When it comes to roofs, there are two main types: flat roofs and sloped roofs. Sloped roofs come in a variety of styles, such as gable roofs, mansard roofs, and salt box roofs. Gable roofs are the most common type of roof, and they are characterized by two sides that meet at a ridge. The Dutch gable roof is a combination of gable and hip roof designs, while the mansard roof has two slopes, one steep and one gentle.
The steep sections of mansard roofs are highly visible, so homeowners should carefully consider the appearance of their shingles. Traditional gable roofs consist of four slopes of equal length that come together to form a ridge. Variations include the half-hip roof, which has two shorter sides with eaves. The type and color of the shingles you install on a gable roof will be an important part of the overall exterior appearance of your home, since they are highly visible.
The shed roof is a modern style that looks like half a traditional gable. Shed roofs tend to have lower slopes, usually 4 out of 12 or less, and they offer interesting opportunities for placing windows. Rubber roofs are fairly new and they are made from ethylene-propylenediene monomer (EPDM). They are mainly used on flat or low-slope roofs in commercial and residential buildings.
Composite roofs are also becoming increasingly popular; they are made from resins and rubber compounds extracted from reclaimed tires. Metal roofs come in a variety of styles, from vertical stitching styles to tile-like styles. Metal roofs have a long history of use in homes, agricultural structures, and commercial buildings. Corrugated metal roof panels are also popular for sheds and other garden structures.
Flat roofs are often grouped with “low-slope roofs” because many of the roofing treatments are the same. The most common flat roof materials used in residential and commercial buildings today include single-membrane systems such as EPDM or rubber roofs, thermopolyolefin (TPO) roofs and PVC roofs. When it comes to choosing a roofing material for your home or business, there are many options to consider. Asphalt shingles, metal shingles, wooden slats, clay tiles, composite asphalt shingles, metal shingles, and corrugated metal roof panels are all popular choices.
It's important to choose a material that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.