Most Common Roof Type: A Comprehensive Guide

The most common roof type is the Gable Roof, accounting for over 50% of all roofs in the United States. It's a classic design that's easy to recognize, with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge in the middle.

A Gable Roof is a popular choice for many homeowners because it's relatively inexpensive to build and maintain. This is due in part to its simple design, which requires fewer materials and less labor than other types of roofs.

The Gable Roof's popularity can be attributed to its long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. It's been a staple of Western architecture for centuries, and its timeless design continues to be a favorite among builders and homeowners alike.

One of the key benefits of a Gable Roof is its ability to shed snow and water easily, making it a great choice for areas with heavy precipitation. This is due to its steep pitch, which allows snow and water to run off quickly and efficiently.

There are 7 different types of roof styles, including some popular residential and commercial choices.

Some of these roof types can be split up into three main categories.

Roof types can be based on materials and style, with a variety of options available for various structures.

Gable roofs are one of the most popular types of roofs, with a distinctive triangle design that's easily recognizable.

They're known for being easy to build and install, which is a big plus for homeowners who want to save time and money.

Gable roofs are also efficient at moving water and snow away from the roof, making them a great choice for areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall.

However, they can be vulnerable to strong winds due to their steep pitch, so they might not be the best choice for areas with frequent high winds.

A typical gable roof is triangular in shape, which helps keep your home free of standing water and snow.

This type of roof is also super easy to install and offers a timeless look to your home, making it a popular choice among homeowners.

You don't need to bring a lot of materials to install a gable roof, which is another reason why it's one of the most affordable roof types.

Gable roofs are further classified into four types: crossed gables, side gables, Dutch roofs, and front gables.

Gable roof designs are one of the more simple styles when it comes to roofs, with a distinctive inverted/upside down V shape.

They're not ideal for areas with high wind because they easily catch the wind, much like a sail would.

Asphalt shingles are the most common material for residential roofs in the United States, covering roughly 80% of homes.

They're made of asphalt, adhesives, fiberglass, and a granule mix on the surface, which makes them easy to install and provides quality performance for over 25 years.

However, asphalt shingles have a shorter life span than some other roofing options, which may make them less cost-effective in the long run. Dark asphalt shingles are also a poor choice for energy efficiency.

Asphalt shingles come in different types, including three-tab shingles, architectural or dimensional shingles, impact-resistant asphalt shingles, and designer series or heavyweight shingles.

Here are some key features of each type:

Built-Up roofing is made by layering asphalt and reinforcing felt, known as ply sheets, to form a composite material.

This option is relatively inexpensive and commonly associated with flat or low-slope roof styles.

Built-Up roofing holds up well against foot traffic and has a Class A fire rating, which scores highly at fire protection.

It can be coated with a UV-reflective material to provide additional protection.

Built-Up roofing can be more prone to damage from heat or moisture, and it can also release unpleasant fumes during installation.

It's a heavy roofing option that may not work for some buildings.

Rolled roofing is a cost-effective option that's easy to install, often used on low-slope roofs.

It's made of mineral-coated material that comes in rolls, which is convenient for installation. Rolled roofing has a short lifespan, typically less than 10 years.

It's not suitable for flat roofs because it's prone to leaks. Rolled roofing isn't as strong an insulator as other options, which can be a drawback.

Types of Roofs offer a range of options for homeowners and businesses. There are 7 different types of roof styles, including some popular residential and commercial choices.

Some of the most common roof types can be categorized into three main groups. These categories help narrow down the options and make it easier to find the right type of roof for your needs.

Asphalt shingles are the most common material for residential roofs, covering about 80% of homes in the United States. They're a popular choice due to their balance of cost and performance.

Asphalt shingles come in several types, including three-tab shingles, architectural or dimensional shingles, impact-resistant asphalt shingles, and designer series or heavyweight shingles. Each type has its own pros and cons, such as a shorter life span for three-tab shingles or a higher cost for architectural shingles.

Here's a breakdown of the four types of asphalt shingles:

Asphalt shingles cover roughly 80% of homes in the United States, making them the most common material for residential roofs.

