Types of Roofs

A roof is a three-dimensional structure whose base is a polygon defined by the outline of the external walls of a building.

The main elements of a roof include:

• Eaves
• Ridge
• Hip
• Roof slope
• Valley

There are two main categories of roofs:

• Sloped roofs
• Flat roofs

Many investors are unaware that local zoning plans may regulate roof color, influencing the shade of roofing materials allowed in a given area.

Types of Roofs

Gable Roof

A gable roof, also called a pitched roof, is one of the most popular roof types.

• Consists of two sloping rectangular planes.
• The roof slopes meet at the ridge, running parallel to the building's width.
• Simple construction and lower costs compared to more complex roofs.

Hip Roof

Also known as a four-sided roof, the hip roof consists of:

• Two triangular side slopes.
• Two elongated trapezoidal slopes.
• Commonly used in prefabricated and custom home designs.
• More complex and expensive than a gable roof.

Shed Roof

• Also called a single-pitch roof, it consists of only one sloped plane.

Mansard Roof

• Two roof sections—a steep lower slope and a gentler upper slope.
• Creates additional attic space, reducing low-ceiling areas.
• Can be gable-style or hip-style, depending on the design.

Jerkinhead Roof

A jerkinhead roof is a variation of a gable roof.

• The upper corners of the gable ends are cut off with small slopes, called jerkinheads.
• Often used for ventilation gaps in livable attics.

Pyramid Roof

Also called a tent roof, this type consists of four triangular slopes meeting at a single peak.

• Always has a square footprint with equal-length slopes.
• No ridge line, creating a pyramid shape.
• Suitable for both usable and non-usable attic spaces.

Flat Roof

• Also called a stropodach, serving as both a ceiling and a roof.
• Typically has a 2° to 20° slope for water drainage.
• Composed of:
  • Reinforced concrete base
  • Thermal insulation
  • Roof covering

Types of Flat Roofs:

• Inverted flat roof – Layer order is reversed, allowing for green roofs or terraces.
• Green roofs – Separated from the ground by a structural base, covered with vegetation.
• Increasingly used in Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Poland.

Green Roof Benefits:

• Lower urban temperatures
• Improved air quality
• Provides habitat for wildlife
• Enhances urban aesthetics
• Encouraged by local governments

Steep Roof

• Also called a pitched roof, featuring angled slopes.
• Typically slopes between 20° and 60°.
• Consists of a supporting structure (roof truss) and roof covering.
• Includes low-pitch and high-pitch variations.

Multi-Gable Roof

• Combines multiple roof styles that intersect, forming ridges and diagonal edges.
• More complex and costly than simpler roof types.
• Common in larger houses with attic spaces.