Having a basic understanding of the types of roofs that exist can help you as a homeowner in a number of ways. First, it can give you an idea of what you like, so that if you are searching for a new home you can focus on properties with your preferred roof style. It can also give you something to discuss with JL Roofing when you are considering a roof remodel or rebuild. Finally, knowing about roofing styles can help you understand your own roof, and take better care of it so it lasts longer.
In our last article, we talked about two of the most common types of roofs you will see in Bucks and Montgomery Counties: gable roofs and hip roofs. In this article, we’ll provide a basic overview of some of the other roof styles you may encounter so you can have an understanding of the broad range that is available to you as a homeowner.
- Skillion Roof
Sometimes called a shed roof, a skillion roof has one single, simple slope that resembles the construction of a shed. Sometimes a skillion roof is combined with lean-to roof which is usually of a different height. This gives the home a modern, asymmetrical look. - Clerestory Roof
A clerestory roof is a skillion roof with a horizontal row of windows placed high up to allow for maximum natural lighting in the home. - Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is a variation on a gable roof. Like gable roofs, gambrel roofs have two sides that meet in a peak, but the difference here is that each side has two slopes. The bottom slope is steeper than the top slopes closer to the peak. This type of roof is sometimes called a barn roof, because it is what you will typically see in the construction of a barn.
- Mansard Roof
A mansard roof is a hybrid between a hip roof and a gambrel roof. Like a hip roof, all four sides are sloped and meet in a ridge, and like a gambrel roof each side has two slopes with the bottom slope being more steep. This type of roof is fairly expensive to construct.
- Saltbox Roof
Saltbox roofs were first made popular in New England, but they can be found now across the United States. A variation on gable roofs, saltbox roofs also have two slopes that meet in a peak, but here the two slopes are asymmetrical, with one being longer than the other. This design can be very attractive, but more complex and therefore more costly to build.
- Flat Roof
Flat roofs are used in both commercial and residential roofing. They are not advisable in areas where there is a lot of rain or snow, as the lack of sloping makes it easy for that precipitation to pool on the roof and lead to eventual water damage. However, if you live in an area that is relatively free from extreme weather or tends to be more dry, flat roofs can have the benefit of being economical as well as very accommodating for energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels.
Are you wondering how to best care for your style of roof, or what direction to go in for a roof remodel? Contact JL Roofing today!