Roofing plays a significant contributing role in adding curb appeal. Whether homeowners are planning new construction or want to replace their existing roofs, they need to choose things like roofing materials, colors, shapes, and slope carefully. Every roof type has something different to offer in terms of both aesthetics and practical value.

Since most roofing materials can be installed on any type of roof, it’s usually best to start out by choosing a general style. Read on to find out about eight of the most common residential roofing styles and their advantages to see which of them will be the best fit.

1. Gable Roofs

Gable roofs have a clean, simple look. They’re composed of triangles with bases resting on the house and two sides that rise up to form a ridge. Gable roofs are relatively affordable to install and quite versatile.

Homeowners who choose gable roofs can keep them simple to cut back on costs or add all kinds of flair. They can take advantage of crossed gable designs with two ridges or install front gables over entryways and can pick a roof slope that works for both their climates and their aesthetic preferences. 

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2. Hip Roofs

A standard hip roof consists of four equal-length slopes starting at each exterior wall of the home. These slopes rise to form a short, simple ridge in the center. There are also a lot of variations on standard hip roofs used by modern contractors, including:

• Half-hip roofs that feature two sides and two eaves

• Pyramid hip roofs that come to a single peak

• Hip and valley roofs

• Combination roofs

Hip roofs have a few advantages over gable roofs. They offer better performance against wind and often result in insurance discounts as a result. From a builder’s perspective, they’re also easier to build.

3. Dutch Gable Roofs

Dutch gable roofs combine some elements of standard gable styles with others from hip roofing. In appearance, they look like a miniature gable roof set atop a standard hip roof. In the architectural world, miniature gables are sometimes referred to as gablets.

This roofing style offers the best of both worlds. It has the attic space associated with gable roofs and the wind resistance of hip roofs. To add visual appeal, the gable portion can also be outfitted with windows for increased sunlight.

4. Clipped Gable Roofs

Clipped gable roofs, also known as bullnose roofs, also feature two sides that rise to meet a ridge. The difference is that the top peaks of the roof are bent in to create small hips at the end of the ridge. The hips on bullnose roofs add architectural interest and look fantastic with high-end designer tiles or shingles.

One of the best things about clipped gable roofs is that they are more energy-efficient than standard gable roofs. They retain heat better in the winter while keeping it out in the summer and can contribute to lowering residents’ carbon footprints.

5. Gambrel Roofs

Gambrel roofs, which are sometimes referred to as barn roofs, used to be associated primarily with agricultural buildings. Today, they’re found in many homes, as well. Gambrel roofs feature two slopes on each side, the top one gentle and the bottom one steeper.

Homeowners typically choose gambrel roofs for rustic-style and country homes, but the aesthetic appeal isn’t the only thing this roofing style has going for it. Gambrel roofs can also incorporate upper floors without adding an entire second story, and they’re perfect for lofts. Many homeowners also add windows to the sides of their gambrel roofs to improve the usability of their upper stories.

6. Mansard Roofs

The mansard roof style originated in France, where it was used to top the famous Louvre Museum. It features a four-sided design with double slopes and very steep lower slopes. The lower slopes are usually flat, but they can also be curved to add extra visual interest.

Mansard roofs feature an abundance of interior attic space, allowing homeowners to make full use of their upper stories. They can also be outfitted with windows and dormers. Mansard roofs are perfect for houses styled to mimic old-world aesthetics.

7. Shed Roofs

Don’t be put off by the name. Although shed roofs were popularized as a means of providing simple protection for outbuildings, they’re also perfect for contemporary home designs. Shed roofs employ a lean-to style that looks a little like half of a gently sloped gable, usually featuring slope pitches of between 4 and 12.

Homeowners who opt to use shed roofs for their entire houses tend to have modern sensibilities and a unique personal style. This roofing style offers plenty of opportunities for interesting window placement, and it can be altered to fit just about any climate. Many more traditional homeowners also install shed roofs over additions and porches.

8. Flat Roofs

Flat roofs aren’t technically completely flat. They still feature a very slight slope to facilitate rain and snowmelt runoff. Although flat roofs are more popular in commercial construction, some architects also incorporate sections of flat roofing into modern homes.

Mid-century modern architects experimented prolifically with flat roofs, specifically for high-end clients. They often incorporated sections of flat roofing to provide extra second-floor living space, and some even created rooftop decks and porches.

Homeowners who have set their sights on flat roofs should note that this roofing style is especially prone to leaks. Flat roofs have to be waterproofed thoroughly and topped with commercial roofing materials like PVC, TPO, or rubber membranes, self-adhered multi-ply roofing systems, or SBS modified bitumen membranes.

The Bottom Line

Homeowners looking to add visual appeal to their newly constructed or existing houses have a lot to gain by changing their roof styles. Before deciding on a dream roof, talk to a local contractor to make sure all of the roof types described above are allowed by the town or city’s building codes. Good roofing contractors can work with architects or engineers to come up with the perfect design and recommend how to proceed in terms of materials, colors, and stylistic touches.