Are you considering investing in a new roof for your next home improvement project? If so, the professionals at Robert Major Construction Corp know what it takes to install a new roof with quality workmanship and at a reasonable cost. With many roofing types available on the market today, it can take time to figure out which roof type to go with. 

You want your money to be well-spent while having a great-looking roof that will not only increase your home’s value but give it more curb appeal to potential buyers if you decide to put your property on the market. Before making a final decision on what type of roof you’d like, it will help to get familiar with eight of the most common types of roofs and how they will influence your choice of roofing materials.‍
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The Gable Roof

Its base sits atop the roof, and its two sides rise to meet the ridge like the legs of a triangle. There is a wide variety of gable roof pitches, from flat roofs to steep chalet roofs. The gable is a classic roof design that complements many different kinds of homes.

Gable Roof (Clipped)

The basic form of a clipped gable roof is that of a gable, with two sides rising to meet a ridge, but it also takes inspiration from hip roofs by having the top peaks "bent in," resulting in tiny hips at the ends of the roof ridge. These hips are a great way to show off your home's high-performance, designer shingles while adding interesting architectural detail.

Gable Roof (Dutch-Style)

Similarly to the hip-and-gable roof, the Dutch gable roof combines characteristics of both types of roofs. On top of the regular hip roof is a small gable or gablet. The gable adds usable square footage to the attic, and it can be outfitted with windows to let in natural light.

Gambrel Roof

Its two sides, each with two slopes, are steep and gentle. Due to its structure, the upper level can function as either an attic or a loft. Windows on the side of a gambrel roof let in natural light and expand the usable space upstairs.

Hip Roof

When put together, the four equal slopes of a classic hip roof form a straightforward ridge. The half-hip, for example, has two shorter sides and eaves than a conventional hip roof. Hip roofs tend to protrude more than other types of roofs, making the majority of the roof visible from the outside of the house.

Mansard Roof

The mansard roof, with its origins in French architecture, can be seen at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Extremely steep and either flat or curved lower slopes characterize this four-sided design with double slopes.

Shed Roof

This "lean-to" design is reminiscent of the lower section of a regular gable roof. Although traditionally associated with porches and additions, in today's architectural landscape, the shed roof can be found adorning the entire structure. Shed-roofed houses are often one-of-a-kind creations that serve as architectural manifestos for their owners. Small rows of windows can be placed directly under a shed roof, or you can install large picture windows across the front of the house.

Flat Roof (Low Slope)

A low-slope roof, also known as a flat roof, has a pitch of 5 degrees or less. For proper drainage, however, even the flattest roofs should have some degree of pitch. However, asphalt shingles are unavailable because they cannot be properly installed on flat roofs.

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