Mother Nature plays a large role in your roof type, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for functionality. It is true, some roof types perform better in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions, but with so many types available, there is a roof style for you.
We examined the pros, cons, costs, and materials for 15 of the most popular roof styles. Discover what makes these roofs unique and how they can add some flair or tradition to your home.
What Are the Different Types of Roof Styles?
Your roof accounts for much of your home’s visible exterior and up to 40% of its overall curb appeal. The style of your roof affects material choices, playing a role in the aesthetics, energy-efficiency, attic space, maintenance needs, and even the property value of your home.
1. Gable Roof
The gable roof is the most common roof shape. Sparking memories of childhood drawings, these a-frame roofs are a popular and economical design.
Gable roofs feature a triangle design with the base resting on top of the house. Gable roofs range from simple to advanced designs, and the slope can range from gentle to steep.
Cost: $6 to $9 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, slate, metal, and clay or concrete tiles
Weather: Not suited to areas with high winds or hurricanes; best suited to areas with rain, snow, and ice
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy and versatile construction
- Sheds water and ice
- Good ventilation
- Works with most homes
- Creates storage space
Cons
- Not suitable for windy areas
- Storage space has slanted walls
- More frequent repairs
- Very common design
Cross Gable Roof
Cross gable roofs are an advanced version of a simple gable roof featuring two gable sections affixed perpendicular to each other. These roofs are common on Cape Cod and Tudor-style homes and can be asymmetrical or symmetrical in design.
Gable sections highlight portions of the home, such as the front porch, dormer windows, or garage.
Front Gable Roof
Front gable roofs offer another advanced gable variation. These roofs are popular in colonial-style homes. They feature a second, smaller gable highlighting the entrance of the home.
2. Hip Roof
Hip roofs comprise four equal-length slopes that join in the middle to form a pitched roof. These roofs are extremely visible, making up a large portion of a home’s curb appeal, so choosing high-quality materials from a design perspective is critical.
Hip roofs are more stable than gable roofs and are only slightly less common. Combination roofs often combine gable and hip roof styles, highlighting areas such as entrance gables or dormer windows.
Hip roofs are expensive with the tradeoff of extra stability and more storage space than a gable roof. You can expect to spend approximately 40% more on hip roof styles compared to gable systems.
Cost: $8 to $12 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, standing seam metal, metal shingles, and clay or concrete tiles
Weather: Ideal for areas prone to high winds, hurricanes, rain, ice, or snow
Pros
- High curb appeal
- Increased structural integrity
- Excellent drainage
- Ideal for windy climates
Cons
- Expensive
- Intricate designs are difficult to construct
- Prone to leaks
- Poor ventilation
3. Dutch Roof
A dutch gable roof is a hip roof with a small gable at either end. The gablet is perched on top of a traditional hip roof. Gablets increase attic space and allow for windows to be added for natural light.
Cost: $8 to $12 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, slate, metal shingles, standing seam metal, and clay or concrete tiles
Weather: Ideal for areas prone to rain, ice, snow, or wind
Pros
- Increased attic and top floor space
- Increased natural light
- Improved ventilation
- Excellent drainage and gutter systems
Cons
- Complicated construction
- Expensive
- High-maintenance
- Increased risk of leaks
4. Jerkinhead Roof
Jerkinhead roofs, also known as bullnose and clipped gable roofs, combine elements of both gable and hip roofs to create a sturdy, all-weather roof.
The center features a gable roof while both end peaks are bent inward to create small hips. These design elements at the front and back of the home are great for showcasing high-end, designer roof shingles.
Cost: $8 to $12 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, metal shingles, and slate
Weather: Ideal for areas prone to high winds, hurricanes, ice, rain, and snow
Pros:
- Increased structural integrity
- Historic curb appeal and unique design
- Adds dimension
- Less prone to leaks than traditional hip roofs
- Increased storage space
- Ideal for windy climates
Cons
- Expensive
- Complex repairs
- High-maintenance
5. Pyramid Roof
You can find pyramid roofs on smaller homes, gazebos, outbuildings, cabins, and even tropical bungalows. These modified hip roofs conjure images of ancient civilizations and mummies. With no gables or vertical sides, they are extremely weather-resistant.
Cost: $8 to $12 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, metal shingles, slate, clay and concrete tiles
Weather: Ideal for areas prone to high winds, hurricanes, rain, ice, or snow
Pros
- Ideal for windy climates
- Increase attic or top floor space
- Excellent drainage and gutter systems
- Increased ventilation
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated construction
- Attic space has slanted walls
- Prone to leaks
- High-maintenance
6. Mansard Roof
Perhaps the greatest example of a mansard, or French, roof is the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. Like a hip roof, the mansard roof features a four-sided design. However, these roofs are double-sloped, with the lower slope being very steep.
