subject: Choosing The Right Roofing Style For Your House [print this page] Choosing The Right Roofing Style For Your House
One of the most important part and defining characteristics of a house is its roof. You can determine the classification of a house, if it's modern, Victorian or gothic (just to name a few), by looking at the style of its roof. If you are planning to build a house of your own or wants to re-invent the house you are living in, you must know what different styles of roof available.
Gabled and hipped are the two most common styles being used today. Other styles include flat, salt box, shed, pyramidal, mansard and gambrel. Let us take a short look at each one of them.
1. Gabled Roof - also known as pitched roof, resembles a letter A because of its triangular shape. This is the most popular roof style in the US and Europe. The slope can either be steep or gradual, depending on the weather condition of the region where the house will be built. A steep slope allows rain water and snow to slide easily. This is the type of roof commonly used in cathedrals and houses. The advantage of this type is that it leaves a space where an additional room can be built. On the other hand, the disadvantage of it is that, when it's incorrectly installed, it may not withstand strong winds. Sub-types include gambrel, shed and saltbox.
* Gambrel - Shape is like that of a bell and is often used in large barns.
* Shed - This is the cheapest roofing style. It can be the best choice for those who have a small budget for roofs. However, it offers the least protection from different elements. Its shape is flat.
* Salt-Box - Gabled roof that has two sides that are not matching.
2. Hipped - This roofing style can withstand strong winds and also allows rain & snow to fall off easily. In places where there are weather extremes, this is the right style of roof to use on houses. Hipped style roofs have three classifications, pyramidal, mansard and cross-hipped.
* Pyramidal - A hipped roof that forms a pyramid shape at the top.
* Mansard - This roofing style is a dual-pitched roof with four sides. The top is flat and it has a box type roofline.
* Cross-Hipped - Almost like the hipped roof, the only difference is the two parts of the roof that cross.
When choosing the right roofing style, you need to consider the type of elements it would often come across with - sun, rain and snow. Before aesthetics, you should think of the amount of protection of the roof style you want first. A good roofing contractor will guide you in choosing the right roofing style for you. One such contractor servicing the Las Vegas area is Las Vegas Roofing Pros.
