Roofs are an essential component of every home. They are classified according to their functional requirements. Aside from protecting you and your family from bad weather, roofing also beautifies your home. Hence, before deciding on a roof, you want to ensure you know the categories of roofs available and make the choice that best fits your needs.
Unknown to a lot of people, the factors to consider when choosing a roofing type goes beyond just the materials and designs.
To be on the safer side, you can consult an experienced roofer like Pyramid Roofing. This will help you understand the different roofing categories and make the right decision.
This article also provides information about the different categories of roofs. So keep reading.
Flat Roofs or Terrace Roofs
A flat roof is the most common roof category. Despite its simple design, its appearance is pleasing to the sight and you can use it for various purposes. Flat roofs have a shallow slope that helps rainwater to flow easily to the gutter. However, if the slope is too shallow, you may experience ponding. Below are the types of flat roofs:
- Composite Roof: It’s made of bricks and other materials like concrete, brickbat, and teak wood joist.
- Jack Arch Roof: It helps to resist vibrations and shocks. However, it requires hard labor.
- RCC Roof or Reinforced Brick Slab Roof: It’s mostly used in residential buildings. It has a long lifespan.
- Mud Terrace Roof: It’s made of white earth mud with a high percentage of sodium salt. This is ideal for areas that experience little to no rainfall. It helps to keep the house cool by providing insulation against heat.
- Precast Concrete Roof: It’s popular in new homes. It requires less labor and helps to save time.
Benefits of Flat Roofs
- They help you save money on energy bills by providing good insulation.
- They require little roofing materials compared to other roof types.
- You don’t need a false ceiling because both sides are flat.
- They’re ideal for buildings with horizontal dimensions.
- They provide great ventilation to the room.
- You can use the flat roof terrace for events, meetings, or relaxation.
Pitched or Sloping Roof
A pitched roof slopes downward in one or more parts. Sometimes, it slopes from edge to edge in one part. It can also slope at an angle from the peak of the roof. They were formerly made with timber, however, you can now find pitched roofs made of concrete. Pitched roofs are a great choice for both modern and traditional buildings.
Types of Pitched Roofs
- Mono-pitch roof
The mono-pitch roof is ideal for storehouses or garages. It’s also ideal for locations with heavy rainfall as it has a slope of over 45⁰. It’s usually a standalone sloping roof surface and doesn’t attach to any other roof surface.
- Double-pitch roof
This roof type has two sloping surfaces. It’s mostly found in residential homes because it’s economical.
- Slant roof
Slant roofs are also called gable roofs. They’re made of different materials like asphalt, tiles, shakes, or metallic shingles. Slant roofs provide great ventilation and it’s simple to build.
- Composite roof Trusses
The Composite Roof Truss is a combination of timber and steel. The compression members are made of timber while the tension members are made of steel.
Benefits of Pitched Roofs
- They’re easy to clean and maintain
- They’re a great fit for traditional homes
- They make water drainage easy. Therefore, they’re good for locations with heavy rainfall
- They require less labor and time to construct.
- They have a long lifespan
- They prevent snow buildup.
Shell Roofs or Curved Roofs
Shell roofs are modifications of pitched roofs. They’re known for their ability to cover large buildings. They function both as a structure and also a covering. Shell roofs are made of concrete panels. These panels are either curved spherically or cylindrically for better durability. They are also built of other materials like glass, hardboard, lattice, ceramics, plastics, and steel sheets. Shell roofs are ideal for open buildings without walls or pillars that can support pitched or flat roofs.
Below are the three types of shell roofs:
- Continuous barrel shells: They’re used in large buildings that need multiple shells for the floor space.
- Single barrel shells: They’re used for long or rectangular structures.
- Multi-barrel shells: They’re mostly used in public buildings.
Benefits of Shell Roofs
- They require fewer materials
- They’re beautiful
- They’re light
- They’re energy-efficient
The type of roof you choose should depend on your location, the type of building, and budget. If you’re still unsure of the right roof for your home, speak to an experienced roofing contractor.
