Your building’s roof greatly impacts its curb appeal and aesthetic. From the overall shape to the roofing materials used, each choice helps define first impressions.
Of course, you want your roof to be functional as well. Modern roofing solutions can boost a building’s energy efficiency, defend against harsh weather, and even provide rooftop leisure spaces.
So, how can you blend form and function? What style of roof gives you the aesthetic you want while serving more practical needs? Are some types of roof shapes better than others?
Let’s explore the wide variety of roof architectural styles. Whether you’re building a custom home or upgrading your roof, you can then make the most informed decision.
Flat roofs
Advantages of flat roofs
Flat roofs are ideal for “cool roof” and eco-friendly features, as well as solar panels. You can also place your air conditioning system’s exterior unit on a flat roof for a tidier yard.
Flat roofs are inexpensive to build, although they often require more maintenance over time. (Remember the importance of roof maintenance.)
You can use a flat roof as an additional living space, such as a rooftop patio or sunroom.
Disadvantages of flat roofs
Because flat roofs have low to no pitch, they’re susceptible to water pooling and leakage. It’s crucial to waterproof your flat roof as much as possible.
Roofing a flat roof can be dangerous, as it may require heating tar and asphalt onsite. However, safer versions of flat roofing materials are now widely available. In any case, call in the pros at Sentinel Roofing to make sure it’s done right.
Types of roofing materials for flat roofs
- Built-Up Roofing system (tar and gravel)
- Rolled roofing (rubber membrane, etc.)
- Metal sheeting (NOTE: Some manufacturers don’t approve metal materials for low-slope roofs.)
Gable roofs
The gable roof shape has two slopes in the shape of a triangle. The shorter edges run parallel to the side walls. It’s a classic shape for houses, and for good reason: the dual slopes help shed water and prevent it from pooling on the roof.
The triangular shape is called the “gable,” and the flat edge at the top is called the “ridge.” The roof can be oriented in one of two ways:
Front-gable, meaning you see the triangle from the street. This is common among modern and contemporary building styles, as well as Greek Revival architecture.
Side-gable, meaning you see one slope and its ridge. The colonial architectural style famously uses side-gable roofs, typically with dormers (small roofed extrusions with windows).
An open gable roof
The gable itself may be “open,” or a box gable, in which a triangular panel fills in the space between the slopes. Box gables can be built with ornamental accents for a Tudor- or Victorian-style vibe.
Advantages of gable roofs
The dual slopes help rain and snow to run off into the gutter.
The triangle shape allows ample attic space beneath the roof deck. When well-insulated, this boosts air flow and helps preserve the interior temperature.
The distinctive gable shape allows for ornamental design that can enhance your building’s curb appeal.
Disadvantages of gable roofs
Gable roofs may not be as resistant to wind. Constant or strong wings can push the gables inward, causing collapse. Gable roofs often have extended eaves that winds can lift upward. In hurricane-prone areas, it’s critical to use proper braces and an adequately strong roof frame.
Gable roofs can be more difficult to build, although they may be cheaper than hip roofs.
Types of roofing materials for gable roofs
- shingles
- standing-seam metal
- clay tiles
Hip roofs
A hip roof is similar to a gable roof, except that all sides slope downward. The top edges meet at the ridge.
The hip roof shape comes in several variations:
Tented or pyramid hip roofs: all slopes are steeply pitched to a single peak
Half-hip or jerkinhead roof: the longer sides are clipped so that the shorter sides end in a gable shape. This architectural roof style is common in Tudor and Craftsman-style buildings, as well as bungalows. It’s also called a clipped gable or English hip roof.
A roof with a classic gable on the front and a clipped gable on the side.
Dutch gable or hip roofs: a combination of gable and hip roofs, in which the gable ends slope upward to the peak. As the name suggests, you’ll see this in Dutch-style architecture, but it’s made its way into many tropical-chic buildings as well.
Dutch gable roofs on beach cabanas
For houses, one common roof design is “hip and valley,” in which each slope intersects the side of another slope. This creates “valleys” between the various peaks (i.e., the multiple ridges). This roof shape is suitable for a wide range of architectural styles but often has a cottage or bungalow vibe.
A hip-and-valley roof
This cross-slope pattern can be used for gabled roofs as well:
A cross-gable roof
Advantages of hip roofs
Because all sides are sloped, a hip roof’s weight is more evenly distributed than in gable roofs. They don’t need as much diagonal bracing as gable roofs. This makes them more resistant to wind damage. One study found that hipped roofs were safest in a wind tunnel.
As in the gable roof shape, the hip roof’s slopes allow rain and other precipitation to be easily shed.
Disadvantages of hip roofs
Hip roofs typically cost more to build, although they’re also easier to construct than gable roofs.
Not sure which to choose? Combination roof styles, such as jerkinhead and Dutch gable, may offer the benefits of hip and gable roofs while counteracting the drawbacks.
