Different Types of Roofs

10 Different Roof Types

The article you’ve provided is a fantastic resource for roofing contractors to use when discussing roof types with their customers. It breaks down complex information into easily digestible segments and uses relatable examples (like a child’s drawing for a gable roof).

To enhance its utility as a “guide to help you navigate these discussions,” I’ll restructure and refine it to be even more customer-centric and flow naturally as a conversation point. I’ll also add a few more details that a customer might ask about or that a contractor would naturally mention.

Here’s the refined version, framed as a tool for a roofing contractor:

 

Guiding Your Customers: Understanding Pitched vs. Flat Roof Structures for Homes & Businesses

 

As a roofing contractor, your role extends beyond installation; it’s about being a trusted advisor. While the myriad of roofing options might be second nature to you, customers often feel overwhelmed when faced with such a significant decision for their home or business.

This article is designed as a practical guide to help you navigate these crucial discussions with your clients. We’ll explore the two primary categories of roof structures – pitched roofs and flat roofs – and delve into their various subcategories, highlighting key features, benefits, and considerations. By using this guide, you can confidently advise your customers, ensuring they choose the best roof for their specific needs.

Let’s take a closer look at these essential types of roof structures.

 

Understanding Pitched Roof Structures

 

Pitched roofs, characterized by their sloped surfaces, are commonly found on residential and many commercial buildings.1 Their design allows for efficient water and snow runoff, making them a popular choice in various climates. Most pitched roofs can be built using common and versatile materials like asphalt shingles, metal panels, and various types of tiles.

 

Here are some of the popular pitched roof structures you’ll discuss with your customers:

 

1. Gable Roof

 

  • Description: This is often the first roof type a child draws – a simple triangle! It features two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, creating a triangular wall (the gable) at each end.2 Variations include the box gable (where the gable extends beyond the walls) and the clipped gable (where the peak is slightly cut off).3

     

  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Simplicity & Cost-Effectiveness: Its straightforward design, requiring only two main roof beams, makes it one of the most economical roof structures to build.4

       

    • Drainage: Excellent at shedding rain and snow efficiently.5

       

    • Attic Space: Provides ample attic space, which can be beneficial for storage or even converted into living space.
    • Wind Vulnerability: Be transparent that while simple, the large flat gable ends can be more susceptible to strong winds if not properly braced or designed for high-wind areas.6

       

 

2. Hip Roof

 

  • Description: Modeled somewhat after a pyramid, a hip roof has slopes on all four sides that meet at a central ridge (for rectangular homes) or a single peak (for square homes).7 It lacks the vertical end walls of a gable roof.

     

  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Stability & Wind Resistance: Its inward-sloping design makes it very stable and highly resistant to wind uplift, making it a popular choice in hurricane-prone regions.
    • Aesthetics: Offers a consistent, symmetrical look from all angles, often perceived as more sophisticated.
    • Drainage: Efficiently sheds water from all four sides.
    • Cost: Generally costs more than a standard gable roof due to its increased complexity in framing and the need for more complex gutter systems.8

       

    • Attic Space: Typically offers less usable attic space than a gable roof.

 

3. Dutch Gable Roof

 

  • Description: This is a clever hybrid of hip and gable styles. It features a traditional hip roof structure with a small gable positioned on top of one or both hip ends.9

     

  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Natural Light & Space: The small gables allow for the installation of windows, letting in more natural sunlight and potentially providing a bit more usable attic or storage space compared to a pure hip roof.
    • Aesthetics: Offers a unique architectural detail, combining the stability of a hip roof with the visual interest of a gable.10

       

    • Ventilation: The gable vents can improve attic ventilation.11

       

 

4. Dormer Roof

 

  • Description: Dormer roofs aren’t a standalone roof type but rather an addition to a pitched roof structure. They create small, roofed sections that project vertically from the main roof slope, typically featuring a window.
  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Increased Living Space: Primarily used to add usable space (headroom and floor area) to an attic or upper floor.
    • Natural Light & Views: The windows in dormers bring natural light and views into otherwise dark attic spaces.12

       

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Can add significant architectural character and curb appeal to a home.
    • Complexity & Cost: Adding dormers increases the complexity of the roof framing and can be a costly addition due to the extra labor and materials. They also introduce more potential areas for leaks if not properly flashed.

 

5. Skillion Roof (Shed Roof)

 

  • Description: Also known as a “shed roof” or “lean-to roof,” a skillion roof consists of a single, flat panel that slants over the entire structure. It has one high wall and one low wall.
  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Simplicity & Materials: Requires less material to build, making it a cost-effective option for certain designs.13

       

    • Drainage: The single, pronounced slant allows for incredibly efficient runoff of rain and snow.14

       

    • Modern Aesthetic: Often featured in contemporary or minimalist architectural designs.15

       

    • Ceiling Height: Can create dramatic, high ceilings on one side of the structure.
    • Attic Space: Offers virtually no attic space.

