What Are the Different Types of Roofs?

Your roof does much more than just provide shelter for your home. It’s an important element of your home's structure and curb appeal. If you need a roof replacement or you’re building a new home, the style of roof you choose will impact water drainage, wind resistance, attic space, and even home value.

The most common and practical types of roofs include flat, gable, and hip. Each has its applications, benefits, and unique features. Your Burlington roofer can help you decide on which one is best for you.

Flat Roofs

These are roofs with little to no pitch. They are most common on commercial buildings, but you may see them on residential homes too. Flat roofs may appear completely level, but they have a slight slope to allow for water drainage.

Key Features

• Minimal slope (usually between 1/4 and 1/2 inch per foot)
• Often used in commercial buildings, additions, and modern homes
• Compatible with a range of materials, such as TPO, EPDM rubber, and modified bitumen

Pros

• Cost-effective: Flat roofs need fewer materials and are easier to install.
• Easier access: Maintenance and inspections are easier thanks to the walkable surface.
• Space utilization: Many homeowners use flat roofs to accommodate rooftop patios, HVAC units, and solar panels.

Cons

• Drainage concerns: If not properly installed or maintained, poor water runoff can lead to leaks.
• Shorter lifespan: Flat roofing materials generally have shorter life expectancies than pitched options.

Gable Roofs

Also known as peaked or pitched roofs, gable roofs are the most popular style in this country. With two sloping sides meeting at a ridge, gable roofs form a triangular shape on each end of the home.

Key Features

• Steep pitch for effective water and snow runoff
• Classic triangular design
• Simple, cost-effective construction

Pros

• Ideal drainage: The sloped design reduces leaks by helping to shed water and snow efficiently.
• Ventilation and attic space: Gable roofs create extra space inside for attics or vaulted ceilings.
• Cost efficiency: Easier and cheaper to build than complex roof shapes.

Cons

• Vulnerability to wind: Gable roofs can be more susceptible to wind damage if not properly braced, especially in hurricane-prone or high-wind areas.
• Maintenance: The higher pitch makes maintenance or repairs more challenging and dangerous.

Gable roofs are often seen on Colonial, Cape Cod, and traditional suburban home designs.

Hip Roofs

Featuring slopes on all four sides, hip roofs come together at a ridge or point, with a more complex shape than a gable roof. The result is a sleek, polished appearance.

Key Features

• No flat surfaces or vertical ends
• All sides slope downward toward the walls
• Can be combined with gables or dormers

Pros

• Superior stability: Thanks to their aerodynamic shape, hip roofs are more resistant to wind and extreme weather.
• Durability: The even distribution of weight across all sides boosts structural integrity.
• Energy efficiency: Properly ventilated hip roofs keep interior temperatures more consistent.

Cons

• More expensive: Due to their complexity, hip roofs require more materials and labor.
• Less attic space: There is less usable space beneath the roof due to the inward sloping sides.

Choose hip roofs if you live in an area of high winds or storms, best suited to ranch-style, Mediterranean, or French-inspired homes.

Deciding On the Right Roof For You

The roof you choose will depend on many factors:

• Local climate
• Budget
• Architectural style
• Long-term maintenance goals

You may consider going with a flat roof if you want a sleek, practical design. You may want a gable roof if you like a timeless look and efficient performance. And while you’ll pay more for a hip roof, you’ll enjoy superior durability and aesthetic appeal.

Contact Redeem Roofing

Our Burlington roofers can help you choose a roofing system that meets both functional needs and visual preferences, whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing roof. Contact us for a free quote today.

Highly recommend!! Isaac is fantastic to work with. He is very knowledgeable and goes above and beyond. Thank you Isaac!! Jennifer L.