Home Extension Roof Types

Types of Roof  structures and materials for Home Extensions

Roof shapes vary greatly. Factors which influence the shape of roof for your home extension are the structure, the outer covering and generally local planning considerations.

Roof shapes vary from almost flat to steeply pitched. They can be arched or domed; a single flat sheet or a complex arrangement of slopes, gables and hips; or truncated.

We list the various types of roof for your design considerations.

Gable Roof:
Gable roof designs are one of the more simple styles when it comes to roofs. The gable roof style looks like an inverted/upside down V. Gable roofs are not ideal for areas with high wind because they easily can catch the wind much like a sail would.

Flat Roof:
Flat roofs are common especially with commercial buildings. Flat roofs are definitely the most simple roof to build because they have little to no pitch. The most common types of roofing systems used with flat roofs are rubber roofing systems.

Hipped Roof:
Hipped roofs are a common residential style roof. This type of roof is more difficult to construct when compared to flat roofs and gable roofs because they have a more complicated truss and rafter structure. A hip roof style roof has four sloping sides with zero vertical roof lines/walls. Hip roofs can be both square and rectangular.

Gambrel Roofs:
The best way to describe a gambrel roof is by saying barn roof. The gambrel style roof is most commonly used on barns. However, it is also used in residential construction. This type of roof has the benefit of providing a good amount of space in the attic. In fact, it provides so much extra space that it is often turned into bedrooms or other living areas.

Shed Roofs:
A shed roof is basically a flat roof but has more pitch. It is frequently used for additions on homes or other roof styles.

Mansard Roof:
The mansard roof is a french design and is more difficult to construct than the hip or gable roof.

Roof Pitch

The pitch or slope of a roof is a critical deciding factor in various roofing decisions. Depending on the degree of the pitch/slope of a roof, certain materials can or cannot be used. Pitch not only helps determine what type of materials can or cannot be used but it also plays a major role in ceiling heights and space, drainage options, weather durability, design, and difficulty of construction and maintenance.

The slope of a roof is split up into three categories.

1. Flat Roof: (Anything under a 2:12 pitch)

2. Low Slope: (A 4:12 pitch to a 2:12 pitch)

3. Steep Slope: (A 4:12 pitch to a 21:12 pitch)

Roof Materials
Another important aspect with roofs is the selection of material. Some materials are more common in certain areas and certain materials are ideal for different types of roof pitches/slopes while others are not ideal for certain roof slopes. Consolation with the roofing material manufacturer is critical to determine correct production selection.

Common types of roofing materials

Tile:

Tile is one of the more expensive materials used for roofs. Although the traditional clay tile is probably the most well known tile material it is not the only one. Other materials that are used to create tile products are metal, concrete, slate, and various synthetic compositions.

Membrane Roofing Material:
There are many different types of products included in this category for roofing and in fact that number continues to grow with the technological advancements and findings. Membrane roofing products are used on flat roofs. We commonly install EPDM rubber membrane to low pith sloping roofs.  http://www.permaroofstore.co.uk/product/112/firestone-epdm-rubbercover-roll-varying-sizes-1-14mm

For more information of roofing construction types and materials please contact us.

PS: We’d be honoured if you would share your insights and comment on types of roofing available for home extensions, but you are free to pass on the opportunity as well.