While it’s true that your roof provides your home with necessary protection from the elements, it also plays an important part in the overall style and appearance of your home. There are a variety of different roof styles and shapes, ranging from traditional to contemporary. In many cases, the style of roof your home employs will also influence your choice of roofing materials, which can enhance the visual you want to create when your home and roof are viewed together. If you’ve ever wondered which type of roof your home features and whether it requires any special care, keep reading to find out more about some of the most popular residential roofing styles in Alexandria.
Gable
Gabled roofing is one of the most popular roof styles in the United States—it is also likely the first thing you picture when you think of a roof. A gable simply refers to the triangular shape formed by the two sides of a sloped roof, which meet together at the top. A home can have one or more gabled portions of roof; cross-gabled roofs have gables on the front and sides of the home, while a home with only a single gable may have a front-facing or side-facing gable. Gabled roofs are less prone to accumulation of dirt and debris because of their slope, but your gutters will require regular care to keep them clear.
Gambrel
Gambrel roofs are a form of pitched roof in which each triangular portion has an additional sloped section. Their look is often associated with barns and cottage-style homes. Gambrel roofs offer more interior space under the roof than other styles, which is ideal if you’d like to use your attic as an additional living space. A gambrel roof can be more difficult to access due to its steeper pitch—you’ll need a roofing professional to inspect and clean your roof, rather than opting for some types of maintenance yourself. You’ll also need to make sure your gutters are clear to allow water and debris to run off the roof more easily.
Shed
Shed roofing derives its name because it is a style of roof often used on sheds and other functional outbuildings. A shed roof slants from top to bottom in only one direction, meaning one side of your home’s roof will be much higher than the other. Shed roofing is also a popular style of roof for dormer windows, due to its simplicity. A shed-style roof is typically easy to access, clean, and repair, depending on its pitch, which can range from high to low.
Flat
Although many individuals associate flat roofing with commercial buildings, residential flat roofing is quite popular as well. Flat roofing is not completely flat—even a flat roof must incorporate some pitch, typically 1/4 inch per foot, to accommodate runoff. Residential flat roofs offer a unique look that many find appealing; these roofs often require more maintenance than more highly-pitched roofs but are easier to inspect and repair because they can be accessed more safely. A flat roofing system may not use traditional gutters, but employ scupper or perimeter drains that should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent water accumulation on the roof.
Whether you’d like to know more about caring for your existing roof or are ready to consider installing a new roof, your residential roofer in Fairfax is here to help. Please visit our website for more information about our residential and commercial roofing services, or check out our blog to read through our informative roofing articles.
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