According to Frazier Roofing & Guttering in Arlington, Texas, the roof of your home can provide fantastic curb appeal. Choosing the best roofing material when it’s time to replace your roof can really give your home a unique and distinctive look. If you are building new and have the opportunity to design the structural style of your home’s roof, you have even more options. Here’s a look at different types of roofs and each of their pros and cons.
Gable Roofs
The Gable roof is the most popular style. It is made with two slopes with intersecting edges to form a V-shape. The advantages to this roof are that it provides ample attic space and it’s easy to install and maintain. The disadvantage is that because of the slope, it’s susceptible to wind damage and the plain design doesn’t provide a ‘wow’ factor.
Gambrel Roofs
Most commonly associated with barns or farmhouses, the Gambrel’s roof is dual-sloped with steep inclines at the bottom. The pros to this roof is that it creates a great space for a loft, and it’s very easy to install and maintain. Downsides to the Gambrel is that they don’t hold up well under heavy snowfall, and they’re prone to leaking if they’re not installed by competent roofers.
Flat Roofs
The flat roof is usually associated with commercial properties due to its utilitarian nature. Although it’s called flat, the roof does have a slight pitch to assist with water drainage. The pros to the flat roof is that you can create an outdoor space on top and they’re ideal for those who want to install solar panels. Cons to the flat roof is that even though they do have a slight pitch, they’re prone to leaking when water pools. Also, these roofs are costly to maintain.
Hip Roofs
Like the Gambrel, the Hip Roof is also associated with farmhouses or country homes with wrap-around porches. This roof features slopes on all sides, which helps greatly with drainage. The pros to this roof are their stability in high winds, and the slopes which eliminate snow and ice buildup. Cons are the expense of installing this roof can be quite high, and getting adequate ventilation is a challenge.
Mansard Roofs
This very stylish roof is four sided with two slopes on each side. The Mansard is found on older, post Civil War homes. The advantages to the Mansard are that it’s customizable to your style and you can easily use the upstairs space it provides for an attic or additional living quarters. Disadvantages include the low pitch means snow and water builds up which leads to leaking. Also, this roof is expensive to install, maintain and do roof repair.
A Frame
This roof is shaped like an ‘A’ with steep angles and is normally found on cottages. Pros to this roof are the steep pitch being ideal for snow removal and its ease of installation. Cons include water pooling around the home’s foundation and the angled walls present a design challenge.
Frazier Roofing hopes this helps you understand different types of roofs, there advantages and disadvantages. There are probably many more options to enhance your home’s exterior look than you imagine! Always work with a trained professional when having any roofing repairs or replacements done on your home.
If you are in the Rochester or Finger Lakes Region of New York, you’ll find roofing professionals at www.FindTheHomePros.com.
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