Types of roofs you didn’t know about – and which is the best for you?

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. You need to make sure it’s structurally sound, water right and well-insulated. A problem with the roof can lead to numerous problems with the property later on. If you are renovating your home or looking to a buy new property, you might need to take a closer look at the roof. Here are the different types of roofs around and their pros and cons.

 

Gable roofs

The gable roof is also known as a pitched or peaked roof and is one of the most popular models in the UK. Their triangular shape sheds water and snow easily and provides more space in the attic. A gable roof adds a beautiful feature to the outside of your property and gives it an old-fashioned element.

However, gable roofs can be a problem with high winds  – especially if the frames are not properly constructed with supports. High winds can cause materials to peel away and uplifts to form underneath the roof. You can cover gable roofs in pretty much any material, including asphalt composition shingles, metal, clay and concrete tiles. If you’re after a specific look for the exterior of your home, gable roofs provide plenty of flexibility. You can customise them in multiple ways.

 

Hip roof

A hip roof has slopes on all four sides and comes together to form a ridge at the top. Hip roofs are much more stable than gable roofs, and the inward slope provides durability. The hip roof allows snow to slide off with no standing water if you live in a snowy area.

You can pitch the roof to an 18.5-degree angle if you live in an area with high winds. Just bear in mind that hip roofs can be a little more expensive and complex in design. You may have to buy more building materials for the construction process. There are more seams in hip roofs, and therefore, more places for water to leak into the valleys. You can use additional roof membranes to seal these areas and reduce the risk of leaks.

 

Flat roof

The flat roof has a slight pitch to allow water to run off, even though it looks completely flat. They are often used in commercial or industrial buildings – such as on the top of high-rise apartment buildings.

Flat roofs offer additional living space on top of the house –  like a patio or garden. People often store heating and cooling units on flat roofs to keep them out of sight. Flat roofs are not recommended in high rainfall and snowfall areas, as they are more susceptible to leaks.

Consider where you live and the style of your property when choosing a roof.