4 Roof Types to Consider For Your Home

Updating your roof is a big investment, which is why it’s important to put a lot of thought into what type of roof you’d like for your home. There are a variety of roof options and materials to choose from, and it’s important to know how each option benefits you before making your final decision. Learn more about the different types of roofs available to determine which option is a good fit for your home. 

Gable Roof 

Gable roofs, also known as pitched or peaked roofs, are easy to recognize because they have a triangular shape. They are one of the more popular roof types because the angle allows them to easily shed rainwater and snow, which helps to prevent weather-related roof damage and ice dams. Another great thing about gable roofs is that they can be built using a wide variety of materials. Some of the more common material options for gable roofs include cedar shakes, asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, and metal shingles. 

Additionally, the angle of a gable roof makes it the perfect option for anyone interested in installing solar panels. In most cases, solar panels should be installed on roofs with at least a 30-degree pitch, which is pretty standard for gable roofs. In fact, in areas that are prone to snow, at least a 40-degree roof pitch is ideal. So if you choose to install a gable roof, take some time to read through the ION Solar reviews to learn just how easy it is to have solar panels installed and how much money they’ll save you each month. 

Flat Roof 

If you live in an area that’s prone to extreme weather patterns, such as tornados, high winds, or hurricanes, you might want to consider installing a flat roof. Even though they are called flat roofs, they typically have a slight 10-degree slope so rainwater and melted snow don’t sit on the roof for long periods. They are ideal for anyone concerned about energy costs as well. Because they sit fairly flat, they tend to keep hot and cold air in your home better than roofs with more extreme pitches — mostly because there’s no attic space. 

Traditionally, flat roofs were considered an inexpensive roof option, so they weren’t always made from high-quality materials. However, that’s no longer the case. If you plan to install a flat roof, make sure the roofer you hire uses the highest-quality materials possible. By using high-quality materials to build a flat roof, it can reduce your energy costs by up to 50 percent. 

Hip Roof 

Hip roofs slope on all four sides, making them a bit more stable than gable roofs. The added stability makes them a better option for people who live in more windy areas. Like gable roofs, hip roofs can be made using a variety of different roofing materials, but asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and clay tiles are the most common. If you are interested in installing solar panels, a hip roof is a good alternative to a gable roof. 

Metal Roof 

Metal roofing has become more and more popular over the years because it’s an environmentally friendly option. Not only can you purchase metal shingles that have been made from recycled materials, but your roof itself is also recyclable once it has reached its lifespan. 

It’s important to remember that a metal roof does lose its shine over time, but you can have it repainted as long as it’s still structurally sound. Also, it can be difficult to install a metal roof properly, so you need to hire a contractor with previous experience. 

Choosing a roof for your home isn’t as simple as picking a roof style you prefer. You need to consider the climate in your area to make sure you choose a roof pitch and material that will hold up well too.