Mansard roofs make an elegant and functional choice for homes, creating usable loft space while dormer windows create natural light. Because of their complex design and intricate details, these roofs are expensive to install, but they add property value to a home.
Contractors can install just about any material on a mansard-style roof. However, high-end copper metal roofing and overlapping slate shingles arranged in a diamond pattern make a luxury statement.
Cost: $8 to $20 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, metal shingles, slate, and clay or concrete tiles
Weather: Not suited for areas prone to heavy snowfall like the Northeast or Midwest
Pros
- Elegant aesthetics
- Increased storage
- Increased natural light with dormer window additions
- Energy-efficient
- Increased ventilation
Cons
- Complicated construction
- Expensive
- HIgh-maintenance
- Construction permits are required in many areas
- Poor drainage
7. Bonnet Roof
Bonnet roofs are reverse mansard roofs featuring a double slope. They are modified hip roofs that are more stable in high winds than both traditional hip and gable roofs.
The lower slope of a bonnet roof overhangs on the front and back of the home, creating an excellent cover for patios. Popular in the Southeast, these roofs create extra storage and living space with room for dormer windows, while the overhang protects the home from wind and water damage.
Cost: $8 to $20 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, metal shingles, and slate
Weather: Ideal for areas prone to high winds, hurricanes, rain, ice, or snow
Pros
- Unique aesthetics and curb appeal
- Increased storage and living space
- Increased shade and porch space
- Increased structural integrity
- Excellent drainage and gutter system
- Ideal for windy climates
- Built-in siding protection
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated construction
- High-maintenance
- Prone to leaks
8. Gambrel Roof
Gambrel roofs conjure images of classic red barns, wide open fields, and spotted cows. Similar to mansard roofs, these have two sloped sides instead of four, one steep and one gentle.
The focus of a gambrel roof is adding extra attic or loft space while dormer windows increase natural light. Also known as the barn roof, these roofs make up a large percentage of a structure’s visible exterior, making material choices an important aesthetic component.
Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, and slate
Weather: Not suited to areas with heavy snowfall or high winds
Pros
- Extensive attic and storage space
- Increased natural light with window additions
- Traditional aesthetics
- Easy to construct
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Susceptible to wind damage
- Poor ventilation
- Best suited to new construction
- Susceptible to snow and water accumulation
9. Skillion Roof
The skillion roof, or shed roof, is a staple in modern home design. These lean-to style roofs resemble gable roofs that have been split in half. The steep slopes aid water and snow runoff.
Skillion roofs are popular with home additions because of their quick installation and relatively inexpensive costs. They work well when combined with other styles and make an ideal space for solar panels or skylights.
Cost: $4 to $9 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, metal shingles, rolled roofing, and clay or cement tiles
Weather: Ideal for regions with heavy snowfall
Pros
- Modern aesthetics
- Inexpensive
- Easy to construct
- Ideal for solar panel installation
- Great choice for home additions
- Increased drainage
- Ideal for rainwater harvesting
Cons
- Susceptible to wind damage
- Low interior heights
- No attic space
10. Curved Roof
Curved roof systems provide a modern shape and feel, featuring a curved arch at either end. Curves create beautiful arched entrances or make great wing editions on commercial properties.
These roofs are extremely weather-resistant; however, they require specialized labor to install, making them an expensive option. Many roofing companies will only install a curved roof on commercial properties with metal materials.
Cost: $8 to $20 per square foot
Materials: Metal
Weather: Ideal for all environments and conditions
Pros
- Modern aesthetics
- Unique and customizable
- Low-maintenance
- Works in all climates
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Requires specialized labor
- Most suited to commercial properties
11. Flat Roof
Another common roof type in commercial properties, flat roofs, are not actually flat. They are extremely low-sloped to allow for water runoff. Invoking images of office antics and stale strip malls, these roofs became popular home additions in the mid-1900s among wealthy business owners and movie stars.
Flat roofs provide an opportunity for future levels to be added to a home and work well with open floor plans. Unfortunately, flat roofs are extremely prone to leaks and are commonly sealed with PVC, TPO, or rubber membrane. Additionally, they require routine maintenance to ensure sealants remain intact.
Cost: $4 to $9 per square foot
Materials: Metal sheets; TPO, PVC, or rubber membrane, and rolled roofing
Weather: Not suited to areas prone to rain, ice, or snow
Pros
- Unique aesthetics
- Easy to repair
- Roof space
- Inexpensive
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Susceptible to leaks
- High-maintenance
- No storage or attic space
- Inadequate drainage
- Short lifespan
Green Roof
Green roofs, or living roofs, are a type of flat roof that comprise grass and native vegetation like wildflowers to form an insulating barrier. These roofs have a beneficial impact on the environment, reducing air pollution and absorbing up to 90% of rainfall, preventing flooding and decimating polluted runoff.
