Considerations for choosing a roof type

When constructing a new building or modifying an existing one, selecting the best roof type can be somewhat difficult as many kinds can be used in your building. At some point, you may need an expert opinion from credible contractors so that you can get the best deal for your building. Roofs play a huge role in a building, not only do they protect its occupants from external components they also define the overall style and outlook of the house. Roofs also help to make your building weatherproof and offer additional living space.

The roof types

Mansard roof

This roof is also known as the French roof; it is four sided with a double slope on its sides creating a low-pitched roof. The lower slope tends to be steeper than the upper. However, the sides of the mansard roof are either curved or flat, depending on the design.

Hip roof

This roof type consists of slopes on all sides that are often four in number. The sides are of equal length and join at the very top forming a ridge.

Gable roof

Also known as the peaked or pitched roof, they are the most common roofs in the US. These roofs often have a triangular shape.

The gambrel roof

Also known as the barn roof, it is similar to mansard in that it has two distinct slopes. However, the main variance between the two is that with the gambrel roof there are only two sides while in mansard there are four.

Jerkinhead roof

This is also known as the English hip roof or the clipped gable. This shelter uses hip and gable roofs elements. It can be defined as a gable type of roof with hipped ends. Or, a hip type of roof with two short sides.

Considerations

The design of your building or home

The architectural design will play a huge role in determining the type of roof to be used in your building or home. For example, when you are constructing a storage building or an outdoor shed the ideal roof for this is the gamble roof because their shape offers a vast storage space.

State building codes

There are building codes in some states that restrict building owners to install a particular roof type. For example, some states that are prone to hurricanes, forest fires, or tornadoes may be specified on specific roof types to use.

Residential community covenants and municipality requirements

Many cities have standard roofing specifications that dictate the type of roof to be used on buildings. If you stay in a gated or private community, you may be forced to adhere to the structure conventions that outline how your building needs to be constructed including the roofing specifications.

Surroundings

You should also consider your surrounding environment when choosing the type of roof that you will install in your building. A humid climate and trees over your roof are some aspects that can result in mildew, algae or mold and affect the status and external outlook of your roof. It is, therefore, significant to choose a roof type that can’t be affected by any environmental situation of your area.