There are a number of different roof types out on the market. Some of them are simple, while others can be seen as a bit more complex. While you can’t change the orientation or style of your roof after your home is built, you can change the material used for the roof’s surface.
And, if you’re building a new home, you’ll be able to decide what type of roof you’d like and how you want it to look. Each of these roof types will serve a purpose. There’s no tried and true “right” way to build a roof or choose a type.
Roof Types to Consider for New Home Building
When we’re talking about roof types, we’re normally referring to the look of the roof and the style. These different types and styles will fit better in certain climates and with specific roofing materials. We’ll break down those factors and when you should consider the different types below.
1. Gabled Roof
Gabled roofs are the simplest and one of the most common roofs. They’re extremely easy to build and the roof work down on them tends to be easy as well. This roof type is a good choice for those who want something traditional, simple, and straightforward.
It’s a good choice in almost any climate and a lot of small lean-to-style builds will use this style roof because of the simplicity. Most homeowners choose a more elaborate roof because a simple gable roof can make your home feel small or cheaper.
2. Clipped Gable Roof
This roof type has a gable roof with the top portion of it clipped off. You can see this roof being used on many different buildings because the clip-off creates depth for the roof system and the home’s aesthetic. This system will often run the long way, and a clipped section will be placed directly over a front door or entryway.
This roof type is perfect for those who want a roof that has more character and can stand out from the rest of the homes in their neighborhood but is still simple in its design and affordable.
3. Dutch Gable Roof
This roof type is similar to the gable roof, but it’s much more complex. It has two slopes that come from a shared valley and then goes up to meet at a peak. The design leaves a large portion of exposed siding above the first eve of the roof, making the home look quite large.
This roof style is a good choice for those looking for a modern design that offers high peaks.
4. Gambrel Roof
The gambrel roof is another classic design that you’ll likely recognize as a design that’s often used for barns and farm buildings. This roof design works well on barns and other similar buildings because they offer a high ceiling and simple design with minimal materials needed to cover the roof.
The extra space is a great incentive for using this type of roof, but many homeowners don’t consider the style very appealing.
5. Hip Roof
A hip roof that has four sloped sides of equal length that meet in the middle of the home. It’s a simple design that was often used on classic homes throughout the developing United States. In some areas, it’s come back into style and is used more often.
In some more modern or current designs, this style varies in that the sides and slopes can be different lengths instead of all being equal.
6. Mansard Roof
Originating from areas in France, this roof style is one of the more complex roof types out there. There are two slopes, often with dormers on top to provide additional living space and maximize the home’s footprint.
If you have complex needs or have a lot of space, the mansard roof type is great for you.
7. Shed Roof
Shed roofs are perfect for smaller structures because they’re simple and easy to build. Note that the biggest downside of these roofs is that they won’t support a lot of weight. This won’t be a problem for most people, but it can become a problem if you live in a state that gets a lot of snow.
Shed roofs are most common on sheds and smaller buildings that don’t need large roofs or in warmer climates where the likelihood of large amounts of snow is unlikely.
8. Flat Roof (Low Sloped Roof)
Flat roofs are rarely used on homes, but they are very popular in commercial buildings. You’ll notice that most commercial buildings have flat roofs that are often made of rubber.
Green roofs can sometimes be found on homes, and this style would be considered a type of flat roof. Green roofs have lots of benefits but because of the custom design often cost significantly more.
3 Most Common Types of Roofing Material
All of these roof types, except for flat roofs, will be most commonly made with asphalt shingles. If you’ve owned a home for many years, you likely know that asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States. There are a few reasons that this is the case.
Asphalt Shingles
First off, asphalt shingles can last for upwards of thirty or more years, and as long as there isn’t any storm damage, you shouldn’t need to worry about repairs over those years. Secondly, asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable materials that you can use, making them one of the best values overall.
At Red Canyon, we think that asphalt shingles are one of the best materials that homeowners can choose for their roofs. Especially because of their value for the cost.
Metal Roofing Material
Another really great and high-value material is metal roofing. Metal is growing in popularity as a roofing material because a lot of homeowners are looking for a more sustainable and long-lasting material to use for their homes.
Metal roofs can easily be recycled at the end of their life span and, in many cases, last for up to 100 years or more. Check out our blog post to learn 6 key benefits of metal roofing.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is made from natural stone, making it one of the most reliable and long-lasting roofing materials to ever be used by the modern world. While your roof will need some special structural requirements to carry the weight of slate roofing, you’ll find that it’s still a great material if you’re looking for high-end, low-maintenance roofing material.
The one thing to note about slate roofing is that it’s very expensive. Most slate roofs will cost 2-3 times more than your average asphalt shingle roof.
Contact Red Canyon Roofing To Set Up Your FREE Estimate!
Red Canyon Roofing is a local Colorado roofing company that’s ready to bring excellence to your home’s roof. We aspire to ensure that every homeowner is 100% satisfied with the services we offer from start to finish. So, whether you’re in need of a free inspection after storm damage, roofing services, or a new roof on your home, Red Canyon is here to get the job done right.
Reach out to us today to get the process started.
