Have you ever paid attention to the roofs of the houses in your neighborhood? What about the roofs of the stores where you shop or one of your favourite restaurants?
Most of us never really pay attention to roofs. When we do, we start noticing that there are different roof designs. These designs play an essential role in shaping the look of a home or commercial building.
Are you now thinking about getting a new roof for your home? Or are you simply curious and want to learn more about roofs? Either way, here are eight unique roof design ideas for homeowners:
Hip roofs
According to Frisco Roofer, hip roofs are almost as common as gable roofs, which are a trendy roof design for houses. While a gable roof has two sides, a simple hip roof features four sloping sides. If they meet at one point in the middle, this is called a pyramid hip roof. Hip roofs are very stable, and they are a good choice for those who live in areas that see strong winds and heavy storms.
Flat roofs
Flat roofs are more frequently used on commercial and public buildings, but they can also appear on some modern homes that want Air Conditioners and such applinaces. They are not always exactly flat, as having at least a gentle slope helps water run off the roof. A flat roof is easier to install than a sloped roof, and it’s also less expensive since it requires fewer materials.
With a flat roof, heating and cooling a building becomes less costly, making them a popular option among homeowners. Since the installation process is complex, you should involve a flat roofing company to help with the setup.
Shed roofs
A shed roof is a flat roof but with a slope. This type of roof is often used for home additions or to complement other roof designs.
Just like flat roofs, shed roofs are an affordable design. They allow for easy water drainage, and they can be an excellent option for modern houses. According to Solar Prime professionals, they are also ideal for those interested in solar panels, skylights, or starting a green roof.
Butterfly roofs
A butterfly roof is an unusual design. It’s an inverted gable roof, presenting a “V” shape. This type of roof can come with water drainage issues, but some choose it so they can easily collect rainwater in a holding tank.
One of the main benefits of a butterfly roof is that it creates tall ceilings on two sides of a home, allowing for much larger windows.
M-shaped roofs
An M-shaped roof is essentially two gable roofs connected together in the middle. M-shaped roofs are often used for townhomes or to connect more than one home together.
This type of roof allows for some extra space in small homes and for larger windows to be installed. Snow and ice can build up in the valley at the middle of the “M”, so an efficient central gutter system is essential.
Dome roofs
A dome roof is, of course, shaped like a dome. This complex and unique design is most frequently seen in historical buildings. However, some homeowners decide to build disaster-proof dome homes.
Indeed, dome roofs are known to be very durable, and could even last forever with proper maintenance just by removing broken screws. They are energy-efficient, affordable to heat and cool. They also allow for an open floor plan since a dome roof structure is designed to support itself.
Dormer roofs
A dormer is not exactly a type of roof. It’s an addition that features a window and a small roof that protrude from an existing roof. Dormers can be added to any type of roof that has a slope.
Dormers add some living space inside a home, and the addition of windows increases natural light. This type of structure can be used to create cozy little reading nooks, for example.
Bonnet roofs
A bonnet roof can be either a gable roof, a hip roof, or a gambrel roof, which is also called a barn roof. What makes a roof a bonnet roof is the addition of an extended ledge. This creates a cover around the house, allowing for a wrap-around porch or patio.
Bonnet roofs are ideal for protecting a home from strong winds and the sun’s rays. They also make gutter installation and maintenance much more manageable. A bonnet roof is just one example of how you can combine different design ideas to create a truly unique roof. There is a lot more you can do. You can add dormers to pretty much any type of roof, or make the bottom of your roof flare out.
You could modify a design by opting for a half-hipped roof instead of a hip roof. You may also choose a Dutch gable roof, a cross between a gable roof and a hip roof. The possibilities are nearly endless, allowing you to customize the appearance of any home or commercial building.
