If you are installing a new roof or remodeling an existing one, here are five durable types of roofing systems to consider for your home or business. Read this blog post till the end to know more about each type of roofing system and find the one that best suits your needs.
1. Flat Roof
Flat roofs, though not so common on residential buildings, are the preferred roof type for commercial buildings. They come in many forms, including EPDM, TPO, Green roofs, built-up roofs, and modified bitumen. Depending on their material quality and ability to withstand the forces of nature, all types of flat roofs have different lifespans and levels of durability.
As the primary concern with flat roofs is pooling water and accumulation of debris, they are dependent on regular maintenance and upkeep. Without it, water can seep into the roof deck and cause damage. If accumulated dust and debris are left on its surface for a long time it can also greatly reduce the durability and effectiveness of a flat roof.
Pros
1. More Affordable
Flat roofs are comparatively more affordable than many pitched roofs. Unlike many types of roofs, which are affordable upfront but require costly repairs throughout their lifespan, flat roofs are rust-resistant, energy efficient, and cost-effective until they age.
2. Can be Used As An Outdoor Living Space
Flat roofs can be used as outdoor living spaces. You can keep your furniture and other items on flat roofs if you don’t have the space for them in your home. Unlike sloped roofs, flat roofs can be used for gardening, entertainment, and other activities.
3. Easier To Maintain
Since flat roofs are easy to access and work with, they can be easily maintained and cleaned. This makes gutter cleaning effortless, which isn’t true with sloped roofs.
Cons
1. Prone To Leaks
Water tends to pool on a flat roof, which can make its way through the roofing material to the roofing deck below, where it leaks and damages the roofing structure. Pooling water is a big concern for flat roof owners.
2. Receive Frequent Sunlight
Contrary to sloped roofs, which are not completely exposed to the sun at all times, the large surface area of flat roofs is completely exposed to heat and UV rays. This constant UV exposure throughout the day weakens the roofing membrane, leading to cracks in the surface and buckling.
2. Gable Roof
Gable roofs are the most common roofs in the United States and are installed on almost every home. Gable roofs are easy to install and maintain, and they are also cost-effective. Additionally, their lightweight construction places minimal stress on the supporting structure.
Gable roofs are sloped on two sides, which meet at the top, forming a ridge. The overall structure of a gable roof forms an inverted V or triangular shape, which makes it easy for the roof to shed snow and water. While gable roofs are cost-effective and easy to maintain, they require frequent maintenance, and repairs on occasion as they aren’t as resistant to the wind as hip roofs are.
To learn more about wind damage on roofs in Ohio, check out our blog post here.
Pros
1. Allows For More Attic Space
Unlike hipped roofs, gable roofs provide more attic space to homeowners, which makes an additional space for living or storing materials. The attic is an important part of a roofing system as it provides space for forms of ventilation and insulation to be installed.
2. Provides Better Ventilation
As mentioned above, gable roofs provide better ventilation to buildings. Ventilation for a home or a business is necessary as it brings in fresh air while removing hot and humid air. It also helps reduce the energy costs associated with air conditioning.
3. Easy To Build
Gable roofs are easy to install with their basic structural components, material availability, and simple design. In addition, it takes less time to install these roofing systems compared to more complicated types of roofs.
Cons
1. More Susceptible To Wind Damage
Gable roofs, compared to more complex roof types, such as hip roofs, are more susceptible to wind damage. The main reason for this is that the gable roof structure has a triangular shape, which catches the wind and adds to the weight of the roof, increasing the overall stress on the roofing structure while resulting in missing and lifted shingles.
2. Not Ideal For Areas With Heavy Snowfall
Gable roofs are not typically recommended for regions with heavy snowfall due to their uneven weight distribution. Their irregular and lightweight design can contribute to potential roof damage, including water leaks and ice dams.
3. Hip Roofs
Hip roofs are the second most prevalent roof type after gable roofs. Unlike gable roofs, hip roofs are sloped on four sides, creating a ridge at the top. They are more complex in structure and features, which makes them more resilient against wind and storms. Hip roofs have a unique identity among roof types for their unique style and design. They are aesthetically pleasing and can complement any architectural design. They also come in various styles, colors, and designs to complement any home or building.
Pros
1. Wind-resistant
One of the advantages of the hip roof is its wind resistance. For their complex design and durability, hip roofs stand strong against natural events, whether it be intense wind or snowstorms.
2. Excellent Drainage
The primary motive behind homeowners installing a roof with s slope is to drain water effortlessly without any structural damage, and for that, hip roofs prove to be the right choice. The credit goes to their four-sided sloped structure, which allows water to shed off the roof with no obstacles in the way. Therefore, hip roofs function better than some other roofing styles in areas with high levels of rain and snow.
