Real Roofing Results: 9 Types of Roofing Systems You Should Know About

The roof is one of the most underrated parts of a home, and yet, one among the few investments that can actually pay for itself. It has evolved steadily for decades, where thatched and tin roofs were the most popular, to the shingles and asphalt roofs we have now. When building a new home, or remodeling an old one, choosing the right roof type can be a daunting task.

There is so much more to a roof than just protecting your home from the elements. For instance, the shape of the roof you choose will play a major role in defining the overall look of your home. There are several types of roofing systems to choose from the market, and the choice you make will determine the resilience, weatherproof, and overall energy efficiency of your home.

So, what are the different types of roofing systems? In this post, we’ll be looking at 9 of the most popular types of roofing systems. This definitive guide will help you understand and pick the best roofing style for your home, garage, or place of business.

1. Butterfly Roofs

Butterfly roofs are some of the most modern types of roofing systems. They are a V-shaped roof with two tandem pieces that meet in the middle. The outer parts of the roof are angled upwards, while the inner parts meet to create a valley between them, creating a butterfly look.

These types of roofing systems are popular for eco-friendly, tropical, and modern home designs. The angle of the roofs make it possible to add more windows to the house, allowing more natural light in, which results in lower lighting bills. Even better, you can collect rainwater in the middle of the roof, and you can incorporate solar panels if you want to use renewable energy.

On the downside, it’s more expensive, given the design and maintenance may be high as well to avoid leaking in the long run.

2. Sawtooth Roofs

The sawtooth roofing system is also among the top modern roofing systems in the market. It involves two, sometimes more, pitched parallel roofs where the vertical and sloped surfaces alternate. If you look at the roof, you’ll note that it resembles the side view of a saw, which suggested the name. They were mostly used in commercial buildings in the past, but they look incredible in modern homes.

One of the best parts of this type of roofing system is that you can add a loft or opt for vaulted ceilings. Even better, you can take advantage of renewable energy and utilize solar panels, radiant heating, or geothermal systems. On the downside, though, this type of roof can be very expensive and may not be suitable for heavy snow areas.

3. Curved Roofs

Curved roofs are also getting more common with modern homes, and they provide a creative and unique roofing solution. The curve can highly vary from a curve to an arch, and it gives a very beautiful roof design. You can opt to have the curved roof cover the whole house or just sections of it, and the best part is that you can have it customized to your desires or your region.

4. Pyramid Roofs

This type of roofing system is almost like a hip roof because all the four sides of the roof come to one point at the top. It features no gables or vertical sides and is mostly used on smaller homes like bungalows or cabins.

One of the best things about pyramid roofs is that they are resistant to high winds, making them an excellent choice for high wind or hurricane-prone areas. Beyond that, you can have an attic or high ceiling with this type of roof, and with the hanging eaves, you can be assured of lower energy bills.

5. Combination Roofs

As the name suggests, combination roofs are a combination of various roofing types and designs on the same structure. For instance, it would be easy to incorporate a hip roof, gable roof, and skillion roof on one house, but in different areas. This design adds to the esthetic interests of the house, and you can use the best type of roof for all parts of your home.

On the downside, this type of roofing system can also be expensive because more designs translate to more roofing materials and higher labor costs.

6. The Gable Roof

Gable roofs, also known as peaked or pitched roofs, are among the most popular types of roofing systems. You can easily recognize them by the triangle shape, and they are a great option because they shed both water and snow very easily. They also provide space for a vaulted ceiling or an attic and more ventilation.

There are several types of gable roofs — side gable, crossed gable, front gable, and Dutch gable roofs. All these are a little different from each other in design.

7. Hip Roofs

Hip roofs are also quite common in the US. They have slopes on four sides, which are all equal in length and come together to form a ridge.

Hip roofs are an excellent choice for both snowy and high-wind areas, and the inward slope on the four sides makes them more durable and sturdy than gable roofs. There are several types of hip roofs as well, which are simple hip, half-hipped, and cross hipped.

8. The Gambrel Roof

Also known as the barn roof, the gambrel roof has two different slopes. The lower side of the roof has a steep, almost vertical slope, while the upper slope tends to be lower. Gambrel roofs are more common with Georgian style and Dutch Colonial homes, but they are also used in log cabins, farmhouses, and barns.

Gambrel roofs are a great choice if you want extra living space like a loft, an attic, or a garret. This type of roofing system is quite affordable because only two roof beams are required, and the construction is simple. It’s, however, not recommended for high wind or snowfall areas as the open design may cave under pressure.

9. The Skillion Roof

The skillion is also the shed or lean-to roof, which is usually a single, sloping roof attached to the taller wall. It’s more of an angled flat roof, or a half pitched roof. These types of roofing systems are mostly used for porches, sheds, and other home additions.

You may find them in some modern homes as well. They are affordable, easy to construct, and are an excellent choice for snow and rain areas. They are not suitable for high-wind areas, though, and when used in a home, the ceiling may be too low.

Make Your Choice From These Types of Roofing Systems

There you have it! These are some of the most common types of roofing systems and you can choose either one for your home depending on where you live, and your desires.

If you want to know more about different types of roofs and roofing materials, kindly reach out to us for assistance.

Roofing Contractor Prince Frederick, MD