Types of Roofs
Your Guide to Roofs and Gutters
Choosing between types of roofs is easier with the right information. Some roof types like the shingle roof and tile roof are a matter of preference, whereas other types of roofs like hipped, cross hipped and gable types will be dictated by the shape of your home. This article will outline these distinctions and provide some tips for choosing between types of roofs.
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The roof types that are determined by the shape of your home are the hipped and cross hipped and gable roof types. The hipped roof is composed of four flat surfaces, one for each of the sides of a four-sided house. The longer two sides of the roof meet in the top middle and the short two sides slant inwards to the create a triangle. The cross hipped roof types are an adaptation of the hipped roof, designed for homes shaped like the letter L. Either of these varieties are especially useful in high-wind or hurricane areas, but because of the triangular sides, offer less internal space and may require more gutters. A gable roof only has two surfaces, one for each side of the house. The gable roof is the most economical as it requires less material, but is ill-adapted to high-wind areas because more edges are exposed and, because of the extra space it creates, may require more energy efficient windows or replacement windows.
The shingle roof is the most popular choice in US roof types. It can be made from asphalt or from wood, however, the wood shingle roof is dangerous for areas like Southern California prone to fires. Most fiberglass asphalt shingles earn the best fire safety ratings and are available in almost any roof types, shapes and colors– if you’d like to match them to curtains and drapes. Tile shingles, whether they are clay or concrete, are a durable material. Round tile roof types are frequently seen on Spanish-style homes, but a flat tile roof is also popular in areas. A tile roof is also available in a variety of colors.
