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Basic Types of Roofs

The construction of all buildings must include roofs. For each building's specific architectural purposes and aesthetics, a different style of roof is required. To achieve architectural objectives, architects and designers experiment with unusual roof designs, forms, and materials.

Gable Roof

The triangle created where the two pitched portions of the roof meet are referred to as the "gable". 

The gable roof is a highly common kind of roof because it is simple to construct, effectively sheds water, allows for ventilation, and can be used with most building designs. The most typical type of roof in the world is the gable; it has two sloping sides in addition to a horizontal frame. 

A gable roof is preferred since it is convenient and economical; due to its ability to endure wind and rain, gable roofs are appropriate for structures in many different climates. A cross-gable roof is a design featuring two or more gable roof ridges that intersect at an angle, most commonly perpendicular to each other.

This style of roof is frequently found in structures with more complicated layouts, such as residences with attached garages. The sole difference between an open gable roof and a box gable roof is the boxed-off sides on either end. The ends of this style of roof are left open so that they can immediately touch the walls. The decision is solely based on looks; neither has any further advantages.

Hip Roof

Hip roofs typically have four sides and are a little more challenging to construct. Despite being a popular option, it lacks ventilation. Hip roofs function better in locations with heavy winds; they are a typical choice for residential roofing and have slanted panels on each of their sides. Some hip roof structures have a pyramid-like appearance, with all the sides coming together at a high point. 

The self-bracing design of a hip roof makes it more durable than a gable roof. For areas affected by hurricanes, a hip roof is advised. Hip roofs are harder to maintain due to the more intricate components. The roof slope of a structure with a pyramid hip roof is equivalent to one with a conventional hip roof since square walls are utilised in place of rectangles. This type of roof's great wind resistance makes it ideal for areas subject to heavy winds or hurricanes.

Dutch Roof

In essence, Dutch roofs are hip roofs with little gable ends. Now that the lowest portion of the roof is easier to access, there is more space and natural light as well. 

The Dutch gable (hip) roof combines elements of both gable and hip roofs. It features a complete or partial gable at the end of the roof's ridge, which increases the amount of internal roof space. Additionally, this design enhances the roof's appearance, offering a more appealing and unique look compared to a conventional hip roof.

Mansard Roof

The French design of a mansard roof is more challenging to construct than the hip or gable roof, as the mansard roof has two slopes on each side. The roof pitch hardly forms since the lowest portion of the roof slope is steeper; this gives the inside of the roof more space to be used. 

Although the extra two slopes are built at the extremities of the roof, mansard roofs have a similar appearance to gambrel roofs. Mansard roofs are common in historic structures, particularly in French Baroque architecture. A mansard roof offers extra room beneath the roof, which is perfect for adding ceiling-height living space. In essence, bonnet roofs are mansard roof that has been reversed. 

A bonnet roof, often referred to as kicked eaves, has four sides with a high upper slope and a softer lower slope, covering the borders of the house for a porch. Although this design is more frequently found in structures from the 1700s, current builders frequently consider it to be out of date.

Flat Roof

Most flat roofs have low-sloped roofs with a little slope to permit run-off water, although seeming to be level. Flat roofs are a common feature in Egyptian, Arabian, and Persian architectural designs. The design is ideal for warm or dry locations. The roof protects the residents from the sun and heat - however, it is not advised for areas with a lot of rainfall.

Shed Roof

Shed roofs, which are similar to flat roofs but have a steeper pitch, are commonly used for expansions or in conjunction with other roof forms. The shed roof is one of the most common roof styles found in modern homes. 

The roof is largely level with a little inclination. Its asymmetrical form provides it with a trendy appearance that is appropriate for small urban houses. Small particles, on the other hand, may easily agglomerate due to the low slope.

Butterfly Roof

This is a highly contemporary design with a distinctive appearance. Although it has good ventilation and lighting, drainage is an issue. A butterfly roof resembles a conventional gable roof turned upside down. When viewed from a distance, the fundamental pattern resembles the letter "V" (or a butterfly's wings). This style of roof gained popularity in the 20th century, and many architects like experimenting with it.

Gambrel Roof

Due to its widespread use on barns, it is also known as a barn roof. The attic has more headroom as a result. Buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in Europe and North America, often had gambrel roofs. Four panels make up this roof, with the top two creating the top peak. Farmhouses, barns, and dormitories frequently have gabled roofs. The form of the roof creates more room beneath it; the plan is also affordable and simple to build.

Dormer Roof

A dormer is more like a roof that has already been there. It consists of a window and a roof - gabled, hipped, flat, among other types - that protrude from the roof's current pitch. 

With the addition of natural light and headroom, a useful dormer carves out useable space from the roof. A window in a dormer extends vertically from a conventionally pitched roof, giving the roof a longer window. This style of roof is most frequently used in loft conversions since it gives converted loft rooms a simple method to extend their area and natural light.

M-Shaped Roof

A double gable roof, essentially an M-shaped roof, features two sloping sides that meet in the middle, with similar slopes on either side. 

This double-pitched roof, or double gable, is supported by two bearing walls and an M-shaped intersection of two sloping walls at the centre. A central gutter runs between the two pitches, preventing the accumulation of snow or rain during the winter.

Saltbox Roof

A residential building with a gable roof and often two levels up front and one down rear are known as saltbox homes. The name of this old New England-style home, which was originally built with lumber, refers to how it resembles a wooden lidded box used to store salt. 

Its asymmetrical form has a gable in the centre and a lean-to on one side with a flat roof on the other; despite being more common in older colonial-style homes, this distinctive robust roofing form is now regularly seen on industrial buildings and garages.