ROOFING DESIGN

What if roofing design for?

In civil engineering, the roof serves several essential functions for a building
including weather protection, strength and stability, thermal insulation, sound insulation, fire
resistance, and durability.

Gable Roof Overview

• Gable roofs are the typical pitched triangular roofs found in many U.S. homes.
• They are cost-effective and simple to build due to their simple shape.
• Standard gable roofs can use various roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, cedar
shingles, slate, and clay or concrete tiles.
• Standing seam or metal roofing tiles are recommended for complex roofs with hips and valleys.
• For areas with heavy snowfall, a 10/12 or 40-degree pitch angle is recommended.
• Gable roofs are popular due to their ability to slide snow, rain, and ice off, and allow for attic
storage or additional living space.
• However, they may not be suitable in areas with high winds or hurricane corridors due to wind
damage or heavy rainfall.

Hip vs Gable Roofs: A Comparison

• Hip roofs are composed of slopes on four sides, creating a ridge at the top.
• They are ideal for snowy and icy areas due to their slopes allowing precipitation to run off the
roof easily.
• Hip roofs are more stable due to the inward pitch on all four sides.
• They provide more shade due to an overhanging eave on all four sides.
• They often feature design elements like front gables or dormers for extra storage or living
space.
• They can be crafted from standard roofing materials like asphalt shingles, standing seam metal
or metal tiles, or clay or concrete tiles.
• Despite being more expensive, hip roofs are common due to their versatility and durability.
• Regular care, inspections, and maintenance are required to maintain their condition.

Jerkinhead Roof Overview

• Combines elements of gable and hip roofs.
• Also known as clipped gable or English hip roof.
• Designed to maintain view from top floor dormer windows.
• Named after the old Scottish "kirkin-head", or church rooftop.
• Known for greater wind resistance due to roof's turning down points.
• Allows for more living or storage space under the roof.
• Can be made from various roofing materials like asphalt, wood, metal, slate, or composites.
• Costlier than gable or hip roofs but worth the investment due to durability and extra usable
square footage.
 Mansard Roofs Overview
• Mansard roofs, designed by architect Francois Mansert, are a style of roof with four double
sloped sides that form a low-pitched roof.
• Valued for extra living space or attic storage, mansard roofs add flexibility to homes.
• Sloped sides can be flat or curved, with the lower slope having a steeper pitch than the upper
one.
• Mansard roofs can have a range of silhouettes, including concave, convex, or straight angle.
• Dormer windows are essential for light in mansard roofs, especially for living spaces.
• High-end properties may feature decorative stonework, wood or stone quoins, or trim around
the dormers.
• Mansard roofs are typically more expensive than other types of roofs due to extra details, but
they add future flexibility and value.
• Mansard roofs can be built from various roofing materials, with distinctive metals like copper
or zinc adding significant value.
• Wood or slate shingles in interesting patterns can enhance mansard roofs.
• Lower portions of mansard roofs should be fully waterproofed and flashed.
• Mansard roofing is not ideal for areas with heavy snowfall.

Gambrel Roofs Overview

• Similar to mansard roofs but have two sloped sides, creating a triangular roof.
• Steep lower slope is almost vertical, with a gentler upper slope.
• Offers storage or extra living space in the form of an attic, loft, or garret.
• Originated in the United States, with the European name being "curb" or "kerb" roof.
• Often used on Dutch Colonial or Georgian style homes, barns, log cabins, farmhouses, and
exterior buildings.
• Can have a rustic or elegant look, making it a versatile roof style.

Gambrel Roof Construction and Maintenance

• Windows or dormers add natural light and aesthetic appeal to a gambrel roof.
• Regular inspections and check of flashing around windows are crucial.
• Despite potential roof leaks, gambrel roofs are visually attractive, efficient, and easy to
construct.
• Gambrel roofs are popular due to their aesthetic appeal and efficiency.
• They require only two roof beams and gusset joints, making the cost realistic.
• Common materials used include wood shingles, asphalt shingles, or slate, but metal roofing can
also be used.
• The open design of a gambrel roof can cause collapse under pressure in areas with heavy
snowfall or high winds.
• For extreme weather areas, reinforced trusses on the upper part of the roof is recommended.
 Saltbox Roofs: A Unique Colonial or Cape Cod Style
• Saltbox roofs are characterized by their asymmetrical design, with one side being flat with a
slight slope and the other being a "lean-to" structure.
• The name "saltbox roof" originates from the original shape of salt boxes sold in New England.
• The roof arose organically when early settlers added a lean-to to existing gabled roofs,
providing more space and requiring less building material.
• Saltbox roofs offer increased living and storage space, with the slope allowing easy water
runoff during snow and heavy rains.
• Standard roofing materials like asphalt, metal, wooden or cedar, slate, or composite shingles
can be used for saltbox roof construction.
• Living space under saltbox roofs may have slanted ceilings and be less roomy.
• The complexity of constructing a saltbox roof may be more expensive than simpler gable or hip
roofs, but the added value may be worth it in the long run.

Butterfly Roof Overview

• V-shaped roof with raised wings and valley in the middle.
• Ideal for contemporary homes and arid or desert climates.
• Allows for rainwater collection through a reservoir.
• Larger windows and easy addition of PV solar panels.
• Popular in southwestern U.S. and tropical southeast areas.
• More complicated to build and maintain, requiring top-notch drainage and waterproofing.
• Recommended materials include EPDM rubber, TPO, and PVC, but metal and organic
materials may work.
• Large windows and open design may increase heating and cooling costs.

