Our last two blogs covered three popular types of roofs each; the first covered gable roofs, hip roofs, and jerkinhead roofs, and the second discussed gambrel roofs, bonnet roofs, and skillion roofs. Keep reading to find out the final three most popular roof types!
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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 is it: A roof that is flat across (with a minor slope for drainage)
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
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 is it: A completely slanted roof design with no flat space. One side is longer than the other.
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
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 is it: Two sloped roofs pointing inward towards the middle of the house creating a “V” shape
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