The majority of homeowners opt for asphalt shingles due to their affordability and ease of installation.

Membrane roofs are a popular choice for flat areas that collect rain, as they provide a watertight barrier.

They're made from durable synthetic rubber or thermoplastic sheets, with EPDM being a common type used.

Thermoplastic sheets are usually black or white, but they offer little variety in aesthetic appeal.

Membrane roofs are often used as a functional choice for commercial structures, but they can be used in residential areas too.

Black membranes can hold heat, while white ones may show dirt or discoloration easily.

They can be damaged due to shrinkage or punctures, and improper installation can lead to leaks.

Membrane roofing is a practical choice for flat roofs, but it's essential to ensure it's installed correctly to avoid problems.

Clay tiles are a beautiful option for certain home styles, like Spanish-style houses in western states such as Arizona, where they can follow a wavy pattern.

Clay tiles have a Class A fire rating and a strong resistance to hail damage, with some having a Class 4 rating, which is the strongest.

They can last 100 years or more, making them a durable choice for homeowners.

However, they come with higher up-front costs and potential breakage due to their weight.

Working with an experienced installer is especially important to ensure proper installation, as the heavier weight can be a concern.

The structure needs to be sufficiently reinforced to handle the dead weight of the roofing materials and any potential live weight of snow, wind pressure, and other environmental factors.

Concrete tiles are made from a sand-based concrete solution and share many of the advantages and disadvantages of clay tiles.

They are long-lasting and strong, capable of withstanding intense winds. Concrete tiles may be somewhat cheaper than clay.

However, concrete is heavier and more porous, so weight and the potential for water damage may be concerns.

Metal is a very common material used for roofs. There are many different types of metal roofing systems available.

The types of metal used with available systems vary from zinc to steel, copper, aluminum, and tin. You can choose from these options to suit your style and budget.

A properly installed metal roof is rated to withstand winds from an F2 tornado on the Fujita Scale. That's impressive durability!

Metal roofs are lightweight and can weigh about half as much as asphalt shingles. This makes them easier to install and maintain.

Painted metal roofs can be an energy-efficient choice because they can remain cool. This is especially beneficial in warmer climates.

Metal roofs last 50 years or more, according to Renee Ramey, the executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. That's a significant investment in your home's future.

Depending on the type of alloy, roofing style, and other factors, metal roof costs can be substantially higher than many other materials. However, the long-term benefits may be worth the initial investment.

Slate is a high-end roof material that's often used on new constructions or historic homes to preserve the original look.

Traditionally, genuine slate is used, but synthetic slate tiles can provide a similar look at a lower cost and weight.

The thicker the slate, the better the performance.

Quarried slate can be expensive, and installing it requires an experienced professional to get it right.

Some quarries are known for excellent quality slate, while others may sacrifice quality to lower costs.

Wood is a natural and attractive option for roofing, bringing a unique beauty to your home. Cedar is a popular choice for its aesthetic appeal.

Wood acts as an excellent insulator, helping with soundproofing and reducing energy costs. This can be a significant advantage, especially in areas with extreme temperatures.

A wood roof needs a component system to achieve the highest fire rating, which includes fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and an underlying asphalt cap sheet. This combination is necessary for optimal fire resistance.

Wood roofs may be unrated for fire, so it's essential to assume this is the case if you can't find documentation for your roof. This means taking extra precautions to prevent fires.

Shake shingles, made from wood, overlap each other to create a weatherproof roof or siding. This design has been an inspiration for modern asphalt shingles.

Wood shakes often require more maintenance than newer asphalt or fiberglass shingles. This can be a drawback for homeowners who want a low-maintenance option.

Asphalt shingles cover roughly 80% of homes in the United States, making them the most common material for residential roofs.

You're not limited to just asphalt shingles, though - there are many other durable and long-lasting options available.

Metal is a very common material used for roofs, and it comes in many different types, including zinc, steel, copper, aluminum, and tin.

These metal options can provide a variety of benefits, from energy-saving to aesthetic advantages.