Often, when people think of roofing, they think of the standard asphalt shingle. This is the most common type of residential roofing material, but what about the roof itself? Today, we want to explore two types of roofing found on residential buildings – gable and flat.
Everything You Need to Know About a Gable Roof
A gable roof is a popular choice for residential buildings; this type of roof is triangular, with two slopes that meet at the top (the peak). These slopes can be made from almost any material, but asphalt shingles are commonly used. Gable roofs are typically quite strong and stable, as well as being visually appealing. Furthermore, they are also good at shedding water and snow due to their sloped design.
If you ask a child to draw a house, chances are they will draw a gable roof. This is because it is the classic roof design and is instantly recognizable. It’s also quite affordable compared to other types of roofs.
However, gable roofs are not without their disadvantages. For one thing, they can be vulnerable to strong winds and storms. The peak of the roof may also be difficult to insulate effectively if it’s not been done properly from the start.
Everything You Need to Know About a Flat Roof
Flat roofs offer a unique look that you won’t find with other types of residential roofing designs. These roofs are exactly as they sound – flat – and often feature a slight pitch for drainage. Typically, you will find flat roofs on commercial buildings, but they have been gaining in popularity for residential use as well.
One of the main advantages of a flat roof is that they are generally easier to install than the two other types of roofing mentioned; they also require fewer materials and labor to install. The downside of a flat roof is that they are prone to leaking if not properly installed and maintained.
Although they are called ‘flat’ roofs, Phoenix residential roofing services will never install a completely-flat roof. Instead, a slight slope will be designed and built into the roof to help facilitate water drainage. Without a slope, water would just pool on the roof and damage it over time.
Other Types of Roof
As well as gable and flat roofs, several other types of roofing can be found on residential buildings. Popular alternatives include hip roofs, gambrel roofs, mansard roofs, and butterfly roofs.
Hip roofs have four sloping sides that come together at the top, forming a pyramid shape. This makes them particularly strong and weatherproof, making them ideal for areas prone to heavy rain or snowfall.
Gambrel roofs, sometimes referred to as ‘barn roofs’, feature two different slopes on each side. These roofs are commonly found on barns or carriage houses, but they can also be found on residential homes in certain parts of the world.
Mansard roofs feature two slopes on all four sides with the lower slope being much steeper than the upper one. This type of roof is usually used to create extra living space in the attic area, while also providing a stylish accent to the home.
Finally, butterfly roofs feature a V-shaped roofline which allows for a large amount of light to enter the home. This type of roof is most commonly found in contemporary and modern-style homes and can be used to create a unique aesthetic.
Overall, there are many different types of roofs available for residential buildings. Each one offers unique benefits and drawbacks, so contact an expert for help!
