Roof Types
Gable, Mansard, Hip, Gambrel, Flat, Shed
Roof types play a significant role in the amount of upkeep and repairs you need to keep your roof in good working order. It may seem odd to describe a roof as a feature on your home that “works.” The truth is that your roof works very hard. It is designed to defend the entire house from the effects of the weather and to help moderate the interior temperature of your home.
Roof types can be categorized in two basic ways – the structure or style of the roof and the finishing materials used to construct it. Some basic roof styles include the gable roof, cross-gabled roof, Mansard roof, hip roof, Gambrel roof and flat roof. The more joins or seams in a roof, the more chances there are for it to develop issues that lead to water leaks. The gable roof is the most basic style with a single join across the peak. The other types require several more seams on the slopes and in the valleys. The flashing that protects the seams corrodes or pulls away from the roof over time, allowing water to enter.
The finishing materials used to cover a roof greatly impact the overall efficiency of your roof. Finishing for various roof types includes asphalt shingles, cedar or wood shakes, metal, clay or cement tiles and slate tiles. Asphalt shingles are the least expensive, but also the least hard-wearing. Wood shakes are about as long-lasting as shingles. Metal lasts longer but typically home owners run into problems with the flashing developing leaks. Clay, cement and slate tiles are very expensive but they can last for nearly a hundred years.
Regardless of the roof types on homes in Northern Virginia, we recommend you have your roof inspected at least a couple times a year for preventative maintenance. The cost of your roof can vary, but if water manages to leak through, the effect on the house is the same. Water damage is very costly when major roof repairs come into the picture. Call us when you are considering a new roof. We will provide you with the best options for the environmental conditions where you live.
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