If you have decided to put up a new building or you want to retrofit your old structure with new roofing materials, there are a wide range of roofing types to choose from. However, before deciding which roofing system to go for, it is important to understand the pros and cons of the different roof types. This will enable you to choose the type of roof that is best suited for your building or structure. Below is a list of the different roof types together with their pros and cons:
Also referred to as the pitched or peaked roof, the gable roof is a classic and one of the most popular roof types you will find in most homes. Having a triangular shape, the roof features two sloping faces that meet right at the top of the ridge. It is the best choice for those homes that have separate wings.
Pros
a) It can shed water with ease
b) It can accommodate almost every roofing material
c) It allows for more ventilation
d) The simple design allows for easier installation, and it is a cheaper roofing option for most homes
Cons
a) It can be a severe liability in areas with strong winds
b) If the roofing frames have not been properly constructed, the roof can easily collapse
Unlike the gable roof, the hip roof consists of four gently sloping sides that meet at the top, forming a ridge. Two of the sides are triangular while the other two are trapezoids. On the other hand, just like the gable roof type, the hip roof can also be built using a wide range of roofing materials including metal sheets, tiles and shingles.
Pros
a) The roof is stronger and much more stable than the gable roof.
b) It is an excellent roof to use in high wind areas thanks to its sloppy and stable design
c) It provides an additional attic or living space for the vaulted ceilings
Cons
a) Its intricate design typically makes this roof more complicated to build.
b) Lack of maintenance or construction errors can result in serious construction problems such as leaks.
This type of roof has no angle, even though it may have a slight slope that allows for easier draining of water, although this is almost imperceptible. Being not so aesthetically pleasing, flat roofs are commonly used on large commercial and industrial buildings and are relatively cheaper to build. They may be made of PVC, roll roofing, tar and gravel, metal sheets, TPO membrane, or rubber membrane.
Pros
a) It offers extra living space on your roof for a partial enclose, patio, or garden.
b) Its design allows for easier installation of solar panels on the rooftop.
c) It is much easier to construct
d) It is a more affordable roofing option
Cons
a) The low pitch makes it more susceptible to leakages
b) In the long run, this type of roof may be costlier to maintain
Other widely used roof types you may want to consider before having them installed on your home or commercial building include; saltbox roofs, curved roofs, gambrel roofs, mansard roofs, skillion roofs, sawtooth roofs, bonnet roofs, pyramid roofs, dome roofs and many more. By looking at the pros and cons of different roofing materials, you will be able to choose the type of roof that meets your unique needs.
To assist with your unique roofing needs, you can get in contact with Dragon Roofing (www.dragonroofing.com.au) for high quality roofing services you can depend on.
