Finding the Roof Style and Construction That's Right for You

By Craig Friesen HIPhome Columnist December 31, 1969

When you think about it there is quite a variety of roof styles and constructions.  All you have to do is look around neighborhoods in your city to see a collage of roof construction art that serves both functionality and personal expression.

Let's take a look at some roof styles and their particular strengths.

Flat or Low Slope Gable Roofs

This particular roof style is seldom found in residential construction.  As the name suggests, flat roofs are simply flat tops to structures.  Flat roofs are usually protected with tar and require excellent drainage to prevent damage.  Roof contractors will normally use flat or low slope roof styles only on commercial buildings.  Even then, climates with heavy snow fall require a steeper roof pitch to reduce damage.  Flat roof styles are featured in adobe or modern architecture styles.

Gable Roofs

The very first type of roof that most children draw is the gable roof.  The great majority of modern homes use this type of roof though the shape may be more complex than the familiar single gable.  Roofing contractors know how to combine or intersect gable roof sections for pleasing visual effects while maintaining efficient rain and snow drainage.  The gable roof style is also commonly used in features such as dormers.  

Hip Roofs

Hip roofs are very popular on dwelling types like the bungalow. A hip roof has four sloped surfaces, two triangular surfaces on the ends, and two parallelogram surfaces on the sides. Roofing contractors frequently combine this roof style with gable roof sections.

No matter which roof style you favor for your construction, a good roofing contractor can provide information and suggestions to make it the best roof possible given your preferences.

About the Author
Craig Friesen is a freelance writer and an ordained Mennonite minister in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from University of Manitoba and a Master of Divinity degree from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. A computer hobbyist, Craig operates several home-based online businesses in his leisure time.


*Before you apply any of the advice described on the Hip-home.com website, you should consider if the advice is safe and suitable for your individual home situation and consult experts as necessary to evaluate the suitability for your circumstances.