A roof is a protective covering on the top of a building, which can be in many different shapes and sizes. From simple shingles to complex metal roofs, there are many types of roofs tried and true to this day. One such roof type is that of the saddle roof, which has a steep slope on either side and a gentle slope in the middle. Its shape is said to be reminiscent of a horse’s back. Let’s explore some other modern types of roofs and their benefits!
Saddle roof
Saddle roofs are similar to hipped gables, but the slope is steeper on one side than the other. The roof shape is said to be reminiscent of a horse’s back, hence the name. Saddle roofs are most common in South America and Europe, but not unheard of in North America. The advantages of this type of roof are its easy installation and ventilation with so many different angles. The disadvantages include the amount of maintenance in keeping the roof in good condition.
Gable roof
A gable roof is a type of roof where two sloping sides meet at a ridge, with the lower part of the sloping sides being seen from the right. This type of roof is common in North America and Japan.
The advantages of a gable roof are that it allows for a lot more ventilation than a hipped gable or a saddle roof, which can be great during hotter seasons. Another advantage is that it is easy to maintain as all you have to do is replace the shingles every 10-15 years. There are also disadvantages such as safety hazards, such as ice dams and water build up due to leakage; however, this can be solved by installing gutters and downspouts to redirect water away from the foundation of the house.
Flat roof
A flat roof is a type of roof with one sloping surface, most often the underside. Flat roofs are most common in North America and Japan. The advantages of this type of roof are that it is both safe and easy to maintain. One disadvantage, however, is that it can be fairly expensive to construct or repair when compared to other types of roofs. Another disadvantage is the lack of ventilation on this type of roof. This can lead to water buildup.
Conclusion
The three modern types of roofs mentioned above all have benefits and disadvantages which affect the safety, maintenance, etc. of the home in which they are used. A flat roof’s main advantage is that it is a cheap option, while more expensive ones include easier maintenance and fire resistance. The latter of the two modern roofs mentioned above may be preferable for those living in areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall, as they are designed to withstand more water.
A gable roof has a couple different shapes but all have benefits similar to other roofs. They are usually flat, which is helpful for attaching solar panels or other modules to the roof. Their main advantage is that they shed water well and prevent flowback- meaning less damage to the home.
A hip roof has several different edges which resemble a pyramid when viewed from above. This type of roofing provides ample interior space, because the roof doesn’t have to be as high to allow for headroom. They are also more resistant to wind damage than other roofs because of their shape, but this benefit is typically accompanied with higher cost and maintenance.
