By Dixie Somers
As you consider the architecture for the dream house you're building, make sure that you're spending enough time thinking about the roof. The roof can account for almost half of the exterior, so it carries plenty of weight in terms of your home's appeal.
One aspect of roofs that's important to cover is the design type that you're going to work with. There are several shapes to choose from, all with different impacts in terms of aesthetics, support, and maintenance.
Gable Roof
This is by far one of the most popular roof types. It's also one of the simplest ones. Imagine a triangle, and the shape's base lies above all the lower parts of the house. This triangle's sides elevate towards the ridge. The slope of a gable roof can vary considerably. This design works well on many different house styles, and is a timeless classic.
Gambrel Roof
Homes with gambrel roofs often resemble barns. The sides of a gambrel roof both have a gentle slope and a steep slope. The steep slopes are easy to see, enabling the second floor to function as a loft or an attic. You can also install side windows for increased natural lighting.
Hip Roof
Most depictions of this roof design style contain four slopes of equal length coming together to form a ridge. Some versions of the design are considered "half-hips", which have two sides that are shorter than the others. This type of style enhances your roof's visibility, so you'll want to take that into account when picking out shingles.
With a hip roof, it's clear that most of the structure is visible from the ground. This means that the materials and color of your roof's shingles contribute a lot to your exterior. This means the importance of roofing maintenance cannot be understated. It would be wise to contact a roofing and construction company to get preventative routine maintenance carried out.
Mansard Roof
This design's four sides and their steep double slopes hail from French architecture. This style was picked up in the United States due to the design's penchant for taking advantage of the upper story, where the interior can be spacious enough for a full attic and numerous windows.
Shed Roof
This modern design consists of one big slope, stretching from one side of the house down to towards the opposite edge. People who choose this roof style typically like to set up porches and similar add-ons. This peculiar roof design gives you an opportunity to install windows in unique arrangements to set your house apart from the rest.
See what's out there before you settle on anything. Roofing companies will have a dizzying number of options for you to choose. When selecting a roof design, keep in mind how it will work within the rest of your property to prevent or exacerbate roof-related problems like leaks, standing water, shingle damage, and others, so you, your house, and your roof can enjoy a long, happy relationship.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.
