When it comes to roofs, curb appeal isn't everything
A roof does more than just protect you from the elements and provide your home with eye-catching curb appeal. Depending on your roof design, it can also provide shade, create attic space, and even affect the heating and cooling within your home.
While it’s important that all roofs meet building codes, they’re not all built the same. For example, some roof types are better suited for climates with severe weather than others. Some roof types even have higher maintenance needs.
9 Most Common Roof Types
Understanding the components of your roof and the design type can help you diagnose issues and better maintain its structure. Whether you’re looking to build or simply maintain your current roof, understanding the pros and cons of these common roof types will help you take better care of your home.
1. Gable Roof
There are many pros to gable roofing, making it one of the most common roof types. There are four main types of gable roofs: side gable, cross gable, and dutch gable.
What it is: A roof with two sloping sides.
Cost: $7,000 to $20,000
Materials: Can be done with most roofing materials, but asphalt shingles are most common.
Maintenance: Needs regular inspections and gutter cleanings to ensure proper drainage.
Pros
Holds up well in heavy rain and snow
Can be combined with other roof types for a unique design
Affordable and usually simple to build
Cons
Prone to damage in high winds
Not recommended in areas that experience hurricanes
2. Hip Roof
A hip roof is another popular type of roofing style. Many architects and home builders choose to combine a hip roof with other roof style types to create a unique design.
What it is: A four-sided roof. All sides meet at a peak or ridge and slant downward.
Cost: $24,000 to $36,000
Materials: Can be done with most roofing materials, but asphalt, metal, clay, and concrete are the most common.
Maintenance: Greatly benefits from regular maintenance to prevent minor issues from becoming major.
Pros
Holds up well in heavy wind, rain, and snow
Can be combined with other roof types for a unique design
Can provide shade
Cons
More expensive and complicated to build compared to other options
3. Jerkinhead Roof (aka Clipped Gable)
Jerkinhead roofs are an older roofing style that is not as common in newer builds. However, jerkinhead roofs do create a one-of-a-kind look that is sure to be the eye-catcher of your neighborhood.
What it is: A unique combination of hip and gable style roofing.
Cost: $20,000 to $50,000
Materials: Can be done with most roofing materials, but asphalt shingles are most common.
Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance, but it can be a challenge to find roofing contractors with knowledge of the style.
Pros
Holds up well in heavy wind, rain, and snow
Creates a bold look
Provides ample attic space
Cons
Old architectural style so can be hard to replicate
Complex and costly to build and maintain
Difficult to ventilate
Can be expensive to build
4. Gambrel Roof (aka Barn Roof)
Gambrel roofs are most commonly seen on barns, but can also be found on large Cape Cod style homes and country farm houses.
What it is: A gable roof but with four sides (compared to two).
Cost: $16,000 to $28,000
Materials: Can be done with most roofing materials, but asphalt shingles are most common.
Maintenance: Needs routine maintenance to ensure waterproofing at the ridges still works.
Pros
Provides ample attic space
Easy and affordable to build
Eye-catching design
Cons
Not ideal for heavy wind, rain, or snow
5. Bonnet Roof
If you’re looking to maximize your attic and outdoor hang out space, a bonnet roof may be a great option for you.
What it is: A roof type that slants on all four sides, extending well past the walls of the building.
Cost: $15,000 to $30,000
Materials: Metal is preferred, but can also be done with shingles.
Maintenance: Needs regular inspections to ensure waterproofing remains intact at the intersection of the two slopes.
Pros
Holds up well in heavy wind, rain, or snow
Provides shade
Great for over a porch or balcony
Cons
Complicated to build
Not very common
Careful waterproofing is very important but can be an added cost
6. Skillion Roof (aka Shed Roof or Lean-to Roof)
Despite its alternative moniker, this roof style isn’t just for sheds. It’s also a great design choice for modern homes and barns.
What it is: A roof design with only a singular flat slope.
Cost: $6,000 to $12,000
Materials: Can be done with most roofing materials, but asphalt shingles and metal are most common.
Maintenance: Drainage is all on one side so requires frequent gutter cleanings on top of regular inspections.
Pros
Great for modern and contemporary styles
Space to install solar panels
Relatively affordable
Holds up well in heavy rain and snow
Cons
Does not leave room for attic space
Not ideal for heavy wind
7. Flat Roof
Flat roof homes and buildings are most common on tall buildings in larger cities, though they are not limited to those areas. A flat roof is a great option for anyone looking to utilize their roof top as a living space or to install solar panels. While rubber roofs are costly to install, the durability makes it a worthwhile investment for your flat roof home.
What it is: A roof that is flat across (with a minor slope for drainage). Cost: $8,000 to $26,000
Materials: Synthetic rubber roofing is most commonly used.
Maintenance: Tends to collect debris and can have standing water, so typically requires more maintenance than sloped roofs.
Pros
Usable space for a garden or outdoor lounge
Easy and affordable to build
Energy efficient
Easy to install solar panels and AC units
Cons
Not ideal for heavy rain and snow
May need more frequent maintenance
8. Saltbox Roof
The asymmetrical design of a saltbox roof is best described as a gable roof with one side longer than the other. This design originated in New England and was named after old wooden salt containers commonly used in the colonial era.
What it is: A completely slanted roof design with no flat space. One side is longer than the other.
Cost: $20,000 to $36,000
Materials: Can be done with most roofing materials, but asphalt shingles are most common
Best for: Multi-level homes in climates with heavy rain or snowfall
Maintenance: Pretty low-maintenance but can benefit from cleanings to remove stuck debris
Pros
Holds up well in strong winds
Easy maintenance in winter
Cons
Slanted shape can create awkward interior spaces
May result in less attic space
More expensive and complicated to build compared to other options
9. Butterfly Roof
Butterfly roofs originated in Palm Springs, California, and were originally designed specifically to catch and repurpose rainwater. Today, they are most often found on mid-century or ultra modern homes.
What it is: Two sloped roofs pointing inward towards the middle of the house creating a “V” shape.
Cost: $7,000 to $18,000
Materials: Usually waterproof materials, including rubber roofing (EPDM, TPO, PVC).
Maintenance: Can easily collect debris and needs regular maintenance by an experienced roofing contractor familiar with the style.
Pros
Holds up well strong winds
Great for water drainage
Easy to install solar panels
Great for modern and contemporary styles
Option to collect rainwater for use
Cons
Complex and costly to build and maintain
Not ideal for heavy rain and snow
