Roof Design Updates

In general, it's best to tear off an old rather than install a new one over an existing roof. A tear-off reveals any defects in the roof deck so they can be mended before a new roof is installed. This home's aging roof was updated to a slate-style fiberglass-composite shingle that complements the home's .new gray-blue exterior color.

Mixing Roof materials

A house doesn't need to be topped with a single material, especially when the roof's character changes. White PVC roofing on this home's new upper-level addition saves energy and can only be seen from a bird's-eye view. Metal roofing on the lower section helps preserve the home's original character.

Combining Different Types of Roofs

Many homes combine several different roof styles in one structure for added interest. This , for example, combines and roof designs. Two cross cables define the outer areas of the roof, while the middle features three dormer windows to break up the blank space and welcome more light inside the home. Copper window awnings and a wooden entry door enhance the home's exterior charm.

Slate Roof

Slate makes an elegant and attractive roof material for . However, it can be costly to install and maintain. If you love the look of slate roofs but not the price tag, composite material, which is made of slate and resins, features all the good looks of natural slate with easier installation and care.

Metal Roof

Metal roofing can be made from aluminum, steel, or copper. While metal roofs can be long-lasting, lightweight, and fire-resistant, they also conduct heat and can be noisy. A metal roof dramatically enhances this three-story clapboard cottage. The bold red hue when combined with the all-white exterior and surrounding greenery.

Clay Tile Roof

The bold color and texture of tile roofs command attention. Often used on Spanish or , clay tiles are popular in the Southwest because they deflect hot sun away from the house, cooling the interior. This type of roof material, while expensive, is long-lasting. complements the tile roof's warm color scheme and textures.

Skillion Roof

A skillion roof, also called a lean-to, is sloped in only one direction, creating a roof shape with dramatic angles. This style can be applied to specific areas of a roof or across an entire home to create a bold, . Skillion roofs also sometimes combine various angles across different sections of the roof for a more dynamic look. This type of roof works well in areas that receive heavy rain or snowfall because its steep pitch allows for quick runoff.

Dutch Colonial Roof

Gambrel roofs with steeply sloped roof sides are characteristic of Dutch Colonial houses. This type of roof often covers most of two exterior sides of a home's second floor, which makes roofing material and color choices very noticeable from the curb. Wood shingles and shakes are beautiful natural roofing material options but check for for these natural materials. Alternatively, consider a synthetic substitute such as laminated composition shingles that have a shake-like profile.

Flat Roof

Most often seen on , flat roofs can't typically be seen from the street but require heavy-duty roof materials. While appearance isn't a concern, ensuring that water quickly rolls off the slight slope is critical. If you live in a cold climate, make sure you also that can bear a significant snow load.

Mansard Roof

Popular for centuries in Europe, a features four double-sloped sides that meet to form a flat area or low-pitched ridge in the middle. are often built into the lower slope of the roof to bring in light. Although this elegant home was originally built in Federal style, many of its post-Civil War improvements were kept, including the mansard roof. Purple-gray scalloped shingles complement the home's decorative ornamentation.

Gambrel Roof

Gambrel roofs slope down symmetrically on two sides, first at a gentle angle and then at a much steeper slope. This roof style commonly appears on , farmhouses, and exterior buildings such as barns and sheds. Depending on the other architectural features, a gambrel roof can create a rustic feel or a more elegant look.

Dormer Roof

A dormer is a window that extends outward from the sloped side of a roof. This outcropping is capped with its own roof, which could be pitched, arched, or flat. into your roof design allows natural light and airflow into the upper areas of a home while adding interest and dimension to the .

Hip Roof

Although rarely the first thing you notice, a roof says much about a home's style. It plays a major role in the structure of a house, as well as its exterior aesthetic. Take this tour of housetops, including explanations of specific roof types and materials, to help you choose the best roof design for your home.

Gable Roof Gently sloping gable roofs are commonly used on to make the rooftop less noticeable from the street. When choosing a roofing material, it's smart to choose a color and texture that blends with your siding. The rough texture and muted color of the on this home are complemented by the roof's gray-brown shingles. The most straightforward version of a involves a pitched triangular roof with two sloping sides. On this Georgian home, the sides slope along the front and back of the home, and the triangular gable can be seen from the side. The is distinguished by timeless traditional features, including brick siding and dark shutters.

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