5 Common Roof Styles Explained

In addition to selecting the right roofing material and color, it is important to consider the shape and slope of a roof when designing a home. While homeowners often leave the calculations to their roofing company, it certainly does not hurt to inform yourself about your choices. 

Here, we down five of the most common roofing types in this blog post.

1. Gable Roof

The gable is a roof design that is popular in residential applications. It is a roof where two sides slope downward toward the walls. Its main purpose is to protect the entire home and its residents from the onslaught of weather.

2. Gambrel Roof

A gambrel roof has two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle while the lower one is steeply sloped. Because the steep sections of this roof design are very visible, homeowners should meticulously consider the appearance of the shingles.

3. Hip Roof

All sides of a hip roof slope downward to the walls at a slightly gentle angle. It has no gables or vertical sides. You can expect this type of roof to be one of your more durable options.

4. Mansard Roof

The Louvre Museum in Paris is a great example of a mansard roof, which is sometimes called a French roof. This roof design features two slopes on each side. The lower slope is positioned at a steeper angle than the upper slope.

5. Flat Roof

Flat roofs used to be only found on commercial buildings and industrial complexes. But several mid-century modern architects in the 1940s to 1970s created residences using flat roofs. Basically, this roof features a horizontal base that is fixed to the ceiling joists. Keep in mind that flat roofs are not completely flat as they require some incline to allow for drainage.

Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. is a GAF Master Elite® Roofing Contractor. You can rely on our professional team to repair, maintain or replace your slope or flat roofing. Contact us at (905) 875-2888, or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.