There are a lot of processes involved in house construction. Among these necessary processes is the roofing of a house
There are different types of roofing, and a person may be confused about the right roof type to choose for a house. especially since the decision has to be made by someone who has no experience.
Some people don’t even know the best type of roofing for their houses. This is why, most times, the decision is usually taken by experts.
Among the roofing styles that we have is the flat roof style. The flat roof itself comes in different styles and designs, and not so many people are aware of this.
This is why, in this article, we will examine the flat roof styles that we have so that you can be guided in choosing the perfect flat roof style for your house.
Before we look into the different flat roof styles that we have, let’s consider some of the benefits of flat roof styles.
What are the benefits of flat roof styles?
1. They are cost-effective
One of the advantages of flat roof styles over pitched roofs is that they are cheaper. Choosing pitched roofs costs extra compared to flat roof styles. If you are looking for roof styles that are within budget, flat roof styles are the best to consider in terms of cost-effectiveness.
2. Flat roof styles give room for extra space
Another advantage of flat roof styles is that they provide extra space, which can be utilized for different purposes, such as creating a rooftop garden, an extra office room, or a relaxation spot.
3. They create space for HVAC units
The best place to have your HVAC units is on the roof of your house to prevent them from getting damaged on time. However, they also need to be properly installed by contractors to prevent your roofs from easily getting leaked.
4. They are the best roofing type for Solar installation
Another advantage that comes with fixing flat roofs is that they are generally the best roofing types to use for solar installation, as opposed to pitched roofs.
Here are some of the advantages that flat roof styles offer now that we are aware of the benefits that come with fixing flat roofs.
Let’s consider some flat rod styles we have
10 Flat Roof Styles
1. Box Gable
One of the flat roof styles that we have is the box gable. It’s a variant style of gable roof. The box-gable flat roof has triangular extensions at both ends of the roof’s double slope structure. Contrary to the conventional gabby roof design, box gable roofs comprise enclosed box gables at both ends. Sometimes these box gable designs have a similar structure to the second house section that is over the primary structure.
Advantages of box gable roof
- The design and structure of the box gable roof look more different and special compared to the classic gable roofs.
- The pointy ends of these roofs give room for windows to be fixed.
- It allows for more insulation to be added to make the house more comfortable.
Disadvantages of box Gable roof
- Strong winds can easily get them destroyed
- They may look heavy and big depending on how your house looks.
3. Open Gable
Open gable is another flat roof style. It is one of the very popular roof styles. Generally, it’s the basic flat roof style that usually comes to mind for many when they are thinking of a flat roof style for a house.
An open gable roof has two sloped sides, with each slope meeting together at the top to form an open triangular shape. It has a pointy part where the walls connect, which is the gable.
This type of roof is otherwise known as a pyramid roof.
Advantages of Open Gable Roofs
- Installing these types of roofs requires fewer materials so this makes it one of the more affordable roof options to consider.
- They have steep slopes, which make it possible for rain and snow to easily slide off them
- They are very easy to fix.
Disadvantages of open gable roof
- They can easily get lifted and blown away by strong winds.
- They might not be the best option for someone looking for a unique roof style because they are too common.
3. Gambrel roofs
Gambrel roofs are another flat roof style. These roofs look typical, like the type that can be found on a red barn. They are like four-sided structures with a low sloped angle on top. They also have two slanted panels running down the sides of these roofs. These are the types of roofs suitable for barns, as they can be used for storing hay and other farm equipment.
Advantages of Gambrel roofs
- They look like old-fashioned roofs because of their traditional appearance.
- They give room for extra room where farm items can be stored
- They are very easy to install and also cheap to install.
- Windows can be added to this roof design
- They are compatible with a lot of roofing materials.
Disadvantages of Gambrel Roofs
- They can be damaged by heavy wind.
- They may not give room for proper ventilation
- They are more difficult to add to already constructed houses; they are more suitable for newly constructed houses.
4. Hip
This roof design has these roof angles with downward slopes. They look closely like the regular pitched roofs but all the sides have slopes.
A vivid description of how this roof looks like a pyramid with all four sides of the roof having downward slopes They are commonly found in single-story houses. They are not only limited to this type of house; they can be used for other types of houses as well.
Advantages of Hip Roofs
- They are more stable than two-sided gable roofs because they have four sides.
- They are very stable so it makes it hard for them to be easily removed or blown away by heavy wind.
