With all the attention paid here to roofing materials, one aspect of a home’s roof has been overlooked: the style. Different architectural styles make a difference to the kind of roofing materials that would be appropriate for the home. Here’s a brief explanation of some of the most common styles of residential roofs.
Gable Roof
Probably the most common type of roof, the gable roof features two sloping sides that meet at a peak or ridge. These sides form a triangle, the gable shape. The slope of the two sides can vary, depending on the conditions prevalent in the area. In colder climates, the slope will be steeper to allow snow to slide off. In areas like Orlando, the pitch will be shallower to withstand winds.
Hip Roof
While a gable roof has two sloping sides, a hip roof features four. This configuration creates a pyramid shape. As with a shallow pitch, this style can withstand higher winds. The construction of a hip roof is more complicated than a gable, but provides more architectural options.
Mansard Roof
A mansard roof features two slopes on each side, the lower slope much steeper than the upper. Because they were popular in France during the 17th Century, mansard roofs are often called “French roofs.” Homes that will convert attic space into living space often use a mansard roof.
Flat Roof
Mostly used for commercial structures, flat roofs feature little to no slope at all. Careful attention must be paid to proper drainage in order to prevent water pooling on the flat surface, eventually causing leaks.
Shed Roof
A shed roof features a single slope. These roofs are often used for additions to existing structures, porches, and other small-scale buildings. They are useful, but might not be as visually appealing as the other more complicated designs.
Gambrel Roof
The gambrel roof, like the mansard, uses two slopes on each side. The lower slope of the gambrel, however, is not as steep as the lower slope of the mansard. Most people associate the gambrel roof with barns. This design provides a lot of usable space up top.
Contact Us
No matter your Orlando home’s roof style (or combination of styles), if you have experienced damage to your roof or suspect that the roof needs to be repaired or replaced, contact us at JA Edwards of America. We can assess the situation and make the best recommendations for your home’s roof style.