Choosing the right kind of roofing is crucial to ensure the durability of a house. While the primary
purpose of a roof is to provide shade and protection to the living area underneath it from various weather conditions, choosing the wrong type of roof for the prevailing climate can impact its effectiveness and lifespan. Following are various types of designs used in modern roofing systems:
Gable
Gable is the simplest type of roofing system. It is made up of two slopes of the same size that meet at a center ridge. The angle on each side is also identical and resembles a triangle. The thing that makes the gable popular is its affordability because it is easy to build resulting in a lower construction cost.
Despite its simplicity, gables offer sufficient ventilation and effectively prevent damming during the winter months. The gable design is not ideal for areas that regularly experience strong winds as this design generates a considerable amount of drag that could cause it to fail during heavy winds.
Hip
One of the most common styles implemented by contractors is the hip roof. This design is characterized by each wall having its own slope. The two opposing sides of the slope connect to a common ridge, just like a gable, while the other two attach to the slanted edges of the two main slopes.
Aside from the simplicity of the design, another advantage of the hip style is the easy construction of the walls. Because all of the sides have a slope, the height of the walls is also uniform throughout the house, making it easier to build than those that do not have matching heights. Another advantage is slope of this style translates to less drag during strong winds, so it is suitable for hurricane prone areas.
The only downside of having a hip roof is it tends to reduce attic space because all the sides are angled. It still remains popular in modern home design because it is easy to build and effectively channels water.
Mansard
Mansard was a popular design, particularly in France during the 1600’s. This design can be considered a flat roof outfitted with two panel sections on every side; a steep pitch and a low slope. This type of design resembles the brim of a hat.
The design was popular because it allowed for the effective use of attic space, which was known at that time as ‘the garret.’ Today, mansard is still being used mostly on houses that are designed more like a regular building. One of the disadvantages of such a design is that during the winter, it is prone to leaking due to ice damming. Melted snow tends to collect at the center, seeping into the crack and, create interior leaks. The weight of the accumulated snow creates additional strain to the bracing, causing it to break.
These are just a few of the common types of roofs. Learning about the different roof styles can help make a choice of an appropriate style for a building that considers the environmental factors as well as the cost of maintenance and longevity!
Do you need help on deciding what type of roof is best for your home? Schulte Roofing can provide the Brazos Valley and roofer Houston customers with all the information needed to choose the best style for their particular location!