Homeowners need to consider more than just aesthetics when choosing the right roof for their home.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best roof design for your home. There is much to consider, including aesthetics, functionality, and even weather patterns in your area.
Let’s consider three popular roof styles — hip, gable, and flat. Five Points Roofing Company is here to help you get a clear idea of the advantages of each, so that you can find the right roof for your home.
Hip Roofs
A hip roof is a roof design where all the sides of the roof slope downward towards the walls. The term “hip” refers to the external angle formed with two sides of the roof meet. While it varies by region, these roofs are typically second in popularity to the gable roof.
Here are some of the advantages of hip roofs:
- Improved curb appeal — they look great on just about any style of home
- Accommodates dormer windows, creating a livable attic space
- Extremely durable and self-bracing, requiring less diagonal bracing
- Well-suited for areas with heavy winds and snow
- Steep sloped hip roofs won’t experience lift
Gable Roofs
Gable roofs are your classic roof design — they are what you commonly see in children’s illustrations of houses. On a gable roof, two sides slope downward, while the other sides are flat, consisting of walls that extend upwards to meet the base of the roof. They are also referred to as “pitched” roofs. The term “gable” refers to the part of the wall that encloses the end of each roof.
Here are some of the advantages of gable roofs:
- Straightforward to design and budget friendly, compared to the hip roof
- Allows for functional attic space, thanks to two sloped sides instead of four
- Gabel windows allow for natural sunlight in the attic
- Gable vents make them easier to ventilate than hip roofs, increasing your home’s energy efficiency in winter and summer
Flat Roofs
The term flat, when used to describe a flat roof, should not be mistaken to mean completely level. All roofs need to have some form of drainage. Most flat roofs have a slope no greater than 25 percent.
A prevalent myth is that flat roofs are inherently more leaky than sloped ones. However, with advancements in roofing technology, flat roofs can be reliable and will not leak, no matter the climate.
Here are some of the advantages of flat roofs:
- Great choice for those in love with the modern look
- Most economical, allowing for a more air-conditioned living space
- Most usable space for features like solar panels
- Great for arid climates with high wind and low rain
Schedule Your Installation With The Roofing Experts Today!
At Five Points Roofing Company, we want to help you select the possible roof solution for your home. If you have any further questions about what kind of roof would be perfect for your home, or are ready to get started, reach out to us today! Our friendly team members would be more than happy to assist you.
