Choosing the right kind of roof for your house can be a difficult decision. There are many different types to choose from, and each one has their own set of pros and cons. In this article, we’ll go over 7 Types of Roofs for Houses: How to Choose the Right One. We’ll discuss what you should consider when choosing a roof type, as well as some popular examples that might meet your needs!
What You Should Consider When Choosing a Roof Type
There are several things you should consider when choosing the right type of roof for your house. It’s important to carefully weigh all of your options, so that you can choose the one that is best suited for your specific situation and needs! Here are some questions to ask yourself before making a final decision:
- Do you live in a place where it snows? If so, the type of roof you choose should be able to handle heavy snowfall. Metal roofs are usually great at this!
- How often does your house get rain or strong winds? The answer will determine if you need a very sturdy and durable roof such as a metal roof.
- Are you willing to maintain your roof on occasion? Some roofs are very low maintenance, while others require some extra work!
- How long do you want the life of your roof to last? If you plan to be in the house for many more years, it might make sense to choose one that can withstand lots of rain and snow. Or, if you’re planning to sell the house soon and don’t care about resale value, a cheaper roof will work just fine!
- Are there any local or state laws that might affect your choice? For example, in some places it’s illegal to have an asphalt shingle roof – so be sure to check with city officials before you decide on a certain type!
- Do you need to consider the effect of wind load? Some houses have very thin, lightweight roofs. If your roof is going to be exposed to strong winds, it might not meet safety codes and will require additional structural reinforcement during construction.
Popular Roof Types for Houses: How They Rate & What You Need to Know
There are many different types of roofs for houses, so it can be hard to choose which one is best suited for your needs. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular roof types and their ratings in terms of durability, cost-effectiveness, maintenance requirements, etc:
- Asphalt Shingle Roofs – A popular choice that is inexpensive and easy to maintain. However, they are not very durable or suited for heavy snowfall areas.
- Metal Roofs – These roofs are great at withstanding strong winds, rain/snow, insects & high fire danger conditions. They can also last up to 50 years! The downside is the higher price tag and the work required to install them.
- Wood Shingle/Shake Roofs – A common choice for historic homes and certain types of architecture. They are very durable, but expensive to maintain. Requires good ventilation in order to prevent mold growth from trapped moisture within the wood structure underneath.
- Slate or Tile Roofs – These roofs have a classic look and can last up to 100 years! They are extremely durable, but also very expensive.
- Flat Roofs – These roofs work great for areas with heavy snowfall and lots of rain. Low maintenance requirements: you only need to clean them every year or so due to clogged gutters from leaves & debris on top of the roof. Be aware that they are more susceptible to leaks and may not meet local building codes.
- Ceramic Tile Roofs – A great choice for those wanting a very “green” home! They absorb little heat, so your air conditioning bills will be lower in the summer months & your heating bills during winter will also be low. Very durable and long-lasting, but high installation costs.
Jason Dann is a carpenter and contractor that specializes in roofs. He has been working on roofs for over 10 years. Jason takes pride in his work, making sure to do the job right the first time, every time. With more than 20 years of experience under his belt, he knows how to get it done!