Everyone recognizes the importance of a roof in protecting a home from the elements. However, roofs do much more than provide protection; they are one of the defining features of your home, helping to highlight the architectural style and create a cohesive design. There is no shortage of roof styles, many of which fall into the category of pitched roofs, which offer great versatility. Not only are pitched roofs aesthetically pleasing and compatible with many architectural styles, but they also offer countless benefits beyond protection from the elements.
Read on to learn about these benefits and some of the many types of pitched roofs.
Types of Pitched Roofs
First, you need to understand what a pitched roof is. These roofs rise at a diagonal angle at a certain degree, meeting at a central point above the house. They can be either low-pitched or high-pitched, with the pitch expressed as a fraction. The top number says how many itches the roof raises per 12 inches of horizontal run. Different pitches work for different climates, so it is essential to consider this carefully when looking at pitched roof styles.
Here are eight pitched roof ideas, including their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Cross Gable Roof
Gable roofs are among the most popular pitched roof styles, with numerous variations. One of the more complex variations is cross-gable roofs, where two or more gable roof sections are joined together at a right angle. These roofs create more space under the roof, which can be storage or extra living space. They also provide good drainage for rain and snow and allow for better ventilation. Connecting gables can also help to highlight the home’s entrance or a focal point.
On the other hand, their complex design makes them more expensive to install.
2. A-Frame Roofs
A-frame roofs are other pitched roofs similar to gable roofs in shape, with the sides meeting at a central point to form an open triangle. What makes these different is the pitch: A-frame roofs have a significantly steeper pitch than most roofs, with a minimum pitch of 12/12. This pitch allows them to shed rain, snow, and debris with each, reducing the risk of damage or leaks. They are also relatively cost-effective to install and offer one of the most unique appearances.
However, they offer limited attic space, which can be difficult to insulate. You must also ensure you use lightweight materials, as anything too heavy may be pulled off and cause damage. To get the look of classic materials like cedar shakes or slate on an A-frame, consider synthetic roofing tiles from Brava Roofing Tile. These tiles mimic the look of these materials but don’t have the added weight or installation difficulties.
3. Mansard Roof
One of the more unique pitched roof design ideas includes mansard roofs, which blend elements of gambrel and hip-style roofs. These roofs feature a double slope: a first, steeper slope that can appear almost vertical and a second, slight slope that may appear flat. This style is commonly associated with French architecture and can make for a more elegant exterior design.
Mansard roofs have benefits beyond their looks, including adding lots of usable space, the ability to add dormers, and better heat and light distribution. However, they don’t hold up well against bad weather, as rain, snow, and debris don’t slide off as easily; they are more complicated to construct and expensive to install and maintain. The steeper slope can also make installing roofing materials difficult, but like with A-frames, Brava can offer an excellent solution that will help to provide added weather protection.
4. Gambrel Roofs
Gambrel roofs are often confused with mansard roofs, as they have a similar build. They are divided into two halves with two different slopes: the lower slope is more vertical, while the second is angled more like a gable roof. Gambrel roofs are extremely popular in Dutch Colonial and Georgian-style homes. They offer a clean aesthetic and are easy and cost-effective to build, with ample space under the roof that could create a third story in the home.
Unfortunately, it isn’t suitable for climates that get heavy snow as it will likely end up stuck on the lower sloped portion, with no way off, putting strain on the roof and eventually leading to damage. High winds are also an issue as there may not be sufficient weight to keep it down.
5. Cross Hipped Roof
A cross-hipped roof is similar to a cross-gable roof; it consists of two or more hip roof sections that connect at right angles, typically creating an “L” shape. These roofs are typically found on ranch-style homes. They create a larger home with better ventilation than an ordinary hipped roof. They are an excellent option for areas that often get strong winds. They are also one of the easier roof pitch ideas for installing gutters since the roof doesn’t peak the same way it does on a gable roof. However, with a cross-hipped roof, you lose attic space.
6. Hipped Roofs
Hipped roofs feature four sides that slope downwards from a central peak, a design that helps to provide better drainage and stability. These roofs provide a more distinctive look for homes and are especially popular in areas prone to heavy snowfall and strong winds. This stability has the additional benefit that homeowners in hurricane-prone areas may get discounts on their homeowner's insurance for installing a hipped roof, as they reduce the risk of damage.
Despite the advantages and potential discounts, hipped roofs are expensive and complex. They also provide more limited attic space than other roofing options.
7. Skillion
Skillion roofs are some of the most unique pitched roof design ideas you can find, perfect for modern homes. These roofs only have a single slope and are called mono-pitched roofs. The pitch of these roofs is usually steep, making for a dramatic appearance, though the pitch can vary depending on the style of skillion roofing. Popular styles include butterfly and split-skillion roofs. These roofs are easy to construct and offer excellent drainage for rain. They are also very compatible with solar panels, which can add energy efficiency to the home.
However, these roofs have no attic space, so there is less storage space. They are also highly vulnerable to wind damage and also have lower ceilings. The modern look of skillion roofs is also not well suited to all properties.
8. Hip-Gable Roof
A hip-gable roof combines the hip and gable styles, gaining many advantages, including increased stability and durability, making them suited for areas with strong winds.
They are aesthetically pleasing and complement various architectural styles. Unfortunately, they are difficult and expensive to install. They can also lead to potential water issues in the junctions between the hip and gable sections, making it difficult for water, snow, and debris to flow. Flashing these roofs can also be difficult for these same reasons, making choosing the right material important.
9. Saltbox Roofs
Don’t be fooled by this roof shape; while it looks like a gable roof, it is a saltbox roof. The two roofs are similar, but there is one distinct difference: saltbox roofs have one side extending further down, creating an uneven appearance.
These roofs are believed to have been a variation of the Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes popular before the 17th century. People opted for saltbox roofing, particularly in the snowy north, because of the roof’s ability to shed heavy snow and rain and the ease of getting on top to perform maintenance. However, they are more complicated to construct and leave you with less space inside.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Roof
With the countless pitched roof options available, there is no shortage of pitched roof ideas that can work for various homes. From classic options like gable and hip roofs to the more modern skillion roof, there is a pitched roof for every aesthetic and architectural style. However, not each roof works with the materials you may like; the steeper the pitch, the lighter you want the material to be; otherwise, they may get dragged off, potentially damaging your roof framing.
While asphalt shingles are lightweight and affordable, they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing. Brava Roofing Tile offers the solution with lightweight synthetic tiles made from 10% recycled materials. These sustainable tiles mimic materials, including cedar shakes, slate, and Spanish barrel tile, without the weight, cost, and other drawbacks. These tiles offer Class 4 impact ratings and Class A and C fire ratings and are Miami-Dade County Certified, meaning they can withstand hurricane-force winds. Brava tiles are also energy-efficient, helping to keep homes at the perfect temperature and lowering utility costs, adding to all the benefits.
Contact Brava today to learn more about all these roofing tiles offer and how a pitched roof can benefit them. You can also look at our projects page for more roof pitch ideas.