- They are perfect options for houses that are usually exposed to heavy snow because the roofs have slopes that help snow melt.
Disadvantages of Hip Roofs
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They are costlier when compared to gable roofs
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They are not easy to construct because they require more materials and technicality.
5. Mansard
A mansard roof is also known as a French roof.
This roof usually comes with a whole extra floor in it and windows sticking out on the sides. The use of Mansard roofs became widespread in the later part of 1850 when they were especially used by big houses. They are used to create more living space without needing to add more floors.
Advantages of Mansard Roofs
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Extra living spaces can easily be added
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The roofs add extra fancy to the house
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They make the most of the attic and the upper floor space.
Disadvantages of mansard roofs
- They are costlier they require more expertise to fix them
- Getting people to fix this type of roof may be difficult because it is not common and requires more technicality.
- Their maintenance cost is discouraging because they cost more to maintain
- The windows on the sides of the roof leak when they are not properly sealed.
6. Butterfly Roofs
Butterfly roofs, just like the name implies, are flat roof styles that have structures that look like the shape of a butterfly. This roof design has two slopes that come together to meet in the middle to create a valley. These roofs are unique and very uncommon.
Advantages of butterfly roofs
- They are strong and have strong resistance against winds and storms.
- They allow for long interior walls, which are great for gallery walls
Disadvantages of butterfly roofs
- The installation process is complex and the installation is expensive
7. A-Frame Roofs
A-frame roofs are flat roof styles. This roofing style is usually used for cabin roofing.
An A-frame roof is a roof with a steep pitch that has the letter A shape. It usually goes down the ground to the peak to give a house a unique look.
Advantages of A-frame Roofs
- They are the best roof styles for houses where there are heavy snowfalls. This is why these roofs are often used for winter cabins
- They are suitable for small houses
Disadvantages of A-frame roofs
- Poor insulation can result in energy inefficiency, especially in cold regions.
- The slanted interior can make decorating or hanging things difficult.
8. Shed roofs
Shed roofs are simple single-slope roofs that are commonly found on buildings such as barns, sheds, cabins, and some modern houses. These roofs are great for allowing water and snow to slide off.
Advantages of shed roofs
- They’re easy to install and take less time to install.
- The installation requires fewer materials, which makes the installation price cheaper and more affordable
- They are perfect for preventing water from storing up on the roof, which may cause leakages
- Skylights can easily be installed on them
- Shed roofs can be made using materials such as cedar shakes, metal shingles, asphalt shingles, and other roofing materials.
Disadvantages of shed roofs
- They are not suitable for big houses; they are only fit for smaller houses.
- A good gutter system needs to be put in place to handle more rain.
9. Jerkinhead Roof
Jerkinhead roof is also a form of flat roof style. A jerkinhead roof. In this type of roof, the two sides come together at a point however they have shorter ends. A similar roof to the jerkinhead roof is the hip roof. The two sides which are found in a jerkinhead roof protect the roof from being easily destroyed by heavy wind.
Advantages of Jerkinhead Roofs
- They are better than a basic open gable roof
- The design looks unique when compared to an open gable roof
- They can not be easily blown away by heavy storms or wind.
Disadvantage of Jerkinhead roofs
- More materials are needed for their construction which may make it a bit expensive
10. Pyramid roof
In a pyramid roof, all its sides come together at the same point in the middle of the roof. This roof
Is among the flat roof styles that we have and it has a close resemblance with the hip roof.
The sides of the roof can come in three or exceed three. These are the types of roofs that are usually used for the construction of small houses such as pool houses, cabins, and garages.
Advantages of Pyramid roofs
- They are desired roofs for houses susceptible to Hurricane climate
- They help in creating high ceilings that can serve as additional attic space
- They can not easily be damaged by heavy wind because of their great wind resistance.
Disadvantages of Pyramid roofs
- These types of roofs are complex to fix.
- It may be hard to get someone to fix this type of roof
- They are not cheap because the roofing materials are expensive.
Conclusion
Flat roofs offer a range of styles that can enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your building. Whether you prefer the sleek modernism of mono-pitch roofs, the versatility of classic flat roofs, or the environmental benefits of green roofs, your choice should align with your unique needs, budget, and architectural vision.
By carefully considering factors such as climate, maintenance, and building codes, you can make an informed decision that ensures the longevity and performance of your flat roof.
Remember that each style has its advantages and potential drawbacks, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your specific requirements.