3. Aesthetically Pleasing
Many homeowners find hip roofs aesthetically pleasing, thanks to their classic and elegant appearance. The sloping side of the roof gives homes a distinctive look that enhances their overall appeal. Being visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing, hip roofs complement nearly every home.
Cons
1. More Expensive To Build
Hip roofs are complex in design and structure. They require more materials to build and, therefore, more time and labor, which ultimately increases the overall installation cost. Since the roofing materials used for this roofing system are often durable and wind-resistant, they add to the overall cost.
2. May Require More Maintenance
Maintaining hip roofs is a tough DIY process. Hip roofs are hard to assess for the ground, and they’re tricky to access, so only hire skilled and experienced roofers to maintain and inspect your roofing system.
4. Mansard Roof
A mansard roof is one of the most classic and elegant roof types dating back to early French architecture and is also known as the hipped-gambrel roof. By adding more space to your home and building, the mansard roof increases your home’s aesthetic appeal while also increasing its sale value. These roofs are valued more for the aesthetic presence it adds. If you are looking to add more living or storage space to your home, a more elegant and classic look, or a better aesthetic appeal, mansard roofs are the right choice.
Although not as common in the United States, and perhaps unfamiliar to some, many homeowners choose to install these roofs due to their unique appeal. Before opting for this type of roof, it’s essential to understand the advantages and potential challenges it may present for your home.
Pros
1. Provides Additional Living Space
Mansard roofs, unlike many other roofing styles, provide additional attic space in a home. Their increased vertical height and expanded attic area make them an excellent option for properties with limited floor space. By offering more functional space in your home or building, a mansard roof allows for various uses, such as creating a gym.
2. Ideal For Adding Dormer Windows
Modern mansard roofs are well-suited for incorporating dormer windows into an attic space. Dormer windows enhance the aesthetic appeal of the roof, while also allowing more natural light and fresh air to enter the space.
3. Adds A Unique Aesthetic Appeal
A mansard roof adds aesthetic appeal to a home through its distinct design and architectural elements. The combination of its nearly vertical lower slope and a flatter upper slope creates a visually striking profile that sets it apart from other roof types. This unique design can complement various architectural styles, adding character and elegance to a home.
Cons
1. More Expensive To Build
While mansard roofs look pleasing, add usable space, and increase a property’s resale value, they are more expensive to build than other roof types. This is because they are more complex, use more materials and labor, and require more time and energy, resulting in a more expensive roof installation.
2. Require Additional Maintenance
It is true that mansard roofs aren’t easy to maintain and require professional maintenance. While mansard roof designs aren’t completely flat, their shallow second slope tends to hold water, debris, and accumulated snow for longer, which results in water leaks and more damage.
5. Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is a roof style that has two slopes on each side of the roof, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope. The gambrel roof style is often associated with traditional barns but can be found on other types of buildings, such as homes and commercial structures.
The gambrel roof design is similar to a mansard roof but while a mansard roof has a roof that slopes on each side of the building, a gambrel roof only has two sides that slope downward. This design also provides more living space on the upper floor of a building while still maintaining a traditional and rustic look.
Pros
1. Provides Additional Space
A gambrel roof’s design offers a roomier upper floor, providing increased comfort and additional space for living or storage. Furthermore, the roof’s steep lower slope makes it possible to incorporate windows or dormers, allowing for more natural light and fresh air to enter the space.
2. Adds A Classic Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to providing more space and natural light, the gambrel roof is also an attractive architectural feature that adds visual interest and character to a building.
3. Easy To Build
In contrast to hip and mansard roofs, gambrel roofs are easier to build and maintain. Since they have a simple design, they require fewer materials and less complex framing.
Cons
1. More Susceptible To Wind Damage
The design of the roof makes them more susceptible to wind damage. If the gambrel roof is not properly constructed and reinforced, it may be more prone to wind uplift and even begin to pull away from the building.
2. Not Ideal For Areas With Heavy Snowfall
The design and size of the roof may hold snow for a longer period of time, which eventually leads to ice dams and water leaks. This is especially true in areas with heavy snowfall, where the chances of ice dams are always high.
Hire The Most Trusted Roofers In Ohio To Install Your Roof
If you want to install or replace a roof on your home or office, hire the most trusted roofers in Ohio. At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we have a skilled, trusted, and experienced team of roofers who you can trust and rely on. No matter the style of roof you want on your home, we can handle the installation. Call us today at (937)-902-2839 for a free consultation with one of our experts.