12. Saltbox Roof
Saltbox roofs feature an asymmetrical design found on many early colonial and Cape Cod-style homes. These roofs feature a flat or low-slope roof on one side with a lean-to, shed-style gable on the other side, creating a triangular view from the front and back.
Saltbox roofs are popular on the East Coast and in the northeast because of their ability to withstand heavy snow and rainfall. They are more expensive than traditional gable or hip roofs, but the distinct style adds value to a home.
Cost: $8 to $15 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, and slate
Weather: Ideal for northern climates, including areas prone to rain, snow, ice, high winds, or hurricanes
Pros
- Excellent drainage
- Ideal for windy climates
- Low-maintenance
- Increased structural integrity
Cons
- Expensive
- Labor intensive
- Slanted interior walls
- Only works well with colonial aesthetics
13. Butterfly Roof
Butterfly roofs feature an inverted gable design. The contemporary style works well with large windows, solar panels, and rainwater catchment systems. The unique design is best suited to areas of the Southwest or tropical Southeast and is ideal for windy climates.
Cost: $8 to $20 per square foot
Materials: Asphalt shingles, wooden shingles and shakes, slate, and clay or concrete tiles
Weather: Ideal for arid desert climates and areas prone to high winds; not suited to areas with heavy snowfall and ice
Pros
- Unique modern aesthetics
- Opportunity for rainwater harvesting
- Increased natural light
- Excellent ventilation
- Ideal for windy climates
- Ideal for solar panel installation
Cons
- Expensive
- Low energy efficiency
- High-maintenance
- Complicated construction
- Little to no attic or storage space
- Snow and ice accumulation
14. Sawtooth Roof
Sawtooth roofs resemble serrated blades. They comprise multiple slopes at the same angle and are a popular choice for modern design.
Sawtooth roofs allow for high ceilings, lofted living space, and larger windows for increased natural light. Because of their complicated design, they are expensive to install and maintain. However, they allow for eco-friendly additions like radiant heating and solar panel installation.
Cost: $12 to $30 per square foot
Materials: Wood shingles and shakes, metal shingles, and reinforced concrete
Weather: Not suited to areas with heavy snow or rainfall
Pros
- Ideal for radiant heating and solar panels
- Unique modern aesthetics
- Increased loft and attic space
- High ceilings
- Increased natural light
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated construction
- Prone to leaks and water damage
- High-maintenance
15. Dormer Roof
While dormers, or windows, are not technically a roof style on their own, they make a popular addition to many roofs. Dormer windows project vertically from the roof, supplying natural light to attic or loft areas.
While these windows increase ventilation and usable space by up to 30 square feet, it is important to install energy-efficient windows to filter ultraviolet light and reduce energy costs.
Cost: Varies based on base roof style, $75 to $160 per square foot
Materials: All roofing materials
Weather: Varies based on your base roof style
Pros
- Unique designs
- Increased ventilation
- Increased natural light
- Increase usable space
Cons
- More complicated to install
- Do not work with all roof styles
- Expensive
- High-maintenance
- Susceptible to leaks
Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
Your roofs work hard to protect you from extreme temperatures, blustering winds, and wet weather. As long as you stay warm and dry, you don’t often pay attention to the state of your roof. However, damage can sneak up on you if you aren’t paying attention to important visible clues.
Watch out for these signs it is time to replace your roof:
- Damaged, loose, curled, missing, or mossy shingles
- Damage or discoloration around vents, chimneys, or skylights
- Sagging areas
- Visible leaks or water damage
- Grit (flakes of asphalt shingles) in your gutters
- Your roof is over 20 years old
- Neighbors are having their roofs replaced
FAQ About the Different Types of Roof Styles
No two roofing companies are the same, and different locations have different pricing methods. Contractors consider elements like size, materials, structural components, unique features like chimneys or skylights, and old roof removal when determining the cost of your new roof. Typically, new roof systems cost between $8,000 and $21,500 for an average cost of $14,500.
The National Association of Realtors confirms that 33% of Realtors recommend replacing your roof before selling your home, and it’s possible to recover 100% of your investment. Consider replacing your roof before listing your home if it is in poor condition or nearing its lifespan.
The standard roof takes one to two days to replace on a 3,000-square-foot-home. Factors like the weather, complexity, home accessibility, and materials being used affect the time to install your new roof. In rare cases, it can take as long as a week or more to install your new roof.
How to Decide What Roof Style is Best for Your Home
Style reflects our personality and attitude. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and their architecture should reflect who we are as individuals while considering our budget and climate.
While it is easy to reflect who we are on the inside of our home, exterior changes can be a big undertaking, If you are considering a change in roof style or simply need to replace your existing roof, a local roofing professional can help you determine the best style for your climate, budget, and aesthetic visions.
Main image credit and illustrations of 15 roof types: Juan Rodriguez / RoofGnome
