The Ultimate List of Roofing Structures. Which One Is For You?

Whether you're building a house or remodeling your roof, it's essential to know the ramifications of the structure designs that you choose. Read on to consider all the styles, and combination of styles, of roofs and the pros and cons of each.

Roofing Structures: The Pros and Cons
Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each structure:

DOME ROOF
Pros:  

• They are beautiful and durable.

Cons:  

• They're expensive to construct.

 
PYRAMID ROOF
Pros:  

• Pyramid roofs are recommended for hurricane-prone areas and high-wind areas because they're highly resistant to wind.
• The overhanging eaves reduce utility bills.
• The slope provides extra space for ventilation, attics, or high ceilings.

Cons:  

• They're on the expensive side.

 
CURVED ROOF
Pros:  

• They have a unique look and are aesthetically pleasing.
• You can customize them to be advantageous in the region you live in. For example, you can have more of an arch for water to run off. Similarly, you can have a higher, durable slope for high winds.

Cons:  

• The cost will depend on the complexity of the design you choose.

SALTBOX ROOF
​Pros:  

• These roofs can allow your house to be 1.5 to two stories.
• They are compatible with rainy areas because the slope makes it easy for water to run off.

Cons:  

• The building costs are high.
• The ceilings may be slanted, which may not be your style.

 
BONNET ROOF
​Pros:  

• The upper slope provides additional living space for an attic or vaulted ceilings.
• The overhanging eaves protect your porch and walls from water damage.
• Bonnet roofs are more durable than Gable roofs.

Cons:  

• Snow and water can pool in the valleys.
• They're more expensive than most roofing structures.

BUTTERFLY ROOF
​Pros:  

• They're sustainable: They lower heating costs, invite natural lighting, and you can add a water reservoir and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

 Cons:  

• The design and maintenance are expensive.
• The design can make it challenging to regulate interior temperatures.
• If you don't waterproof it, it's likely to leak, which, over time, can collapse your roof.

JERKINHEAD ROOF
​Pros:  

• They're more stable than regular roofs, and they're resistant to wind damage.

Cons:  

• The building costs are high.

SKILLION ROOF
​Pros:  

• Skillion roofs are eye-catching and aesthetically appealing.
• They stand against severe rain and snow.

Cons:  

• They don't do well against the wind.
• If the roof pitch is too high, the ceiling may be too low.

FLAT ROOF
​Pros:  

• You can place PV solar panels and heating and cooling units on the roof.
• They provide additional living space on the roof for a garden, patio, or penthouse.

Cons:  

• Flat roofs are susceptible to leakage, so they aren't advisable for areas with high rain or snowfall.
• The constant maintenance may get expensive.

GAMBREL ROOF
Pros:  

• Because of their shape, they are great for outdoor sheds and storage buildings.
• They provide extra living space for a loft, attic, or garret.
• They're inexpensive.

Cons:  

• The open design can cause the roof to collapse under pressure.
• They aren't recommended for heavy wind or snow areas.

MANSARD ROOF
Pros:  

• You can use the entire space as an attic or garret.
• They provide flexibility for future home additions.

Cons:  

• They're more expensive than typical roofs.
• They aren't ideal for heavy snowfall.

HIP ROOF
Pros:  

• Hip roofs are more stable than gables.
• You can add a dormer or crow's nest for extra living space.
• They're durable in high wind and snowy areas. 

Cons:  

• They cost more than gable roofs.
• If you add a dormer, the roof is prone to leakage.

GABLE ROOF
Pros:  

• Gable roofs quickly shed water and snow.
• They provide more space for the attic or vaulted ceilings.
• They allow for more ventilation. 

Cons:

• High winds can peel away material.
• If the frames don't have adequate support, the roof can collapse.
• They can be problematic in hurricane-prone areas.

COMBINATION ROOFS
​Pros:  

• You can use the best type of roof for each part of your home.
• The design adds architectural interest to your house.

Cons:  

• The more complex the design is, the more costly the roof will be.
• The costs of building and labor are higher.

If you're building a home in West Michigan, call Town Corners Roofing at 616-772-9700 or fill out our contact form for a FREE consultation. Build a roof you can be proud of!​​

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