Bonnet Roof: A Reverse Mansard Roof

• Also known as kicked-eaved roofs, bonnet roofs feature a double slope with less pitch than
mansard roofs.
• Lower slope hangs over the front and back of the house, making it ideal for porches or outdoor
patios.
• Not common outside the southeast U.S., but offers extra living or storage space, dormer
window room, and protection from water damage.
• Structure is more durable than a gable roof.
• Installation and maintenance can be expensive due to complex structure and potential water
settling.
• Can be made from various roofing materials like asphalt, metal, slate, or wooden shingles or
shakes.
Sawtooth Roof Overview
• Composed of multiple slopes set at the same angle, alternating vertical and pitched surfaces.
• Popular in modern home design due to higher ceilings, larger windows, and lofted living space.
• Costly to install and maintain due to complicated design.
• High risk for leaks and water damage, making it inadvisable for heavy snow or rainfall areas.
• Allows installation of eco-friendly additions like PV solar panels, geothermal lighting, and
radiant heating systems.
• Can utilize most roofing materials like wood shingles, metal shingles, or reinforced concrete.

Pyramid Roof Overview

• Hip roof with no gables or vertical sides.
• Suitable for smaller homes, sheds, garages, etc.
• Popular in hurricane or windstorm prone areas.
• Provides good ventilation and extra storage.
• Overhanging eaves improve energy efficiency.
• Costlier to construct and maintain due to complexity.
• Can be crafted from various roofing materials.

Dome Roofs Overview

• Rarely seen in residential settings, but can be prefabricated.
• Striking inverted bowl shape.
• Durable but expensive.
• Ideal for small additions to main roofs.
• Can be made from shingles, metal, or glass.
• Metal is the least maintenance-intensive and best choice for most structures.
Skillion Roofs Overview
• Single-angled sloped roofs, also known as shed or lean-to roofs.
• Can be attached to a taller wall or used as an alternative to flat roofs.
• Common additions to existing homes, sheds, porches, and contemporary buildings.
• Ideal for regions with heavy snow or rainfall.
• Less expensive due to their simplicity in construction.
• Best for standing seam metal roofing, allowing installation of PV solar panels.
Curved Roof Overview
• Similar to skillion roofs, curved roofs are attached to taller walls or used as an alternative to flat
roofs.
• Features an arch ranging from low slope to rounded peak, allowing water runoff and creating a
contemporary shape.
• Can be used for arched entrances, additions, wing, or entire structures.
• Provides an interesting raised ceiling and unique exterior silhouette.
• Can work in nearly any environment or climate, typically made of metal.
• Lower sloped curved roofs are suitable for areas with high winds or windstorms, while higher
curves are ideal for heavy snow or rain.
Flat Roof Overview
• Flat roofs have minimal slope or pitch, appearing completely flat.
• Common materials include EPDM rubber, TPO and PVC roofing membranes, tar and gravel,
roll roofing, or metal sheets.
• Advantages include use as a deck or patio, providing outdoor living space.
• Can partially enclose for a penthouse-style private deck.
• Heating and cooling units can be installed on flat roofs to avoid obscuring home architecture.
• Ease of installing PV solar panels improves energy efficiency and makes flat roof eco-friendly.
• Repairing flat roofs can be complex without the right roofing company.
Flat Roof Gardening
• Green roofs are eco-friendly and provide additional insulation.
• They enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness of heating and cooling systems.
• Flat roofs are less expensive due to simple construction.
• They are more susceptible to water leakage and damage and require more regular maintenance.
Combination Roof Overview
• A combination of different roof styles and design features.
• Can include gabled roofs with skillion over porch, hip roofs with gabled front porch, or gabled
roofs with domed cupola.
• Adds architectural interest and durability to a property.
• Requires extra maintenance and labor to build.
• Ridges and valleys require extra waterproofing care.
• Blends stylistic and practical aspects of a home's roof into one elegant solution.
Flat vs Pitched Roof: A Comparative Analysis
• Flat roofs are not completely flat but have a low pitch or slope to aid water runoff. Properly
placed drains, scuppers, and gutters control water flow.
• Residential flat roofing is typically made of EPDM rubber, TPO, or PVC membranes.
• Flat roofs provide a contemporary look and are less expensive than pitched, sloped, or gabled
roofs.
• Flat roofs are cost-efficient, especially in arid or low rainfall areas.
• Pitched roofs offer higher stability, wind resistance, and quick water runoff, making them
suitable for areas with heavy rainfall or major storms.
• Pitched roofs are typically made of shingles or standing seam metal.
• All styles of pitched roofs include gable, hip, jerkinhead, mansard, gambrel, and saltbox roofs.

TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS

Choosing the Right Roof Material
• Consider the type of roof style, climate, region's climate, desired roof type, and budget.
Asphalt shingles: a common roofing material, suitable for most designs.
• Asphalt is less durable than other materials, especially in areas with extreme weather.
• Other roofing materials may be more suitable.
Clay or concrete tiles: Ideal for hot, dry climates, rated for wind uplift of 125 MPH or higher.
Slate roofing: Luxurious and durable, lasting 50 to 100 years or more.
Wooden shingles: Long-lasting, durable, and high-end, suitable for most roof types.
Metal roofing: Resilient, lower repair maintenance, and mimics most other roofing materials.
Metal roofing: Allows easy installation of solar panels, making it extra energy-efficient and eco-
friendly.
Stone-coated steel roofing: Durable metal roof with the look of stone or slate.

Consultation with an experienced roofing contractor or company: Understanding local weather

and climate demands is crucial.
Other Factors to Consider When Building or Buying a New Roof
Regular maintenance: Regardless of the roof type, it's likely to need repair or replacement.
Weather events: Planning ahead and choosing a roof structure type and material that works best
for your area and property can help preserve and maintain the roof's condition.
Understanding common roof shapes and styles: Understanding common roof shapes and
styles can help make the best choice for your needs.