So, you’ve decided that the next area of your house that is going to undergo renovation is the roof. Great choice. A new roof can not only dramatically change the appearance of your home from the outside, but it can also bring huge benefits to the inside as well such as reduced energy bills and an increase in space.
Picking the shape that you want is a decision that can be influenced by many factors. Obviously, your location will play a huge part as what is good in sun-drenched California may not be good in windy Chicago. Roof cost comes into it, as does the area in which your live – you might end up looking pretty out of place if you opt for a flat roof on a street full of gables.
To help get you started, we’ve put together this list of four different roof shapes that you might want to consider for your new roof.
Flat roof
Have you noticed that over the last few years, flat roofs are becoming more and more popular? There are many reasons for this. The biggest is that the human race is becoming more ecologically aware with each passing day. Some studies suggest that up to 70 percent of Americans believe that the environment is more important than economic growth. As a result, we’re all looking for ways in which we can help save the planet and reduce our carbon footprints.
A flat roof can help do this as it can significantly increase the amount of surface area your property has available upon which effective solar panels can be installed. With a traditional roof, there’s little point covering a north facing roof with panels as they won’t receive enough sun. A flat roof, however, eliminates that problem as any panels you install can be constantly bathed in sunlight.
That isn’t the only advantage of a flat roof either. Because it’s flat, it becomes an extension of your home. You could install a garden up there, use it to house a water tank or just have it as place to go and relax with a good book while watching the sun go down at the end of a long day.
You might think that converting to a flat roof sounds difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of the best roofing contractors such as All Star Roofing in Tampa, FL who are vastly experienced in such projects.
Pyramid Hip roof
A Pyramid Hip roof is, unsurprisingly given the name, a structure inspired by the famous Egyptian Pyramids. It is also the simplest to build as four slanting sides meet at one point at the top which provides the tip.
A Pyramid Hip is a good choice for those living in warmer climates thanks to their eaves. These eaves are where the roof overhangs the building slightly. This is a necessity for the pyramid structure to work. Providing shade to the actual house itself, keeping it cool on a hot summer’s day.
Gable roof
The Gable is the most commonly seen type of roof and one that is embedded in our conscience. Whenever you draw a picture of a stick house, that’s a Gable roof you are putting on it. The basic premise of a Gable is that it is two slopes which come together to meet at the top and there are many different varieties ranging from a front gable, cross gable and the Flemish (Dutch) gable.
Why are they such a popular roofing? Well, they are suitable for any climate. Snow will slide off them, rain run down them, and sunlight be repelled by the them. They’re highly affordable to install and as we’ve already noted, there is such variety that you could build one in a town full of Gable roofs and still have a structure that stood out.
Curved roof
If you are looking for something unique and modern, then go for a curved roof. They can have a big effect on how your home feels through the way in which they control the temperature. They are also aesthetically pleasing.
Because they are curved, they receive less sunlight. Meaning that in the middle of summer your home won’t become a suntrap. That can be particularly useful if you happen to live in one of America’s hottest cities.
Curved roofs are highly customizable, depending on your preferences and location. Those who live in a windy area may need a curve with a lower slope. While those in areas with more extreme weather during winter, can install a curve that works almost like a snow shovel. Keeping themselves free of snow and ice during the winter.
This post is a collaborative effort that may contain relevant and resourceful affiliate links. All opinions are our own and for informational purposes.