If you are planning to build your dream house or if you’re choosing a new roof for your existing home, then you have to consider what are the styles of roof which can be appropriate to your structure. As you know, a roof is the ultimate covering for the construction and aesthetics are important. A great planned roof type plays an important role in maintaining the construction envelope, which in turn has a share in the home’s liveability. There are many different types of roofs out there:

1. Flat roof
A flat roof is the simplest and most economical type of roof, characteristic of modern architecture and frequently used in warm weather conditions. It is well known all over the world and each country has its own tradition about it. They require fewer materials and the surface area is less than this same area of a sloped roof, which makes them cheaper to build. They are easier to climb onto and inspect because they have a horizontal surface and offer much more stability. Also, the roof space of your home with a flat roof could be used as a living space. Flat roofs require much more maintenance, which is one of the downsides of this roof. As you know, there is no way that water will naturally filter away from a flat roof. Because of this problem, this type of roof needs to be re-coated every few years to keep its integrity and avoid leaks. If you don’t regularly maintain a flat roof you will need to change it much sooner.

2. Hip roof
If your home has a square-shaped floor, the hip roof will look like a pyramid. The hip roof has no vertical sides and instead all the roof sides slope toward the walls. Sometimes, a hip roof is called a pyramidal roof and that is when all sides of the roof are the same with the resulting pyramid form. Hip roofs are very stable and they are great for both wind and snowy areas.

3. Gable roof
Gable roofs have a simple design with more open areas on the outside walls, leaving walls more exposed to the climate elements. Some of the "gable roof advantages” are the strength and sturdy design and the fact that they are relatively simple and economical to build.

4. Gambrel roof
Gambrel roof has two curved lines that present a simple and stylish look. The roof is seen in houses and farm buildings and it has two slopes. These roofs are not ideal for areas with heavy wind, but they are easy to build, easy to frame out and they have a great drainage capability.

5. Mansard roof
The mansard type of roof is a print of French design, with two different slopes on all sides of the house. It isn’t ideal for areas with heavy snowfall. Mansard roof creates much more living space in the attic and also saving both money and time because it is simple and practical to build. This type is very similar to the gambrel roof and can be easily mistaken. The difference is that the gambrel roof has two different slopes on two sides of the construction.