Residential Roof Styles

Gable Roofs

• Although there are several types of gable roofs, they all stem from the same basic design. Consisting of two equally sized pieces, a gable roof resembles a triangle shape. A ridge in the middle of the roof connects each piece at equal angles, forming a simple and symmetrical design. Because gable roofs feature a very basic structure, they are typically inexpensive and simple to construct. Gable roofs also repel water and encourage air circulation. In addition, gable roofs maximize space under the ceiling, which can be beneficial for attic storage. Despite these advantages, gable roofs do not suit regions experiencing high winds. Furthermore, when gable roofs are improperly braced, the end wall may cave in.

  Many types of gabled roofs exist and are categorized based on where the gable sits. The side gabled roof positions the peak at the side of the house with the entrance under the straight, wide portion of the roof. In contrast, the front gable roof positions the roof's peak over the home's entrance and are commonly found in Cape Cod and Colonial architecture. The cross gabled roof consists of two gabled sections connected by a 90-degree angle so that the ridge for each gabled section sits perpendicularly. Cross gabled roofs typically indicate Tudor and Cape Cod style residences. A Dutch gable roof consists of a full or short gable that sits on top of a hip roof. These roofs maximize space beneath the roof better than other gabled roofs.

Hip Roofs

• A hip roof consists of sides that are angled downwards to connect with the house walls. Unlike a house topped with a gable roof, a house that includes a hip roof possesses walls that are all equal in height, making the house easier to construct than the hip roof itself. Hip roofs function best in areas prone to gusty winds and hurricanes because the bracing is more advanced than that of a gable roof. Hip roofs also make installing gutters around the entire roof much easier due to the roof's simple design. These roofs also resist damage from the sun and rain well over time. Despite these advantages, hip roofs lack internal storage space.

  Many types of hip roofs exist. The simple hip roof contains a ridge down the center. As a result, the two shorter opposing sides resemble triangles while the two longer sides resemble polygons. The pyramid hip roof features four triangular sections of equal size and shape, connecting at a high point in the center. A cross hipped roof looks like two hip roofs put together. A seam called a valley connects the two roofs. Another type of hip roof is the half hipped roof that resembles a basic hip roof. However, the only difference is that the two narrower sides are shortened, creating eaves. Hip roofs possessing valleys require more maintenance to prevent debris from accumulating within the valleys.

Saltbox Roof

• A saltbox roof looks like an asymmetrical gable roof. One half of the house is two storeys tall while the other half is only one storey. This height discrepancy forms because one roof section is longer than the other.

Shed Roof

• Despite its name, a shed roof often coves a porch or addition built to extend the property. Sometimes a shed roof is built as a raised part over an existing roof. A shed roof consists of a single panel sloping down from the main house.