Pros and Cons of Different Types of Roofs

Are you currently house hunting? Exploring the possibility of replacing your roof? Or, perhaps you are thinking about building a new home? If so, roofs should be on your radar. In fact, they’re every bit as important as a home’s foundation. Roofing materials matter a great deal, of course, but the type of roof also has an enormous impact. Different types of roofs influence the aesthetic appeal of a property, its overall value, as well as how energy-efficient the home is, after all.

Pros and Cons of Different Types of Roofs

This look at the most popular types of roofs in the United States will discuss their most important pros and cons.

Gable Roof

Gable roofs are one of the most popular types of roofs all around the world. These triangles can be built with numerous different levels of sloping, and are extremely versatile. Snow, rainwater, and debris can easily slide off a gable roof, thus representing one of its strongest advantages.

Gable roofs are also among the least expensive types of roofs. In areas frequently subjected to hurricanes and other extreme weather events, however, these roofs are vulnerable.

Hip Roof

Unlike a gable roof, which is sloped on two sides, a hip roof has four slopes — resembling a very compact pyramid. Hip roofs are sturdy and stable, and their small slopes make them more wind-resistant while still allowing snow and water to slide off with ease.

Along with the fact that hip roofs are more costly, their main disadvantage lies in the fact that sloppy workmanship has the potential to cause roof leaks.

Mansard or French Roof

Many people find the mansard roof charming. However, this characteristically French roof, in which steep slopes meet a shallow hip roof, also has some practical benefits. With a mansard roof, you maximize attic space.

French roofs are best suited for areas that rarely have to deal with snowfall, as snow builds up easily on these roofs.

Skillion Roof

Also called shed roofs or lean-to roofs, these ultra-modern roofs feature a single slope built on a diagonal wall. They are economic in design, as they call for lower quantities of roofing materials. Skillion roof slope designs can be steep or small.

Besides the fact that skillion roofs appeal to the modern aesthetic, they can also be highly practical. In areas with heavy winds, however, these roofs can sometimes prove to be a risk.

Flat Roof

Flat roofs are not, in fact, completely flat — they have small inclines that allow snow and water to drain, albeit less effectively than in roof designs with steeper slopes. Most often used in commercial buildings, flat roofs are also an option for residential homes in areas that do not receive much precipitation.

The main advantage comes in the form of the recreational space that can be created atop these flat roofs. The most significant disadvantage is that a flat roof requires ongoing maintenance, which can prove to be rather pricey.

Butterfly Roof

A butterfly roof essentially consists of two skillion roofs angled to resemble the letter V — or, if you like, a fluttering butterfly. This type of roof is the choice of the modern environmentally aware consumer. As you can imagine, rainfall drains inward, and this typically serves a practical purpose, as reservoirs that collect rainwater for domestic use can be set up in the center.

Additionally, butterfly roofs make excellent hosts for a set of solar panels. These roofs are, however, expensive because of their complex design.

Saltbox Roof

Saltbox roofs provide extremely attractive aesthetic results, thanks to their charming asymmetry. One side is indistinguishable from a gable roof, while the other, shorter, side, resembles a shed roof with a small slope.

Although saltbox roofs are highly complex, and will therefore also be more costly. Saltbox roofs are also highly practical — allowing rain and snow to slide off with ease.

Curved Roof

These roofs make use of the fact that rounded shapes are the strongest in nature. Allowing precipitation to slide off, also makes it easy for the home to retain heat. As a result, curved roofs are an environmentally-friendly roofing option. Curved roof designs remain highly unusual, and finding the right roofing company in Omaha to construct one can be difficult.

To learn more about all types of roofs, contact Integrity Contracting, Inc., a local Omaha roofing company. Our Omaha roofing contractors will be able to give you the best advice on which roofing style is best for your home or business. 

Additional Reading: Cool Roofs – Energy.gov

Integrity Contracting, Inc. | Omaha Roofing Contractor

Integrity Contracting, Inc is a general contractor providing services in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. We are a multifaceted home construction company that specializes in painting, tree trimming, tree removal, siding, seamless gutters, home remodeling, and roofing in Omaha, Nebraska.

Integrity Contracting Inc. superior service offers the quality you deserve with the affordability you can respect. Let our experienced Omaha roofing, siding, seamless gutter, and home remodeling professionals tackle your next home project so you can relax and have a stress-free experience.

Contact Integrity Contractors Inc. to learn more about the best Omaha roofing options.