Roof design is an important consideration when choosing a material for your roof replacement. Every type of roof has distinct aesthetic and functional advantages, but not all will suit your specific home. Read on as Universal Roofing and Exteriors talks about the seven most popular roofing designs.
Gable Roof
This is what you picture in your mind when you think about the basic pitched roof. Its high-slope, triangular shape allows it to shed water and snow and provide more attic space for adequate ventilation. Its design makes it vulnerable to wind damage, though, especially if it has too much overhang.
Hip Roof
The hip roof has slopes of equal length on all four sides. Together, its slopes form a ridge at the top. Compared to the gable roof, it’s more stable and durable when faced with high winds. However, the cross-hipped style creates valleys, which are prone to leakage.
Mansard Roof
This type has four sides that flare out at the bottom. Each side has two slopes; the lower slope is steeper than the upper. Its design creates a generous amount of living space, giving you the option to turn the attic into a finished room. Like the gable and hip designs, the mansard roof works well with asphalt residential roofing shingles.
Gambrel Roof
A popular choice for Georgian and Dutch Colonial architectures, a gambrel shares the mansard’s two slopes of different pitches using only two sides. While it also allows for a large attic space, it can be susceptible to damage from heavy snow and rainfall. Because of this, installation of asphalt shingles should leave no room for error.
Saltbox Roof
The saltbox roof is easily distinguishable with its asymmetrical design. It’s great in shedding snow and water with any material, but its tricky design can be costly. The services of an experienced roofing contractor are necessary to ensure impeccable construction and reduce the need for roof repair.
Do you have the right type of roof for your home’s needs and local climate? Call Universal Roofing and Exteriors at (317) 257-0779 to talk about your project in Carmel or Zionsville, IN, and get a free estimate.
