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Exploring Different Roof Types

Jason Demet • May 23, 2024

Exploring Roof Shapes, Designs, and Styles

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A home's roof can constitute up to 40% of its exterior, significantly influencing its overall look and curb appeal. When it's time to install a new roof, choosing the right materials and shingle colors that suit the shape and slope of your roof and complement your home's exterior design is crucial.


Understanding the impact of different roof shapes and slopes on both performance and aesthetics can help you decide on the best shingles and materials for your home.


Understanding the impact of different roof shapes and slopes on both performance and aesthetics can help you decide on the best shingles and materials for your home.


Pro Tip: Save My Roof has options for any style roof

From total roof replacement, repairs, maintenance and rejuvenation, to an exclusive nano-ceramic resin used to fortify your asphalt shingles to and give them the strength and performance of stone coated steel roofing tiles

Understanding Roof Slope

The slope of your roof serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. For example, rain or snow tends to shed more quickly on a steep slope roof. The roof’s slope is expressed in a ratio based on its proportions.


Roofing contractors often use terms like 6 in 12, 6:12, or 6/12, indicating the roof rises 6 inches vertically for every 12 inches (or 1 foot) horizontally. This can be translated for any number; a 4 in 12 slope rises 4 inches vertically and 12 inches horizontally.


From flat grades to steep inclines, your roof’s slope can create an interesting silhouette. When choosing roofing materials, remember that a steeper slope makes the roof's surface more visible from the ground, impacting your home's exterior design aesthetics.


While most homeowners can leave slope calculations to their roofing contractor, it's important to note that the International Residential Code specifies minimum slope requirements for all roof coverings, including asphalt shingles.


Common Roof Types

Here are eight common roof types, each with unique characteristics and design considerations:


Gable Roof

A gable roof, resembling a triangle, is a popular and versatile roof style. It can vary from steep chalet-style designs to rooftops with a gentle grade.


Clipped Gable Roof

Also known as a bullnose, the clipped gable roof features small hips at the ends of the roof ridge, adding an interesting architectural detail.

Dutch Gable Roof

Combining gable and hip roofs, the Dutch gable roof includes a "gablet" atop a traditional hip roof, providing extra attic space and potential for added sunlight.


Gambrel Roof

Often seen on classic barns, the gambrel roof has two slopes on each side, allowing for upper floor use as an attic or loft. Its steep sections make the appearance of roofing shingles very prominent.


Hip Roof

A hip roof consists of four equal-length slopes forming a simple ridge. Variations like the half-hip feature two shorter sides with eaves. Hip roofs are highly visible, making the choice of shingles crucial for the overall exterior look.


Mansard Roof

Inspired by French architecture, the mansard roof has four sides with double slopes, maximizing upper story space and often featuring dormers for added appeal.


Shed Roof

Favored in modern home designs, a shed roof is a single sloping plane. It's common in ultra-modern builds and allows for creative window placements.


Flat Roof (Low Slope Roof)

Popular in mid-century modern architecture, flat roofs blend with the environment and provide large open floor plans. They require a slight incline for drainage and thorough waterproofing.


Choosing Roofing Shingles for Your Roof Style

Selecting the right shingles involves several steps:

  1. Research and Inspiration: Drive through neighborhoods, browse online, and look through magazines for roof styles and colors that reflect your vision.
  2. Consider Your Neighborhood: Decide whether you want your roof to blend in or stand out. Check for any building codes or HOA restrictions.
  3. Use Design Tools: We can offer tools to visualize different shingle styles and colors on your roof.
  4. Consult with Save My Roof: Speak with an experienced roofing contractor based in Watertown and serving SE Wisconsin. We can help you choose appropriate shingles for your roof design and provide an estimate and financing options.
  5. Get FREE Instant Quote & Plan Your Project: use this page to get an instant quote in 27 seconds, compare roof replacement packages, test and "try-on" different shingle styles and colors https://savemyrooflocal.com/roof-replacement


Choosing the right roof style and materials can enhance your home's beauty and protect it from the elements. Let Save My Roof help you create a roof that fits your home perfectly.

