Your roof goes far beyond protecting your home; it is also a main design element that influences its look and style.

When considering roof design, there are many options. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but with a little knowledge, you can feel confident that you are choosing the right style for your home.

Roof design-your options

Gable roof: A gable roof is a popular, standard style that features two sloping sides that meet at the top ridge line.

• Pros: Easy design that is cost-effective to build. It offers good ventilation and ample attic space.
• Cons: A gable roof can easily suffer wind damage, especially in areas that experience high wind frequently.

Hip roof: A hip roof is constructed with four sloping sides that meet at the top ridge, much like a pyramid shape.

• Pros: Superior wind resistance, good drainage, and visually stunning.
• Cons: A hip roof involves more complex construction methods, making it more expensive to build than a gable roof. 

Mansard roof: A mansard roof consists of four slopes, with the lower slopes being steeper than the upper slopes. The design maximizes interior space by creating additional living space in the attic.

• Pros: The extra living space is a plus; it’s visually appealing and provides great insulation.
• Cons: It is a complex roof to build, which means it can be expensive and requires skilled craftsmanship to be done right.

Gambrel roof: A gambrel roof is very similar to a mansard roof. The difference is the gambrel roof has a more pronounced curve on the lower slopes of the roof. 

A gambrel roof is often associated with barns but can be just as attractive when used in home construction.

• Pros: This design style offers a large amount of attic space, excellent ventilation, and a distinctive look.
• Cons: A gambrel roof is also more expensive because of its complex construction, which requires skilled labor to build correctly.

Flat roofs: Modern flat roofs usually have a slight slope to encourage water drainage.

• Pros: Cost-effective to build, modern look, and great potential for additional outdoor living space.
• Cons: This type of roof requires higher maintenance to prevent water leaks from heavy rains, snow, and ice.

Shed roof: A shed roof has a single slope, ideal for modern, contemporary homes.

• Pros: Simple design, modern look, cost-effective, and easy to build.
• Cons: Limited attic space and only suitable for some climates.

Curved roof: This complex design offers a unique, sophisticated look but costs more to build.

• Pros: Dramatic appearance.
• Cons: Costly to build due to its complexity and potentially challenging when picking a roofing material.

Butterfly roof: 2 sloping planes that meet at a central valley.

• Pros: Unique, modern look.
• Cons: Complex to build, only suitable for some climates.

Southern National Roofing advises that the best roof design is one that meets your budget, architectural style, climate, and personal preferences.