Shopping for a roof type can feel as complicated as shopping for a car. So many different types have various benefits and costs to consider, like gambrel roofs, mansard roofs, Dutch gable roofs, and clipped gable roofs. So how do you decide which type of roof is best for your home?
If you’re considering a build or roof replacement, we’re here to offer some insight.
We’ll try to narrow down the most common types of roofs for homeowners and break down the pros and cons of each one. We’ll also break down the cost so you can find the new roof that fits your style choice and your budget.
Gable Roof
The gable roof is the most basic roof. If you’ve ever built a gingerbread house with a simple two-piece roof that meets at a diagonal angle, you’ve built a gable roof.
Pros
Gable style roofs are great if you live in an area with lots of snow or rain since the diagonal angle allows for water and snow runoff.
The steep roof angle allows extra attic space like a dormer roof.
Cons
The gable roof is not as wind-resistant as other roof styles. Be careful not to construct too much of an overhang, since wind can gather underneath a gable roof and cause the roof start detaching.
Cost
A gable roof can cost between $6 to $9 per square inch of roof.
Butterfly Roof
Butterfly roofs are inverted gable roofs. Instead of the roof pointing upward, it points downward, like a “V.” The two sides’ meeting point can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, with a center or off-center valley.
Pros
A butterfly roof is an aesthetically pleasing roof design. They also allow for higher-perimeter walls, so more natural light can get in through windows, and allows better air ventilation.
Cons
A butterfly roof requires a larger installation crew and will require consistent maintenance.
This roof shape will not last long in an area with a lot of heavy rain or snowfall since too much accumulation in the central valley can cause a collapse.
Cost
A butterfly roof can cost around $5,000 for a 1,600-square-foot roof.
Hip Roof
The hip roof often goes head-to-head with the gable roof as the most common house roof. With this roof style, all the sides slope downward from a single point to the walls, shaped almost like pyramid roofs. Variations of the hip roof include the gambrel roof, Dutch gable roof, and mansard roof.
Pros
Hip roofs have greater wind resistance than most roof styles, so they’re ideal for places where hurricanes or other seaside storms are common. The four-way slope helps keep the roof stable, and they don’t require as much diagonal bracing.
Cons
There is less room for attic space under a hip roof. They also require more roofing materials to make them sturdier, so they’ll be a more expensive choice.
A traditional hip roof has more seams in its design, so you may run the risk of springing a leak if the roofing material is not fastened or fleshed properly. Always consult a professional roofing contractor for the best results.
Cost
A hip roof usually costs between $8 and $12 for every square inch of roofing.
Bonnet Roof
If you’ve ever seen a house with a covered porch around the perimeter, you’ve likely seen a bonnet roof. They have four sides that meet in a peak at the top and a bit of overhang around the whole perimeter of the home.
Pros
Bonnet roofs are great for sunny or tropical locations since the overhang protects your siding from water damage and sun bleach, not to mention that the sloped sides will prevent rain or moisture buildup.
As mentioned before, the overhang provides natural cover for a porch or small patio. The tall pitch of the roof should also allow more extra attic space, making it a perfect dormer roof.
Cons
Like hip-style roofs, bonnet roofs are more partial to leaks since they require more pieces. More roofing materials also mean longer and more expensive construction from your roofing contractor.
Cost
It can cost up to $5,000 to build a new bonnet roof.
Skillion Roof
The skillion roof is one of the most unique contemporary roof styles. The butterfly roof belongs in this category of roof shapes, but it’s all about how many slopes of roofing you incorporate into your roof design.
Pros
Skillion roofs allow a lot of creative liberty. For example, you can have multiple skillion panes, oval-shaped, or split flat roof shapes, all of which create unique designs that can work to your home’s advantage.
This roof shape allows great water and snow runoff and is perfect for home additions. Plus, the isolated roof slope of each piece means not needing as many roofing components or construction time.
Cons
A skillion roof can consist of several individual flat roof panes, so there is no attic space advantage.
They do not work well in areas with heavy storms or high winds since they do not require as much structural support to maintain a four-way slope.
Cost
You can expect to pay between $6,000 and $10,000 for this roof shape.
Shed Roof
A shed roof consists of a single sloping flat roof pane. They are another variation on the skillion roof, but this time with just one piece.
Pros
The shed roof is especially popular in places with a lot of snow accumulation. They slant downward on one angle so snow cannot remain in huge amounts for too long. Plus, they simply look pretty with warm wood finishes and snowbanks.
This type of roof also allows more sunlight since you can install more windows. If you’re looking for a cost-effective roof, a shed roof would work perfectly.
Cons
A flat roof does not work for all house types. You will also need to install heavy-duty gutters to keep up with all the snow and water runoff.
Cost
Depending on the material, you can spend between $1 and $7 on each square foot on shed roofs.
Final Thoughts
A roof is a great way to pull together your home’s aesthetic style, as well. as protecting it from inclement weather. Every roof on this list has its pros and cons, but they all bring something unique to the table and they’re all affordable in some way.
