Property still seems to be one of the most solid investments that one can make, especially considering the volatility of stock and cryptocurrency options. This simple fact has driven countless Americans to look at their home, and start figuring out how they can improve it to increase its value. Whether that’s for resale, or simply to change the appearance of your house from the street, improving your property is still a worthwhile investment.

 

They say that the foundation of a building is it’s most important aspect, although if you’ve ever lived without a roof, or with a broken roof, then you may think otherwise. Having a suitable roof on your home not only keeps the weather out, but also provides a range of other benefits. Although picking the right roof isn’t just about aesthetics, there are several aspects to each roof type which should be considered.

 

As a roofing company in Phoenix we believe in empowering our customers with the information they need to make informed decisions about the roof on their home. Here’s a look at the different roof shapes out there, and the benefits of each type.

Gable Roof

With their roots in ancient Greece, gable roofs are a tried and true type of roof which is effective at keeping rain out. Simply put, a gable roof consists of two sections in which the upper horizontal edges meet to form its ridge. As the water can only slide off the two sides of the house, this type of roof requires less guttering than most other types. Due to their simplicity, gable roofs tend to be quite a lot cheaper than the other types too.

 

This is a classical style of roof which particularly suits those more classically styled houses.

Hip Roof

Similar to the gable roof, except with two more sections on either end, meaning that the sides slope down to all four walls. Despite the aesthetic similarities with the gable roof, the hip roof didn’t come about until the 18th century. These kinds of roofs are also more stable than gables, with the inward slope on each side making a sturdy pyramid-like shape. These are much more effective in snowy areas, or those areas which experience bouts of heavy rainfall.

 

Hip roofs have become a generic shape in roofing, and suit any and every type of modern home. Although we don’t have much in the way of rain or snowfall, hip roofs prove to be a popular choice at our roofing company in Phoenix.

Flat Roof

As the name suggests, these are simply a flat surface on the top of a building, and offer little to no aesthetic apparel, except to extreme minimalists. Flat roofs are typically seen in cities, especially on top of taller buildings where the roof is mostly invisible from the street. The main benefit of a flat roof is it’s price, they tend to cost thousands, even tens of thousands, less than other roof types.

 

The flat roof can look strange on classical homes, and suits more Bauhaus-style or boxier houses.

Shed Roof

Similar to the flat roof, instead with an incline to one side, the shed roof is gaining popularity in recent years for its appearance on modern homes. They also offer the benefit of not allowing water to pool on the roof, and can also be suitable in areas which experience moderate snowfall. Shed roofs also allow for a variety of different roofing materials, as well as the installation of things like skylights and solar panels.

 

Although they look simple, these roofs have proven to be an excellent addition to contemporary homes, while still also matching those barn-house style homes.

Gambrel Roof

Speaking of barn-house style homes, the gambrel roof is the exact shape you’d imagine a barn roof to be. They are a type of two-sided roof which is characterized by vertical gable ends and two slopes on each side. This means that they function similarly to gable roofs, but also offer a unique aesthetic quality.

 

Gambrel roofs only really suit those ranches and farm-style houses in rural areas, and would simply look out of place in suburban or urban areas.

Other Types

These are just some of the more common roof types, there are a few others out there with their own unique looks and features, including:

 

  • Dutch roof
  • Mansard roof
  • Butterfly roof
  • Dormer roof
  • M-shaped roof
  • And more…

 

Be sure to visit us or contact us at our roofing company in Phoenix for advice on the roof of your current or new home, and if you’re located elsewhere, do your due diligence to find a company with both expertise and experience.