The roof is an important component of your home. The roof protects you and your family from harsh weather conditions and provides security and safety to all of your valuables. Using the right kind of roof also increases your home’s curb appeal and can make your property more appealing. But no matter how expensive your roof is, there’ll come a time when this should be repaired. Usually, your roof should be repaired when it has damaged or missing shingles, is already sagging or you have incurred higher energy bills in the past month or two. These problems can be minimized with a brand new roof but can worsen if left untreated. If you’re planning to have your roof repaired soon, it’s important that you know what your options are. You should know what the different types of roof are so you’ll know which to use moving forward:
Gable Roof
Gable roof is the most common roof type in areas with cold climate. Also known as a pitched or peaked roof, this roof type is considered as a classic design. A gable roof can easily be recognized because of its unique structure – it has a triangular shape. It’s easy to find a roofer who can professionally install this kind of roof to your home because gable roofs have been used for decades.
Pros: Homeowners would opt to have a gable roof because of the number of benefits it provides. For starters, gable roofs provide a lot of space for your attic or vaulted ceilings. This type of roof also offers more ventilation which can help reduce your energy bills over time. And since a gable roof has a very simple design, it’s faster and cheaper to build compared to other roof types.
Cons: And while gable roofs might seem like the perfect solution to all of your roofing woes, it does have a few setbacks. Gable roofs can cause problems once these are used in high wind and hurricane areas. If the frame of the roof isn’t tightly secured or don’t have any adequate support, the roof might collapse. High winds, especially when it comes too often, can adversely affect the longevity of the materials of the gable roofs. If your roof has too much overhang, strong winds can uplift it underneath and can cause the roof to be detached from your home’s walls.
Hip Roofs
Hip roofs have slopes on all four sides and don’t have any flat sides. Hip roofs are also popular in different parts of the world, second to gable roofs. This type of roof is appropriate for homes which are exposed to dramatic weather conditions namely hurricane and strong winds. Because of its internal bracing, hip roofs have lower chances of being peeled from the house, unlike gable roofs. Although hip roofs offer small space for your attic or ceiling, its weather-shielding benefits make this roof an excellent option.
Pros: As mentioned, hip roofs are more stable than gable roofs. Aside from its internal bracing, the inward slope of the four sides of hip roofs makes it sturdy and durable. This type of roof can be used by homeowners who are living in snowy and high wind areas. The structure of hip roofs makes it easy for snow to slide off without leaving any water on the roof. Since hip roofs don’t offer any additional space for your attic or ceiling, you can opt to add a dormer or a crow’s nest in your home. Using hip roofs for these living spaces is a great investment.
Cons: If you’re looking for a cheap roof, hip roofs aren’t the best option. This type of roof can be expensive to build since it has a complex design and requires a lot of building materials. Your expenses can even double if you own a large home. Additionally, if you’re planning to add a dormer or a crow’s nest, additional seams might create water leaks which can damage your roof in the long run.
Gambrel Roof
Gambrel roof is also known as a barn roof and has two different slopes on each side – a steep one and shallow one. Although this type of roof is common among barns, this can also be used for homes. If your home has a Dutch Colonial and Georgian style, gambrel roofs can be your perfect choice.
Pros: Gambrel roofs provide additional space for your attic or loft. Since this type of roof only needs two roof beams, requires minimal materials and uses a simple frame, construction can be faster and cheaper. Gambrel roofs can also be used for outdoor sheds and other outdoor buildings because its structure provides more storage without sacrificing valuable space of the structure.
Cons: Gambrel roofs aren’t suitable for areas which are usually hit by heavy winds or snowfalls. This type of roof has an open design which can be susceptible to damage under too much pressure. Additionally, gambrel roofs should be constructed properly and waterproofed around the ridges to ensure its longevity. When you use gambrel roofs, you have to inspect it at least once a year to check for any damages caused by harsh weather conditions.
Mansard Roof
Mansard roof or commonly called as curb roof or French roof, is a type of roof which is known to be a combination of a gambrel and hip roof. It has a double slope on each side, similar to a gambrel roof and all of its sides slope downwards to the walls, just like a hip roof. But unlike a gambrel and hip roof, a mansard roof allows you to have versatility as you can have the sides either flat or curved, depending on your preference. Once you use this type of roof, your home will surely stand out from the neighborhood.
Pros: Mansard roofs might be uncommon, but this type of roof can add space to your home especially if you have an attic or living quarters. If your home has dormers, consider using mansard roofs. This type of roof can improve your home’s aesthetics without compromising the available space. Additionally, mansard roofs can help you save money especially if you’re planning to expand or renovate your home. You can start using a simple mansard roof and then add a few garret or dormers in the future. Using mansard roofs will not only add value to your home, but this will also give homeowners the opportunity to make adjustments as their needs change. Making a few changes on your roof is cheaper compared to having it replaced entirely.
Cons: Since mansard roofs have a low pitched portion, this type of roof isn’t suitable for areas which are prone to heavy snowfall or rain. These weather conditions can easily damage the roof – both from the inside and outside. Mansard roofs are also very costly due to the details and embellishments that go into its construction. This type of roof also requires more maintenance because the lower portion of the roof can collect debris and can be susceptible to damage. Cleaning your roof might not be tiresome, but when you have a mansard roof, you’ll have to do it on a steady basis.
Small Details Count
Your home will never be complete without a roof. It serves as your protection from the top. And if you think your roof needs to be repaired, scout for several roofers, check their services and compare prices. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pay attention to the different types of roof available. One roof might be more suitable to your location or preference than the other. But regardless of the type of roof, you’ll use, ensure that this is properly constructed and you exhaust time and effort to maintain its condition. The construction and maintenance of the roof is a must in order to prevent minor problems from getting worse.
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