Choosing the right roof can make a world of difference for your home. You have to consider the aesthetics of your house, building codes, cost, weather resistance, durability, and so much more.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been one for years, understanding the variety of roof styles and materials available can be a game changer. But how do you decide which roof design is the crown for your palace? Below, we explore 14 roofing options to help you stay prepared no matter what the weather throws your way.
Design, functionality, and climate are the top aspects to consider when choosing the shape of your roof. Each option offers distinct advantages and challenges, so let’s look at the most popular ones to help you pinpoint the best fit for your home.
Average cost (for 1,700 square feet): $6,800 to $11,800
As the name suggests, flat roofs are, well, flat. They have a distinctive modern aesthetic for homeowners who prefer a minimalistic style.
Flat roofs lack any kind of pitch and, instead, are horizontal with a slight slope to help with water drainage. As a result, these roofs are ideal for arid and hot climates with minimal rainfall. On average, these types of roofs last between 10 and 25 years.
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Average cost (for 1,700 square feet): $5,950 to $11,220
Gable roofs are the most common style, especially for homeowners looking to add charm to their colonial or farmhouse homes. These roofs are characterized by two sloping symmetrical sides that come together at a steep pitch.
Given their triangular shape and steepness, gable roofs are ideal for rainy and snowy areas. They shed water and snow particularly well, preventing structural damage and moisture accumulation.
On average, a gable roof lasts between 20 and 50 years.
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Average cost (for 1,600 square feet): $8,000
Butterfly roofs might be one of the most distinctive mid-century styles, given that they don’t have a pitch. Instead, these roofs resemble the wings of a butterfly – two separate edges slope inwards to meet in the middle. As a result, the outer edges of the roof are pointed slightly upwards.
Butterfly roofs are ideal for both arid and rainy regions. The V-shape helps collect water into storage systems for areas with heavy rainfall. Solar panels can be placed on flat surfaces in hotter climates.
This roof style usually lasts for 20 to 50 years.
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Average cost (for 2,000 square feet): $15,159 to $27,580
Gambrel roofs are the quintessential style associated with classic Dutch colonial and barn homes. They are easily identifiable by the double-sloped sides – an upper shallow slope with a lower steep one.
For this style of roof, the sides gently slope down from the pitch. However, about halfway down, the sides become much steeper, coming down almost vertically. Each side of the roof is broken into two sections with different angles.
These roofs are suitable for more moderate climates. While they can handle some snow, they’re not ideal for heavy conditions. On average, gambrel roofs last between 20 and 40 years.
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Average cost (for 2,000 square feet): $20,000 to $60,000
Hip roofs are also a very common style, given that they are adaptable to various aesthetics – from modern to more classic homes. These roofs feature four sides that gently slope and come together at the top.
As a result, hip roofs have a symmetrical shape with eaves that go around the entire perimeter of the home. With the gentle slopes, hip roofs are ideal for snowy and windy conditions. On average, these roofs last 20 to 50 years.
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Average cost (for 2,000 square feet): $20,000 to $50,000
Most commonly associated with French architecture, mansard roofs feature a four-sided design with two different angles on each side. The top part of the roof is usually very flat, followed by a steeply pitched lower half. As a result, this structure gives the roof a very vertical appearance from the ground.
Mansard roofs are ideal in moderate climates with less extreme weather. This style of roof is popular for traditional and historic homes in urban areas as it maximizes living space. The lifespan for this style of roof is around 20 to 30 years.
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Average cost (for 2,000 square feet): $4,000 to $40,000
Shed roof types are similar to flat ones but with a slight twist – they feature a slope to one side. Typically, the home will have one taller wall to accommodate this slope. These roofs are becoming increasingly popular with more contemporary homes due to their minimalist and modern appearance.
This style is suitable for regions with high snow or rainfall, as the natural slope helps shed water. Shed roofs last about 15 to 30 years.
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When you’re updating your roof, your decision doesn’t just end with the shape. You must also consider the materials that will be used to construct it to ensure it is suitable for your climate, budget, and aesthetics. Whether you’re looking for something modern and energy-efficient or classic and rustic, here are several roofing materials you can choose from:
Average cost (per square foot): $5 to $14
Metal roofs are a very durable option known for their longevity and versatility. They can be installed as large panels or shingles made from steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. Metal roofs are ideal for hot and cold climates – they have reflective properties to reduce cooling costs and smooth surfaces to help with snow runoff.
In fact, metal roofs also perform well in coastal regions and areas prone to wildfires because they are resistant to salt corrosion and high heat. On average, this material lasts between 40 and 70 years, with copper and zinc lasting longer.
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Average cost (per square foot): $4.50 to $9
Wood shingles and shakes, often made from cedar, redwood, and southern pine, are suitable roofing materials for more traditional and rustic homes. Wood shingles are pre-cut to give a more uniform appearance, while shakes are hand-cut for a more natural look.
Wooden roofs are best suited for moderate climates, where they provide good insulation and more energy efficiency. While the wood can be treated to improve its resistance to rain and fire, some areas may ban this roofing material altogether.
If maintained properly, wood shingles can last 15 to 30 years.
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Average cost (per square foot): $2 to $4
Like metal, concrete is a very durable and versatile roofing material. Concrete can be shaped to mimic other materials like clay, slate, and wood. This material is ideal for harsher climates with more extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, high wind, and heat.
Also, similar to metal, concrete is resistant to salt and fire, making it ideal for coastal areas or areas prone to wildfires. Given concrete’s thermal mass, it helps regulate indoor temperatures for better energy efficiency. On average, concrete roofs last 30 to 50 years.
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Average cost (per square foot): $21 to $25
Solar tiles integrate solar cell technology into individual roofing tiles, allowing you to convert sunlight directly into renewable energy. They function similarly to traditional solar panels but are designed to look more like conventional roofing materials.
While this roofing option is the most costly, it is the best option for homeowners looking to increase their energy efficiency and lower long-term costs. Of course, solar tiles are most effective in sunny and arid regions where exposure to sun is ample. This material can last between 25 and 30 years.
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Average cost (per square foot): $12 to $18
As the tried and true, clay tiles have been used as a roofing material for centuries due to their durability and hardiness. Typically, this roofing material is most suitable for hot, dry climates and Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern-style homes.
This is because clay is great at withstanding high temperatures and heat, making it ideal for fire-prone regions. Clay also has high thermal resistance, which helps keep homes cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Overall, this helps lower energy costs.
As with metal and concrete, clay is also ideal for coastal areas because it is resistant to salt corrosion. Typically, clay tiles last over 50 years.
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Average cost (per square foot): $3.50 to $4
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. They come in a variety of colors and are suitable for various climates, including hot and cold regions. However, asphalt shingles are particularly ideal for areas that have fluctuating temperatures and regular rain.
On average, asphalt shingles last 15 to 30 years.
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Average cost (per square foot): $10 to $15
Finally, like clay, slate is a natural roofing material that is known for its exceptional durability. Slate roofs are made from natural stone, which is ideal for harsh climates like high winds, heavy snow, and rain.
It is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, lasting over 100 years. As a result, many historic homes have original slate roofs.
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Between all these roof shapes and roof materials, how do you choose the right one for your home? We conclude this blog by giving you some factors to consider when choosing the right roofing style and material for your home:
Each roofing type offers unique benefits tailored to different needs and styles. Remember, your choice should suit your home’s architecture but also align with your budget and local climate conditions. Make your roof a statement of style that stands the test of time.
