As you probably already noticed, roofs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tall. Some are short. Some are simple. Some are complex. But you have probably wondered whether these roof types have names. The answer is… Yes they do! In this post, we will define some of the most common residential roof types.
Residential vs Commercial Roof Types
Residential and commercial roofs are very different in structure. Commercial roofs provide more utility than aesthetic which is why they are often flat and not a focal point of the building. Residential roofs, on the other hand, can be seen as a personal statement to the homeowners taste. This has opened the door for many innovations in roof design that have given us the beautiful residential roofs that we see everywhere today.
Common Residential Roof Types
While there are endless possibilities to one’s roof, there are several roof types that have become increasingly common in the residential roofing industry.
Gable/Cross Gable
The gable is probably what you think of when you imagine a roof. Perhaps the most common type of residential roof, It consists of two sections whose upper edges meet above the house to form a ridge, giving the appearance of a triangle.
A cross gable roof is simply a roof consisting of two or more gabled sections.
Dormer Roof
The Dormer roof is essentially a gable roof with a little extra complexity. A dormer is a window that extends vertically from a slanted roof and a dormer roof simply has a dormer!
Hip/Cross Hip
A hip roof is similar to a gable roof with one key distinction. Instead of the two sections of a gable roof, a hip roof has four sections that all combine to meet. These look similar to pyramids with a ridge on top instead of a single point.
Like the cross gable, a cross hipped roof is just any roof that consists of two or more hipped sections that meet each other.
Gambrel
The gambrel roof is not as common for houses but is seen often on barns. This roof type is a symmetrical two sided roof with two slopes on each side. The lower slope is at a much steeper angle than the higher one. The purpose of this roof was to have the advantages of a sloped roof without being unnecessarily high.
Mansard
The mansard is a combination of the gambrel and hip roofs. Like the gambrel, the mansard has two slopes on its roof faces, both with differing angles. Unlike the gambrel, which is only composed of two sides, the mansard’s roof edges go all around the building. These roof types were common in the Victorian era as a symbol of wealth.
M-Shaped
The M-shaped roof is less common but unforgettable nonetheless. These roofs are precisely how they are described: 2 A-frame roofs connecting to form an M shape.
Repair All Roof Types with Molandes Roofing
Whether you have a gable, or a mansard, Molandes Roofing has the expertise to repair or replace any type of roof. Our decades of combined roofing experience are just what you need for your next project. Give us a call today or fill out our online form so Molandes Roofing can bring your house to life.