Whether you are interested in renovating the roof of your single-story home or are planning on building a new single-story home and need a roofing system to suit your needs, it is strongly recommended to narrow down your options. Keep some of the following residential roofing systems in mind and see which ones will work best for your home.
Gable Roof
This type of roof is characterized by two sloping sides that come together at a ridge in the middle of the roof. Gable roofs are very popular because they allow for good ventilation and are easy to construct. However, they are not as strong as some other types of roofs and can be susceptible to wind damage if not properly constructed.
Hipped Roof
A hipped roof is similar to a gable roof except that all four sides slope downwards towards the walls of the house. Hipped roofs are more stable than gable roofs and can withstand high winds better. They also provide good ventilation but can be more difficult to construct than gable roofs.
Shed Roof
Shed roofs have a single slope that slopes downwards from the peak of the roof towards one side of the house. Shed roofs are easy to construct and provide good ventilation but do not offer as much protection from the elements as some other types of roofs. These can be a good choice for artistic homes.
Flat Roof
Flat roofs are exactly what they sound like – completely flat with no pitch or slope whatsoever. Flat roofs are common in commercial buildings but are not often used in residences due to their lack of drainage which can lead to leaks during heavy rains or snow melts. These roofing systems are particularly recommended for warm, temperate areas that do not frequently experience rainfall.
Mansard Roof
Mansard roofs are characterized by two slopes on each of the four sides of the roof with the lower slope being much steeper than the upper slope. Mansard roofs are very strong and can withstand a lot of weight but can be difficult to construct. They can be a unique option for your home if you are interested in creating a memorable design for the house.
It is strongly recommended for you work with a professional during the design process. The right set of eyes can help you narrow down your choices and work around the roofing system as a way to bring together all the other elements in the home.
