No matter if you are in the middle of building a new home or considering replacing your current roof, it is important to weigh all your options. Luckily, Certified Roofers & General Contractors provides expert insight into both modern and traditional roofing styles.
We consider the pros and cons of all types of roofing so you know exactly what you are getting into. Our roofing company understands the importance of balancing aesthetics and durability. Not all of the cons apply to everyone, and much of our advice depends on what you are personally looking for in your home and your local climate. We help endless clients in Riverview and Brandon, FL find the roofing that best suits their homes.
The Pros and Cons of Traditional Roofing Styles
You are probably wondering what the exact pros and cons are for the wide variety of roofing shapes available. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular traditional roofs:
Gambrel Roofs
Gambrel roofs are similar to the roofs seen on classic barns, featuring two distinct slopes on each side.
- Pros: The steep lower slope provides a significant amount of extra living space or attic room right under the roof.
- Cons: The design is not as structurally durable for locations that experience heavy snowfall or severe wind conditions.
Hip Roofs
Hip roofs have slopes on all four sides that meet at the top to form a ridge.
- Pros: This aerodynamic design makes it a very sturdy roof when it comes to high winds and severe weather.
- Cons: Because of the complex truss system required, they are generally more expensive to build.
Gable Roofs
Gable roofs offer a classic, triangular silhouette that many people associate with a traditional home.
- Pros: They are excellent for shedding rain and provide ample room for vaulted ceilings or ventilated attics.
- Cons: If not properly braced, the flat vertical faces of gable roofs can be susceptible to damage in hurricane-force winds.
The Pros and Cons of Modern Roofing Styles
If you lean toward contemporary architecture, here is a look at a few modern roofing designs:
Jerkinhead Roofs
Also known as clipped gable roofs, jerkinhead roofs feature a complex design with shortened or “clipped” ends.
- Pros: By clipping the ends, the roof becomes much more aerodynamic, stable, and durable against high winds.
- Cons: The complex framing and design make this an expensive roofing option.
Skillion Roofs
Skillion roofs give a very asymmetrical, modern look to your home, featuring a single, sharply angled slope.
- Pros: They are simple and fast to build due to the lack of complex framing and require fewer materials.
- Cons: The steep single pitch does not give homeowners much, if any, usable attic space.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs give a highly minimalist and modern look to a home or commercial building.
- Pros: They are highly efficient to install and the flat surface can be utilized for rooftop gardens, solar panels, or outdoor patios.
- Cons: They are more prone to pooling water and leakage if not perfectly maintained, meaning they require specialized waterproofing systems.
Exploring Other Popular Roof Shapes
We offer every variety of roofing, and you probably want to know all your options! Beyond the styles mentioned above, here are several other traditional and modern roof shapes we can help you build:
- Pyramid Roof
- Saltbox Roof
- Bonnet Roof
- Mansard Roof
- Combination Roof
- Dome Roof
- Sawtooth Roof
- Curved Roof
- Butterfly Roof
Find Your Perfect Roof
Even though there are pros and cons to all roof shapes, you can rest assured that you will find the style that suits your home perfectly. By considering your local climate, your budget, and your lifestyle, you can choose a roof with confidence. Our roofers in Brandon, FL help customers navigate these choices to find the ideal structural fit for their homes without any hesitation.
Contact Your Local Roofing Experts
Certified Roofers & General Contractors are professionals who know how to make your home look its best while staying protected. Call or visit us in Riverview today for more information. We understand the difficulties that come with choosing the right roof, but you can sit back and relax when your home is in our hands.
