If you are looking to install a new roof on your existing home, aesthetics is an important consideration to make. The roof can radically change the design of the home, so you do not have to get up and move. In case you were interested in upgrading the look of your home, you are in luck because all you need to do is to change the roof style. There are so many options to choose from that you might get confused. If you are not a roof-connoisseur, do not worry because we will discuss the most popular ones so that you know what exactly to choose. Without further ado, these are the types of roofs that are sure to fit your dream home.
Gambrel
Have you ever seen a home with a gambrel roof? It looks like a barn that has just been transformed into a home. The roof features a slope that comes down from the peak of the building structure to a certain point. The panels are symmetrical, which means that if one of them is damaged, it can easily be replaced. There are two slopes on each side, so the roof is somewhat triangular. This architectural style was common in 18th century England and North America. Gambrel roofs were used for Dutch Colonial and Georgian style homes. If you want to add value to your property, a gambrel roof is the perfect choice because it can add a more elegant look or induce a rustic feel.
Roofing contractors prefer gable roofs because any type of material can be used. Examples include metal sheets, which can be installed skillfully and last up to a century. The simple design makes it easy to create the structure. This translates into the fact that the project goes on faster and the roofing professionals do not have to worry whether the angles and pieces come together perfectly. The steeper slope of the gambrel roof ensures excellent drainage during heavy rains. In case you did not already know, the buildup of rainwater can lead to structural damage and leaks. The gambrel roof will offer you a fashionable design that maximizes the space at the top of the building.
Hipped
When all the slides slope down towards the wall you have a hipped roof. It looks just like a pyramid. As you can imagine, it does not have any gables or vertical sides. Chances are that you have seen this architectural style in older homes. Hipped roofs are more expensive to build because of the complexity of the design and construction requirements. The good thing is that they require less support and bracing as opposed to other designs. All of the aspects relating to the construction are well-suited to withstand adverse weather conditions. The greatest advantage of all is the drainage that is created from making all sides move toward the ground.
In terms of ventilation, a hipped roof is not very efficient. In order to vent the attic of a hipped roof, it is necessary to add soffit vents, which serve aesthetic and functional purposes. Moisture is eliminated from the home, not to say that you can achieve the right level of air ventilation owing to the mini-holes in the soffit. Another aspect to consider is that there is less space in the loft. If you were thinking about moving upwards instead of moving out, you are in for a big disappointment. Every covering material is suitable for a hipped roof. Zinc is commonly used for modern buildings. You can prevent moss with zinc strips. The price of the hipped roof should not constitute a decisive factor. You must take into account the appearance of the roof and the house.
Mansard
What you need is a roof that protects your home and looks more architectural. Mansard roofs, which have been around since the 16th century, are visible in many buildings in France. The architectural design was popularized by François Mansard in the 17th century and is now popular in many parts of Europe. In the 19th century, Americans adopted this architectural taste, being the preferred choice of wealthy home builders because it was at the same time modern and fashionable. Roof styles may vary, so you can have something different if you want your home to stand out. Mansard roofs fall into two categories: double pitch mansard and steep side mansard.
In a new roof installation, you will see companies going above and beyond to create the perfect rooftop. The first slope of the mansard roof is steep, which means that you can add another floor on top of the house. It is a simple, low-cost solution that guarantees additional space. The addition will look like an original part of the building. You can achieve maximum use of the existing space. The main downside is that the mansard roof takes longer to install. The process is relatively complex and requires a great deal of material. Only the roofing professional is able to estimate how much labor is involved. Maintenance is another issue because the mansard roof is susceptible to damage.
Flat
Contrary to popular opinion, flat rods are not actually flat. They appear to be horizontal, but, in fact, feature a slope of at least ¼ inch per foot. Flat roofs exist all over the globe. They are more affordable as compared to other options owing to the fact that they require fewer building materials. Flat roofs are common in commercial and industrial applications. Nevertheless, you are likely to come across many homes with flat roof designs. Homeowners are able to free up internal space, maintain internal temperatures stable, and create a versatile interior. You can transform the top floor into an apartment if you like.
Even though they are cheap products, flat roofs are built up in layers and ensure a more robust finish, being suitable for light foot traffic. The problem is that materials for flat roofs are insufficient. More exactly, there are not too many options to choose from. Roofing contractors generally work with bitumen, rubber, TPO, and thermoplastic polyolefin. Another thing to think about is the fact that it is necessary to install additional draining mechanisms. No matter what you decide to do, call a professional who can help you design a roof that is suitable for your dream home.