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When it comes to residential and commercial buildings, pitched roofs are some of the most popular types around. A pitched roof is fairly easy to recognize because it’s a roof style that slopes downwards in a triangular shape instead of appearing flat. Thanks to their practical benefits and aesthetic value, pitched roofs enjoy great popularity among many homeowners regardless of the preferred architectural style. There are different types of pitched roofs out there and they all have distinctive features. If you’re not sure how to pick the best one for your building project, this article will show you the most popular pitched roof types worth considering.
1. Gable Roof
In terms of residential architecture, it’s safe to say that gable roofs are the most common type of pitched roof encountered. Homeowners prefer this style because it provides a sense of aesthetic balance considering the simplistic triangular design with equally-steep sides that meet at the top. The gable roof is fairly steep which makes it an advantageous pick for areas that are frequently affected by rain or snow.
Not only are gable roofs more reliable at preventing moisture accumulation, but they’re also very practical when it comes to facing high winds. This type of pitched roof lets you enjoy generous storage space in the attic considering how its characteristic vaulted ceiling construction. The simplicity of a gable roof might lack the visual charm of other types of pitched roofs. However, the simple design enables easier installation that could be preferable by many homeowners.
2. Gambrel Roof
The gambrel roof makes use of an elegant pitched design with two sides that feature their own slope. Thanks to unequal slope styles, the roof offers a more attractive design through a combination of a steep side and a more shallow one. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the gambrel roof is a decent option to consider because it’s not particularly complicated to build. It won’t require a lot of material due to featuring just two roof beams.
Compared to other types of pitched roofs, the gambrel style has some drawbacks. It’s not the best choice if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow or strong winds. The fairly open design of a gambrel roof has a negative impact on its durability. That being said, it’s still an excellent pitched roof design that can be reinforced according to your durability needs.
3. Hip Roof
Generally built with four equal-length sloping sides, the hip roof is another attractive solution for homeowners who prefer a pitched roof design. The sides of this roof type meet together to create a top ridge. Hip roofs can be considered more durable than others because of their more complex design that features better stability against harsh weather conditions such as high wind. Many coastal homes tend to be built with a hip roof for this reason.
The steepness of a hip roof slope is typically more reduced compared to simple gable designs. Having this kind of gentle slope can be both beneficial and detrimental. You get to enjoy better airflow and superior aerodynamics but you might have some issues with water runoff. Keep in mind that a hip roof features a more advanced design that will incur extra building costs.
4. Mansard Roof
This is an elegant pitch roof type that’s also commonly called a French roof. It’s designed with double slopes on its four sides that show different levels of steepness. The mansard roof has some notable aesthetic qualities but it mostly enjoys great popularity among homeowners who wish to maximize space on the top-level floor. Larger residential buildings tend to incorporate a French pitched roof more often than smaller homes.
The main drawback of a mansard roof is the lower pitch which makes this type unsuitable for areas that experience heavy snow or rainfall. If quick water drainage is an important aspect, it’s safe to say that a mansard roof may not be ideal. Those who prefer the classic elegance of a traditional French hotel will be pleased by picking this type of pitched roof.
5. Mono-Pitch Roof
An extremely basic form of the pitched roof, this type can sometimes be called a shed roof, skillion roof, or lean-to roof. It’s defined by the presence of a single rafter sloping in one direction. Mono-pitch roofs are convenient to build and install due to their inherent simplicity. Another great advantage of this type of pitched roof is the reliable snow or rain drainage. Builders can adjust the slope to a high degree if you live in an area that’s frequently affected by heavy snowfall or rainfall.
Although many modern homes incorporate a mono-pitch roof, this type is also extremely popular for other buildings such as garages and sheds. There aren’t too many materials needed given that it has one side only while the slope is provided by the wall itself.
6. Double-Pitch Roof
The double-pitch roof is a pretty straightforward type considering how it builds upon the design of a mono-pitch roof and offers two sloping surfaces. These can extend in multiple directions often resulting in a wider variety of shapes. The steepness of the slope tends to be somewhere between 45 to 60 degrees for preventing the accumulation of excessive moisture from rain or snow. Double-pitch roofs work great for houses that feature asymmetrical designs. It’s a reasonably cost-effective and aesthetically appealing pitched roof type as well.
7. Couple Roof
Although it shares some visual similarities with a gable roof, the couple roof type stands out due to its extremely simple construction. It can be built in record time considering how the couple roof is practically only designed from timber. Two lengths of rafters are positioned on a wall plate that spreads the load to ensure proper stability. These rafters are engineered to meet at the top without pressure points where the rafters reach the wall. Couple roofs have a reduced lifespan because the considerable weight pushes the supporting walls outwards.
8. Butterfly Roof
As the name of this type of pitched roof suggests, it shows off an easily recognizable shape like the wingspan of a butterfly. The sides of the roof are designed to meet each other sloping inwards to create the characteristic visual style. A butterfly roof can make a bold statement for your home but this comes at significant construction costs. It’s a fairly complicated type of roof to install and you also need to deal with the problem of drainage because water tends to accumulate in the center area where the sides slope downwards.