Proud member of the Owens Corning Contractor Network.







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Owning a home comes with a set of responsibilities, and neglecting even minor issues can lead to significant complications. This is particularly true when it comes to delaying the maintenance or replacement of your roof. If you've noticed signs of wear and tear or recent damage to your roof, it's essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further harm to your home. Safeguarding Your Investment For many individuals, their home represents the largest investment they'll make in their lifetime, comprising a significant portion of their savings. Your home serves as a sanctuary where you and your loved ones find solace, recharge, and safeguard your cherished belongings. Ensuring the protection of this sanctuary begins with the integrity of your roof. There may be various reasons tempting you to postpone a roofing project, with cost being a primary concern. While a new roof can entail a substantial financial commitment, many professional roofing contractors offer financing options, making the cost more manageable. Additionally, scheduling constraints might deter you from initiating a large roofing project. However, you might be surprised at how swiftly a roof replacement can be completed once the process begins. In most cases, roofs can be replaced within 1-2 days , minimizing the disruption to your routine. Despite the seemingly valid reasons for delaying a roof replacement, the truth remains that a deteriorating roof can pave the way for numerous issues, compromising your home's infrastructure and leading to costly repairs. Minor problems can escalate into major complications if left unaddressed. Understanding the Risks of Neglecting Your Roof Replacement To safeguard your home, you must ensure the integrity of its outer defenses, including windows, walls, and the roof. Unfortunately, the roof often goes unnoticed, and even if you detect a minor leak, you may underestimate the urgency of replacing your roof. Many components of your roofing system are prone to failing anytime after 10 years of age. If you were to start maintaining your roof when it gets to be 7-8 years of age you can double the service life of your existing roof and be proactive in preventing leaks and damage. However, a compromised roof not only jeopardizes your savings but also endangers your possessions and compromises your home's safety and structural integrity. Costly Damage Water infiltration through a damaged roof can seep into your attic and interior walls, fostering mold and mildew growth. Additionally, replacing rotted wood and structural framework throughout your home can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. Most homeowner insurance policies are specific regarding roof damage provisions, often excluding coverage for damage resulting from neglect. Hidden Safety Hazards In addition to cosmetic damage, a leaking roof poses hidden risks. Mold and mildew can proliferate on damp surfaces within hours of water exposure, while decay in structural components compromises the safety of your floors and stairs. Furthermore, leaking roofs increase the risk of electrical hazards, potentially leading to short circuits and fires. Decreased Property Values Identified roof issues during a home inspection can diminish your chances of receiving the asking price for your property. Prospective buyers may demand roof replacement or offer lower bids, affecting your home's market value. Replacing Your Possessions Ignoring a roof leak can result in damage to wallpaper, carpeting, flooring, and furniture. Moreover, irreplaceable heirlooms or photographs stored in the attic may be irreparably damaged, necessitating costly replacements. Cost Increases Delaying a roofing project to save money can backfire as material costs may escalate over time. Professional roofing contractors often offer financing options, allowing you to address the issue promptly and pay over time. The Benefits of Timely Roof Replacement Implementing roof damage prevention strategies, such as regular inspections and maintenance, offers several advantages: Peace of Mind : A well-maintained roof provides reassurance that your home, belongings, and family are protected. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: A properly sealed and ventilated roofing system prevents heat and moisture buildup in attic spaces, improving the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you've determined your roof is 10+ years old, it is highly recommended to have a professional roof assessment done, delaying the process will only exacerbate the issue and limit your options. ......Remember, investing in your roof today can save you from costly repairs and ensure the long-term integrity of your home. Save My Roof in Watertown can offer you maintenance options to extend the life of your, roof repairs, roof cleaning, and high quality roof replacements; frankly, we can offer you options no other roofing contractor in Watertown can provide. Get your Free Roof Assessment set-up now by using the form on this post.
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