Different Types of Roofs

The right roof type strikes a balance between form and function. It should protect you from the elements, promote energy efficiency, and add major curb appeal while doing so. Ideally, it also won’t cost a fortune. While balancing those elements can be a challenge, our team of experts at Parish Roofing Solutions is here to help. Based in North Texas, we have a track record of helping provide homeowners with durable, affordable, and stylish roofs.

Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at the different roof types. From style and materials to longevity and cost, we’ll go over the essentials to help you find a roof design that works with your budget, style, and the Dallas-Fort Worth climate.

Common Roof Styles & Shapes

In the more than 10 years we’ve spent working with homeowners, we’ve come across dozens of different types of roofs – including some homes that feature multiple styles. That said, most roof styles fall into one or two of several categories:

• Gable Roof: If you ever drew a house as a child, it probably featured a gable roof. It’s essentially a triangle atop the house, with two sides rising to meet the center ridge.
• Hip Roof: Another standard roof design featuring four equal-length sides meeting at a simple ridge.
• Dutch Gable Roof: A combination style that draws from gable and hip roofs. A small gable roof rests on top of a traditional hip roof.
• Clipped Gable Roof: Also known as a bullnose roof, it features the basic gable shape, but has top peaks that bend inwards, creating small hips on either end of the home.
• Gambrel Roof: The classic barn roof – it has two sides, each with two slopes; one gentle, the other steep. Inside the home, the upper floor is often an attic or loft.
• Shed Roof: One of the more modern roof styles, a shed roof has a single pane that slopes in one direction. Traditionally used for specific sections, such as porches, some contemporary homes only have shed roofs.
• Mansard Roof: A French-style roof, mansard roofs have dual slopes on all four sides of the home. The upper slope is shallow while the lower slope is steep, offering extra living space in the attic.
• Flat Roof: Another modern roof design, flat roofs are often found on homes with large open floor plans. While stylish, they sometimes struggle to shed water, making them less of an ideal choice in wet climates.

A Guide to Roofing Materials

Even the most beautiful roof styles are nothing without the right materials. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common options for residential properties:

Asphalt Shingles

With more than 80% of American homes sporting them, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing option in the country. What’s behind their popularity? They strike a balance between price, performance, and style, appealing to homeowners in different regions with different styles and budgets.

• Aesthetics: Design flexibility – shingles come in a wide variety of colors and textures
• Pros: Plentiful supply, affordable, lightweight, capable of working with different styles of homes
• Cons: Don’t always stand up to severe weather; shorter lifespan than other roof material types
• Average Lifespan: 15-30 years (depending on climate and maintenance)

Metal Roofing

Over the past decade, metal roofs have seen a surge in popularity. They’re resistant to weather, energy-efficient, and last for decades.

• Aesthetics: Vary – can work with both traditional and contemporary builds; capable of mimicking other materials
• Pros: Durable, energy-efficient, long-lasting, stylish
• Cons: Higher initial investment required, professional installation necessary
• Average Lifespan: 40-70 years

Tile Roofing (Clay or Concrete)

In warmer climates, clay and concrete tiles are popular alternatives to shingles. They bring a classic look and offer durability against heat, fire, wind, and other elements.

• Aesthetics: Mediterranean to sleek and modern; different colors and texture options available
• Pros: Thermal benefits, high durability, timeless look, long-lasting
• Cons: Heavy, costly to install, reinforced roofing structures required
• Average Lifespan: 50-100+ years

Wood Shingles and Shakes

One of the more niche types of roofs, wood shingles and shakes are ideal for homeowners looking for a rustic style. They require more attention than other roof types, but can enjoy long lives if properly maintained.

• Aesthetics: Rustic, natural, homey
• Pros: Recyclable, full of character and charm, natural insulation
• Cons: Without regular treatment, susceptible to issues like insects, rot, and fire
• Average Lifespan: 20-40 years

What’s the Best Roof for Your North Texas Home?

North Texas weather is bold, to say the least, and your roof needs to be ready for it. From the triple-digit summer heat to the high winds, hail, and occasional ice storms, durability and proper design are non-negotiables.

Roof types with moderate to steep pitches, such as gable or hip styles, do well at shedding water, reducing the risk of leaks during downpours. In windy areas, hip roofs, in particular, perform well because of their aerodynamic shape. While stylish, low-slope or flat roofs can struggle to stand up to the Texas elements. If you’re set on a flat roof, it may require specialized waterproofing and drainage systems.

Regarding materials, impact-resistant asphalt shingles and standing-seam metal roofing tend to perform well, as they have the strength to withstand the elements while reflecting heat to help keep cooling to a minimum. Tile roofs also fare well in hot climates, but as mentioned, their weight requires reinforced support structures.

In addition to smart design and the right materials, proper ventilation can also play a major role in your roof’s longevity. Adequate airflow is essential, as it works to prevent heat and moisture buildup in your attic. This reduces strain on shingles and helps make your home more energy-efficient.

You can think of a well-ventilated, weather-resilient roof as the structural element that lets your home breathe. To ensure your family’s comfort year-round, don’t constrict its airflow!

Parish Roofing Solutions: Your Roofing Experts

Navigating the different roof styles can feel overwhelming, especially since you want to ensure you’re investing in a style and material that will protect your home for years to come. Fortunately, you don’t need to navigate that process alone.

If you live in Fort Worth, McKinney, or another part of the DFW area, our team of experts is happy to meet with you for a free, professional consultation. We’ll discuss your roofing needs, go over the price and process, and offer expert feedback to find a roof that works for you and your home. Reach out to us today!