When building a brand new house or re-roofing your existing home, picking the right type of roof to suit your house can be trickier than you think.Roofs do much more than protect a house and its occupants from the weather; they also play a huge role in defining the overall style and look of your house. Depending on the type of roof you choose, you may also be able to add additional living space to your property as well as making it more energy-efficient, resilient and weatherproof.
Below is a list of some of the best roof styles that are available for your property:
1. Gable Roof
A gable roof is also known as a peaked or a pitched roof. This type of roof is the most popular type of roof currently used in the UK. They have a triangular shaped appearance.
Pros –They are brilliant at protecting properties from the weather. The triangular shape makes it easy for them to get rid of water or snow. These roofs are relatively easy to build and tend to be cheaper than other styles.
Cons – If you live in an area that is very windy or has hurricanes, they can be problematic. If the roof is not properly constructed and well supported, the roof could collapse. If you live in an area that is subjected to high winds, ensure you use the correct braces to secure your roof. In case you do encounter roof damage before you have it replaced, make sure you have the contact number of a company like Belfast Roofing Services available, as they offer a 24-hour callout service. For more information, visit https://belfastroofingservices.co.uk/.
2. Hip Roof
A hip roof slopes on all four sides. Each of the sides is equal in length and they come together at the top to form a ridge.
Pros – This style of roof is more stable than a normal gable roof. They are perfect for areas that are windy or get a lot of snow. If you want to add additional living space, these roofs can be perfect – just add a crow’s nest or a dormer.
Cons –This style of roof is more expensive than a basic gable roof. Due to its more complex design, it requires more building materials. If you are thinking of installing a dormer, you need to ensure it is properly installed to prevent leaks occurring.
3. Flat Roof
As the name describes, a flat roof gives the appearance of being completely flat. However, they do have a small pitch to enable water to drain off. These roofs are usually used in industrial buildings or on garages.Cheaper flat roofs are constructed from roofing felt and tar. More expensive flat roofs are made with fibreglass, which lasts longer and usually comes with a 10-year guarantee.
Pros – They can provide extra living space on top (for example a patio). They are perfect if you want to install solar panels on your roof. They are also great if you’re on a budgetbecause they use very few materials, which in turn keeps the costs low.
Cons – Flat roofs are more likely to leak due to their pitch. They may be cheaper to build, but the maintenance costs may cost you more in the long run.
4. Dormer
Dormer roofs are very common. Often found in older properties where the attic has been converted and a dormer window added to provide light and ventilation for a bedroom, house builders also include dormers in their designs. A gable dormer looks more attractive than a flat roof dormer and is less likely to need replacing after a few years. Dormers usually fall under permitted development, so planning permission won’t be needed unless you alter the roof or extend it.
Pros – Dormers look attractive and provide more light and space in an attic conversion than a Velux window.
Cons – Dormers can be cold if insufficient insulation is added to the roof void in a gable design or above the ceiling panel in a flat roof dormer. Apart from these, there are many different styles of roofs available for you to choose from, including a built-up roof.
There are many different styles of roofs available for you to choose from. It’s always a good idea to ask a qualified roofer for their opinion on what would be best for your property before you begin.They will not only help you choose a style that suits the design of your property, but they will also advise you on which roofs are best for the weather conditions in your area.
