Your roof is an integral part of your home – it protects you from the elements, keeps you and your family warm, and improves energy efficiency. Knowing the best types of roofs can help your home stay safe for years.
However, there are plenty of different kinds of roofs, which can make it challenging to know what roofing style fits your home the best. Our team at Rusco is here to ensure that you understand everything you need to know about roofing types so you can make an informed decision.
- Different Roof Types and Styles to Consider
- Different Types of Roofing Materials
- Choosing the Best Roof Type for Your Home
Rusco has expert roofing services for replacement, installation, and more.
Different Roof Types and Styles to Consider
Choosing the best home roof design is imperative for your home’s function and aesthetics. While there are many different kinds of roofing to sift through, the climate, your home’s design, and your budget can all help you decide on the best choice for your house.
So, what are the types of roofs? Some of the different types of roof styles you should consider for your home include:
Gable Roof
Gable roofs have the classic triangular shape that almost everyone thinks of when picturing a home’s roof. This shaped roof consists of two slopes resting on either side of the house that comes to a point at the top, and it works well with almost any style of home. They are also great options for homes in high-wind areas, and they shed water and snow quickly as well, preventing moisture buildup.
Hip Roof
Another common roof design is called a hip roof, which slopes down from the ridge at the top on all four sides. This roof style means that most of the roof ends up being visible from any angle, however, making the material or design of your roof a bit more important. However, hip roofs provide superior stability and protection from snow or wind, making them a fantastic choice for Midwestern homes.
Mansard Roof
This French-inspired design consists of very steep lower slopes on all four sides, which quickly became popular in American architecture as well, as mansard roofs allow families to take full advantage of the upper stories of the home. Whether you use it for an attic, extra bedrooms, or another living space, this roof covering provides an elegant curb appeal to any neighborhood.
Gambrel Roof
Of the many different types of roofs, gambrel roofs look the most like a barn, making them very popular among homeowners who prefer rural or country aesthetics. They have steep lower slopes that meet at a high point, increasing the use of the upper story.
Flat Roof
This standard roof shape looks exactly as it sounds, with the roof mostly being flat with only the slightest amount of pitch to promote drainage. They’re mostly used for commercial buildings, industrial complexes, and strip malls, although they were very popular for high-income homeowners from the 1950s to the 1970s. While these roof styles may not provide much indoor room, they can accommodate rooftop patios or solar panels.
Shed or Monopitch Roof
This roof features a single-sloped design that is very popular amongst modern and minimalist architecture. They provide efficient water drainage and a unique opportunity to design windows around the home, which can create distinctive curb appeal.
Saltbox Roof
These roof types for homes are asymmetrical and feature a short, steep slope on one side and a long slope on the other. Saltbox roofs have old New England roots, meaning they offer a historic charm to any home. These roofs are great for wind resistance and for providing additional living space on one side of the home, ensuring that your home has both character and functionality.
Butterfly Roof
A butterfly roof consists of an inverted V shape that has two slopes that meet in the middle, offering a highly contemporary look to any home. This eye-catching roof also provides eco-friendly advantages, such as rainwater collection and conservation. These roofs also ensure plenty of natural light throughout the home, ensuring a bright and airy interior.
A-Frame Roof
A-frame roofs are steep triangular shapes that serve as both roofs and walls, meaning the home itself is usually much narrower than traditional houses. These are very popular for both cabins and homes in snowy areas, as they provide fantastic natural snow shedding that keeps homes safe from moisture buildup and cold.
Cross-Gable Roof
Cross-gable styles of roofs simply mean that the home has two or more gable roofs that intersect. These roofs enhance curb appeal and add complexity and dimension to a home’s layout. These types of roofs have grown in popularity in recent years, making them a regular sighting in many neighborhoods.
No matter when you need a new roof, Rusco is here to ensure your home looks its best.
Different Types of Roofing Materials
Once you determine the best types of roof shapes for your home, it’s time to decide on the material and aesthetic you want for your home. The kinds of roofing materials each affect your home’s durability, how easy it is to maintain, and the overall cost as well.
The most common materials used for roofs include:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roof design material due to their affordability and ease of installation. They also ensure that your home stays protected for many years, as they are energy efficient and reliable options. However, asphalt mostly comes in shades of grey or black, meaning you may be limited in terms of aesthetic options.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing offers a modern appearance to many homes, gaining popularity in many areas. Metal roofs are extremely durable, as they can withstand heavy rain, snow, fire, inclement weather, and hail. These energy-efficient and low-maintenance options last for decades as well, making them a great option for many homeowners.
Clay or Concrete Tiles
Clay roof types and shapes are great for homes in hot climates, as the clay or concrete absorbs less moisture and keeps the home cool. They also offer a Mediterranean or Southern American aesthetic to homes, giving your house character and style. The only downside of these tiles is that they tend to be on the pricey and heavy side, meaning they’ll need a significant budget and regular maintenance.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is a premium option that is known for its natural beauty and long lifespan, ensuring your home stays protected from the elements for many years. However, they require a high amount of structural support due to their weight, and they tend to be more expensive as well, meaning homeowners need to weigh beauty vs. functionality before deciding.
Synthetic or Composite Shingles
Synthetic shingles are a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to natural materials, such as slate or wood. They offer plenty of safety against the elements as well, including high winds, fire, sun damage, and more. They’re an increasingly popular option due to how versatile they are, as they come in plenty of styles and colors, offering homeowners a wide range of designs to choose from.
How long does your roof last? Our team can help you determine when your roof needs to be replaced or repaired before any damage occurs.
Choosing the Best Roof Type for Your Home
While there are multiple roof materials, styles, designs, and types to choose from, you don’t have to go through the process alone. It’s imperative to consult with professionals, such as our team at Rusco, to ensure that your future room highlights long-term value and safety for your family.
Some questions to ask yourself or your local contractor when choosing between roofing types include:
- How old is your current roof? Does it have any damage?
- What aesthetic or design is common in your neighborhood?
- Do you have extreme weather to contend with, such as hail, snow, or more?
- What is your roofing budget?
- Are you moving soon? How long does the roof need to last for your needs?
By asking yourself these questions, you can help narrow down what type of roof you want for your home.
With Over 87 Years of Experience, Trust Rusco For All Types of Roofing Projects
Are you considering upgrading your home by investing in a new roof? With over 87 years of experience serving families in Illinois, Rusco can be trusted for all of your roofing needs. No matter if you’re looking to simply repair your roof’s shingles or completely redo the exterior of your home, our team is here to help.
Reach out to us today for a free quote to learn more about how our commitment to customer service and our quality products mean that your home will stay protected for decades to come.