Whether you’re starting from scratch, need a replacement, or renovating to update your home; a roof is a big deal…literally. Consider talking to your real estate agent about what roof you are interested in when purchasing your home.
There is a lot to consider when needing a roof. Such as the style, material, and color.
In addition,
Technology can play a role in your new roof. All these different options will vary the look and functionality of your roof. Maybe you decide that you want a combination of different options to perfectly suit your needs and budget.
Materials
To start -
There are a bunch of different materials that contribute to creating a roof.
- Wood
- Asphalt
- Metal
- Slate
- Clay and concrete
- Tile
Let’s get into the more popular options, but know, there are still many other options outside of this list.
Wood Roof
Wood Shingles are a classic! There’s no doubt about that. They fall into the midrange for pricing and are eco-friendly & energy efficient.
A major drawback is that they are prone to catch on fire than some of the other roof material.
Asphalt
The most common and affordable option.
Asphalt comes in a variety of different options for color and styles.
This option is not recommended for those living in sudden shifting climates due to cracking. But, if you don’t have to worry about that, these are a great option to help you save some cash and still get the look you are searching for.
Metal
A Metal Roof is a great option for any home. It’s a great way to reduce the cost of your roof, in fact, it is also eco-friendly.
Metal is durable,
However, you might not consider this option at first since it can make a house look more coastal or industrial.
If that’s not your thing, think again.
Although, you may think it will dictate the whole look of your house. It can really just enhance what you already have (or will have).
Metal roofs can be made into shingles as well. This style might fit your home more, but it can be costlier.
Slate
Slate is an incredible option with its durability to time, fires, and water.
Sounds great, however, considering how expensive it can be, it is prone to breaking when stepped on, might not be ideal. This is also prone to damage for those that experience hail where they live.
Clay & Concrete
Clay and concrete are similar to slate in a way that they are also very durable but for warm and drier climates. However, if they are walked on they will most likely break just like the slate.
Tile
Most people’s first thought of tile roof is most likely a roof for a Mediterranean or Spanish style home. This is one of the nicest looking styles for a roof, but of course, there’s a price that is attached to it.
Tile can be one of the most expensive materials, not to mention, the install price can be high too. This is because the tiles are very heavy and if your existing home cannot handle the weight, the process can be complicated.
A downfall for these tile roofs is that they might lead to leaking and cracking but they can be repaired usually with cement.
Next…
STYLE
You’ll have to consider the style you want or need on your home.
The style of your roof really finishes off the overall look. This is just a couple of options, but the list goes way beyond this!
- Hip roof
- Gable roof
- Gambrel roof
- Flat roof
- Pitched roof
Gable roof
The gable roof, in simplest terms, is your everyday style roof. There are many forms that are part of the gable roof family and some are listed below.
It generally has some sort of triangular shape to it, whether that is an even triangle or not.
This style can be made more modern or kept in a classic style.
Hip roof
This is part of the gable roof family. Actually, the Gable roof has a ton of variations.
Keep in mind,
If all four corners come to a point it’s a pyramid roof if they don’t; it’s a hip roof.
Notice the picture above from the gable roof section. The top does not come to a point. It is running horizontally.
Gambrel roof
Not to get confused with Gable. A gambrel roof is more commonly seen on a classic barn structure. This type of roof would look excellent on a home that is going for that “modern farm-house” look.
Flat roof
Flat roofs are, well flat. There’s not much too it. It’s plain and simple.
But hey, we’re not here to judge!
One benefit is that labor is pretty cheap when installing a flat roof.
In addition to being cheap…
Flat roofs are installed quicker and easier than more other roofs.
That can be used for a modern or mid-century look. It can even be used if you have an extension to your home, just as a guest house and you want it to be simplified. Take a look at this picture for reference.
So, if you don’t want your whole house to look flat you can still mix it up.
Pitched roof
And these aren’t even all the styles you can get! There are at least 30 different types.
Also,
You can consider combining different styles to create a unique look. The possibilities are endless with what you can create.
With all of that said…
There are so alternative options for roofs. Or should we say, additions to a roof?
Solar
Ah! The one we’ve been waiting for.
Solar has been around for quite some time now and has picked up on popularity.
Not only do they help with the environment, but also, they can be almost completely disguised as regular rood shingle.
However, there’s nothing wrong with the big solar panels on your roof, in fact, there are homes that are designed around the panels just, so they look like they are part of the original design.
Green roofs
Green roofs are roofs that have grass and/ or some sort of greenery on top of a structure, such as a home.
These are becoming more popular in big cities across the United States. Actually, D.C. has the greenest roofs in the U.S.
Other countries across the globe, such as Germany, Japan, and Canada, have also incorporated this unique and eco-friendly option.
This might not be the look you’re going for, but it’s definitely an interesting one! Another point is that these types of roofs probably won’t be allowed if you have an HOA. So if you’re into this look, you might have.
So ask yourself,
“What kind of roof do I want?”
Consider all of these great options, but keep in mind, you might be restricted from your HOA or your budget. These restrictions should not hinder your creativity.
Happy roofing.
This article was created by MBMI Metal Buildings
Posted by Talbot Sutter on
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