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Your Home Improvement Guide: How to Choose Between Different Roof Styles

You love the place that you’ve moved into, but it could do with a few exterior home improvements. The roof that’s currently on it looks okay, but it doesn’t match the style of the house that well. You’re also worried about it falling apart on you.

You have no idea how old the roof is. You would rather be safe than sorry and replace it with one of the different roof styles on the market.

The question is, what are your options? What style is going to increase your curb appeal and protect your family at the same time? We’ve got all the answers that you need right here.

Gable Roof

If you sat a child down and asked them to draw a house, they would probably put a gable roof on it. It’s comprised of a horizontal frame with two sides that slope down. It’s one of the most common roofing styles around because it works.

It’s a simple style to build, so the labor costs are low. You can mix and match this style with some of the others for a unique look that nobody else in your neighborhood has.

Since heavy snow and rain will run right off the roof, you won’t have to worry about moisture pooling on top and causing lasting damage. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material that gets paired with this style, but you can build a gable roof with almost any material out there.

We’ll warn you that this roof style doesn’t hold up too well in high winds. If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, you may want to choose a different option.

Hip Roof

Hip rooftops aren’t as popular as the gable ones, but they’re still commonly used. It looks sort of like a pyramid with all the sides coming together to meet at a high point.

Roofing services can build a hip roof using most materials, but asphalt, clay, metal, and concrete are the most common options available. Like with the gable roof, most contractors will combine this style with some of the others to create a more unique look.

You’ll have to perform some maintenance to increase the roof lifespan, but it does stand up well against the elements. It can provide a nice amount of shade in your yard as well.

The main drawback is that building a hip roof is a little more complicated to build than a gable one. This is reflected in the price that you’ll have to pay.

Gambrel Roof

The gambrel roof style is one that you’ll see across Europe and North America on 17th and 18th-century houses. They’re also common rooftops on barns.

It looks sort of like a gable roof. The difference is that it has four sides instead of two. This rooftop works with a variety of materials, but most people go with asphalt.

Gambrel rooftops are pretty easy to build, which keeps the price point to a minimum. It provides plenty of space for your attic, and it’s not hard on the eyes either.

This is not a roof style that’s ideal for bad weather. You’ll need to do a lot of waterproofing to prepare the roof for heavy rain and snow.

Clipped Gable

The clipped gable roof style is also known as the jerkinhead. It’s a mixture of the hip roof and gable. It provides an interesting appeal that’s not too common amongst homeowners.

It holds up pretty well in bad weather as long as you keep up with regular maintenance. It will give you a lot of attic space to play around with as well.

It’s one of the more complex roofing styles to build, so it’s expensive. You’ll also spend a pretty penny trying to upkeep it, and it’s not easy to ventilate it.

Bonnet Roof

If you’re looking to have more attic space, you should consider a bonnet rooftop. It’s a style that slants down from all four sides and extends past the walls of your building.

Most people go the metal route when choosing a material for their bonnet roof. The contractor can also make it work with shingles. It holds up well when faced with the elements as long as you have regular inspections done.

It also provides plenty of shade, and if you want to build a balcony, this roofing style will make that more possible. Be warned that it can be expensive because you’ll have to pay extra for waterproofing.

Skillion Roof

Most of the time when you see a skillion roof, it’s paired with a shed. That doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for your home and barn if you want. In fact, it adds a nice touch to a modern home.

This rooftop is composed of a single slope. Most people use it in combination with metal or asphalt. It provides plenty of surface area for solar panels.

Since all the drainage is all on one side, you’ll have to schedule regular inspections and gutter cleanings to keep the roof maintained. It’s also not the best option to go with if you want to take advantage of your attic space.

As long as you take care of it, this roof will hold up well against nasty weather with the exception of high winds. Building this rooftop is also easy on the wallet.

How to Choose Between the Different Roof Styles

Do you want to trade out your roof for one of the other different roof styles on the market? There are plenty of options out there for you to choose from.

All you have to do is set your budget and decide what kind of look you want. There will be something that can suit your needs.

Are you looking for more ways to keep your house in tip-top shape? Visit the Home Improvement section of our blog to read additional articles like this one.

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