 

6. Gambrel Roof

 

  • Description: Easily recognizable on farmhouses, log cabins, and barns, the gambrel roof is a classic old-world structure.16 It’s similar to a gable roof but features two distinct slopes on each side that join at a central ridge, with the lower slope being much steeper than the upper.17

     

  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Maximized Headroom: The steep lower slopes create a vast amount of usable space in the attic or upper floor, often allowing for a full living area.
    • Rustic Appeal: Delivers a charming, traditional, and often rustic aesthetic.
    • Simpler Framing: Can be simpler to frame than some other complex roof types.
    • Wind Vulnerability: The large, steep surfaces can be vulnerable to high winds, similar to gables, especially if not adequately braced.

 

7. M-Shaped Roof

 

  • Description: True to its name, this roof design visually resembles the letter “M.” It’s essentially two gable roofs pushed together, creating two sloped sides that meet in the middle at a valley, with additional slopes on either side.
  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Symmetry & Aesthetics: Offers a distinctive, symmetrical appearance that can enhance curb appeal.
    • Drainage: The central valley collects water, which can be efficiently directed to drainage points.
    • Challenges with Valleys: While providing a unique look, the central valley can be prone to debris accumulation and potential leaks if not meticulously installed and regularly maintained.18 Emphasize the need for proper flashing and skilled installation.

       

 

Understanding Flat Roof Structures

 

Flat roof structures can be found on both residential and commercial buildings. While called “flat,” they always have a slight pitch to ensure proper water drainage. These roofs typically utilize specific membranes for waterproofing.

Here are the primary flat and low-slope roof structures you’ll encounter:

 

1. Flat Roof

 

  • Description: As the name implies, these roofs are mostly level, with a slight, almost imperceptible pitch to direct water toward drains. They are commonly seen on commercial buildings but also on modern residential homes or additions.
  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Space Utilization: Can be used as valuable outdoor space for decks, patios, or green roofs.19 They also efficiently hide HVAC units.

       

    • Cost-Effective for Large Areas: Can be more cost-effective to build for large commercial buildings due to simpler framing.
    • Maintenance & Drainage: Crucially, they require meticulous waterproofing and consistent maintenance to prevent water pooling, which can lead to leaks, rot, or mildew over time.20 Discuss materials like EPDM rubber, TPO, PVC, Modified Bitumen, and Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) as viable options.

       

 

2. Mansard Roof

 

  • Description: A classic “old roof structure,” the mansard roof is shaped almost like a trapezoid.21 It has four pitched sides, each with two slopes, where the lower slope is very steep and the upper slope is very shallow, often joining at a flat rectangular top.

     

  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Maximized Interior Space: The design allows the attic of a building to be large enough to potentially convert into additional living space. It offers a unique way to add a full story under the roof.
    • Architectural Style: Provides a timeless, elegant, and distinctly old-French aesthetic.
    • Drainage Challenges: Be upfront that the low pitch of the upper sections and complex angles can make them prone to water pooling and ice damming in colder climates, potentially leading to cracks and leaks over time if not expertly installed and maintained.22

       

 

3. Butterfly Roof

 

  • Description: A unique and visually striking design, the butterfly roof is technically a hybrid, featuring both pitched and flat elements.23 It consists of two roof sections that pitch inward, creating a distinct “V” shape with a flat valley at the center.

     

  • Key Discussion Points for Customers:
    • Modern Aesthetics: Highly popular in modern and contemporary architecture, offering a dramatic and eye-catching appearance.24

       

    • Water Collection: The central valley efficiently collects rainwater, which can be easily connected to a central drainage spout, making it ideal for rainwater harvesting.
    • Natural Light: The elevated outer edges can allow for large windows, maximizing natural light.25

       

    • Drainage Vulnerability: Like all roofs with internal valleys, the central gutter requires meticulous design, installation, and regular cleaning to prevent blockages, pooling, and leaks. This is especially true for areas with heavy debris. Common in the Southwest U.S., particularly Southern California, where its design often suits drier climates with occasional heavy downpours.26

       

 

Keeping Your Roofing Business Profitable

 

In today’s market, contractors face increasing costs; research indicates that 80% of roofers have seen a 10% increase in labor costs over the last two years.27 Beyond material and design knowledge, leveraging modern tools is essential for profitability. Roofing software can significantly enhance efficiency and provide valuable business insights.28

 

Roofing software can:

  • Integrate seamlessly with other business tools.
  • Eliminate repetitive work through task automation.
  • Help you beat the competition with faster and more accurate bids.
  • Provide real-time access to project data across all synced devices.

 

Empowering Your Customers with Knowledge

 

Staying familiar with the diverse types of roofs your customers might desire is fundamental to the success of your roofing business. Your customers will undoubtedly appreciate your knowledge and expertise as you guide them in choosing the best type of roof for their specific situation. The goal is to help them understand what roof will best meet their needs, rather than simply overwhelming them with options.

To recap, there are two main types of roofs: pitched roof structures and flat roof structures. Within these, you’ll commonly encounter designs like: gable, hip, Dutch, dormer, skillion (shed), gambrel, M-shaped, flat, mansard, and butterfly roofs. Each has its own unique set of pros and cons that you can expertly explain.

We encourage you to share your experiences: What roof types are the most popular with customers at your roofing business? Let us know in the comments below!