovation or new building project, determine what type of roof you have. The shape of your roof will largely dictate what kind of material should best be used.

Types of Roofs

The four major types of roofs you’ll see on most residential buildings are gabled, skillion, hip, or flat roofs.

  • Gabled Roofs
    These triangular house-toppers are the most commonly seen and easily shed snow or rain while providing ample room for an attic. If you live in an area with high winds or hurricane-prone, you should opt for a flat roof instead of a gabled one.
  • Skillion or Shed Roofs
    These types of roofs sport one steep angle leading from a shorter wall to a taller one. They’re also called half-pitched roofs or angled roofs. A skillion roof doesn’t do well in high-wind areas, and you should opt for a roof with a single seam instead of multiple shingles or tiles.
  • Hip Roofs
    With four equal sloping sides coming to one point, a hip roof has a distinctive shape and is excellent for rain and snow drainage. A hip roof can be made of any type of roofing material, but make sure that water doesn’t catch under individual shingles, causing rot or mold.
  • Flat Roofs
    With a modern aesthetic, many love the affordability and strong lines of a flat roof. (In fact, “flat” roofs aren’t flat but have a slight pitch to them.) Strong, water-tight roofing material is necessary when choosing a flat roof in PVC, tar, gravel, and metal.

Once you’ve discovered what type of roof you have, you can then determine what type of roofing material you should put on it. Other factors to consider are affordability, longevity, energy efficiency, and durability.

Where you live might also influence what you opt for in the end; if you live in a place that’s often beset with extreme weather events, you should pick a roofing material that can withstand the environment.

Different Kinds of Roofs

The significant types of roofing that you will see on the market are asphalt shingles, wood shingles, metal roofing, or clay tile roofing. To pick the correct type for your pitch, you have to consider how much you want to spend, how long you want it to last, and whether your choice fits your house style.

  • Asphalt Shingles
    Although these shingles used to be some of the most common roof coverings in the country, other materials like clay tiles and metal sheets have recently risen in popularity. Asphalt shingles are affordable but have to be replaced often. As a whole, you can hope a roof of asphalt shingles will last two to three decades.
  • Wood Shingles
    The natural look of wood shingles is a beautiful complement to any style house and will last anywhere from 25 to 35 years, although they are not ideal for wildfire-prone areas. Cedar is an excellent choice for wood shingles as the natural oils in the wood keep it from decaying and deters pests.
  • Metal Roofing
    The popularity of metal sheeting for roofs is exploding, especially in areas prone to wildfires. Metal roofs don’t require any maintenance and are incredibly durable. They are more expensive than asphalt shingles and need installation skills, but a metal roof may last upwards of 30 years.
  • Clay Tiles
    Traditional tiles of clay and terracotta are trendy in the Southwest, but they can only be installed on a very sturdy roofing frame by an expert to prevent cracking or fracturing. If installed correctly, clay tiles can last several lifetimes.

Final Thoughts

When picking out the perfect topper for your home, you need to consider the different materials — clay, asphalt, metal, or wood — appropriate for your roof type and style. Durability, affordability, and longevity also play critical parts in your final decision.

If you’re in the market for a new roof, get in touch with At Home Pros. We’ll connect you to the top roofing experts in your area, so you’re sure to get the best service for your next project.

 

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