Types of roofing materials for hip roofs
- shingles
- standing-seam metal
- clay or concrete tiles
A gambrel roof
Gambrel and mansard roofs
A gambrel roof has four slopes, two on each side. They’ve traditionally been used on barns. But with the rise of rustic chic style, gambrel roofs are appearing on other sorts of buildings as well. It’s essentially a type of gable roof but with more headspace.
A mansard roof
A similar roof design is the mansard roof, also called a French roof. It features four steeply pitched slopes, topped by a set of four shallower slopes. This style emerged in 17th century France and remains popular in America, thanks to its distinctive shape and excellent water shedding. It’s the hipped version of a gambrel roof.
Gambrel and mansard roof shapes can be placed in a cross pattern as well:
A cross-gambrel roof
Advantages of gambrel and mansard roofs
The steep slopes allow rain and snow to shed easily, so they’re less likely to build up and cause damage.
The spacious design provides more attic space. With a gambrel or mansard roof, you could convert your attic into extra storage or living space.
Disadvantages of gambrel and mansard roofs
Gambrel and mansard roofs are quite tall, which can make it challenging (but not impossible) to inspect and maintain them.
Types of roofing materials for gambrel and mansard roofs
- Standing-seam metal — ideal for easier roof maintenance
- For mansard roofs: Wood shakes or slate shingles
- For gambrel roofs: Wood shakes or asphalt or slate shingles
- Clay tiles
TIP: Not sure which roofing option is best? Check out our blog on how to choose the right roofing material.
Other popular architectural styles for roofs
A-frame roofs
An A-frame roof is a hip or gable roof with a very steep pitch. The two main slopes meet at the ridge to create an A shape, hence the name. Often, the A-frame defines the shape of the interior, creating a two-story space ideal for lofts and vaulted ceilings.
Available roofing materials include shingles and metal panels. Clay tiles aren’t a good choice for A-frame roofs.
Bonnet roofs
Also called a kicked-eave roof, a bonnet roof is like an inverted Mansard. There are two sets of slopes, with the lower one at a shallower pitch. The slopes extend beyond the walls to create eaves.
This roof shape hails from the French Vernacular style and gives an old-fashioned vibe to a building. The long hips make it a bit more wind-resistant than the classic gable roof. Rainfall sheds off easily, and the eaves help direct water away from the walls.
Butterfly roofs
As the name suggests, a butterfly roof has two slopes that angle upward. The valley in the center collects rainwater, often diverting it for interior use. Obviously, the roof itself must be incredibly waterproof. Rubber membranes and metal are ideal for butterfly roofs. However, the overall structure is quite vulnerable to water damage if not well-maintained.
Architectural Types of Roofs: The Complete Guide to Roof Shapes and Styles
Your building’s roof greatly impacts its curb appeal and aesthetic. From the overall shape to the roofing materials used, each choice helps define first impressions.
Of course, you want your roof to be functional as well. Modern roofing solutions can boost a building’s energy efficiency, defend against harsh weather, and even provide rooftop leisure spaces.
So, how can you blend form and function? What style of roof gives you the aesthetic you want while serving more practical needs? Are some types of roof shapes better than others?
Let’s explore the wide variety of roof architectural styles. Whether you’re building a custom home or upgrading your roof, you can then make the most informed decision.
A sawtooth roof. (Credit: Im Fokus, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Sawtooth roofs
In a sawtooth roof design, a series of ridges gives a jagged shape to the building. The slopes are asymmetrical: the longer side has a shallower pitch, while the shorter side is steep, usually with glazing to allow natural light.
Skillion roofs
Most commonly seen in garages, connected sheds, and other add-ons, skillion roofs consist of a single slope pitched toward the main building’s wall. Some Mid-century Modern architectural designs feature multiple skillions at different heights and angles.
You can use tiles, shingles, or standing-seam metal on these roofs. Rolled roofing materials and clay tiles aren’t good choices.
A saltbox roof. (Credit: CaptJayRuffins, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Saltbox roofs
A saltbox roof shape is essentially a combination of a gable roof and a skillion roof. This creates an asymmetrical design with one long slope. As a result, you get more space inside while enjoying the benefits of pitched roofs.
Saltbox roofs are common in Colonial and Cape Cod-style architecture. They make it possible for interesting interiors, such as split-level layouts and lofts.
Finding Your Perfect Roof Style
When building or upgrading your roof, whether for residential or commercial, consider your local climate, space needs, budget, and how much maintenance you’d like to do. Your roof shape and materials affect all these factors. And of course, consider the style you’d like to express. Are you a fan of clean and simple lines, or a more ornate style? Do you want a dramatic facade or a low profile?
Whichever you choose, Sentinel Roofing can build a strong, attractive roof for your building. We specialize in asphalt, tile, and metal roofing for hip and gable roofs — and all the combinations thereof. Plus, we provide expert application of flat and low-slope roofing materials. Get an instant roofing estimate now.