What shape is my roof?

The main job of a roof is to protect your home from water and to shed water. Most roofs have a slope which helps shed water and direct the water away from the structure. The ridge of a roof is the highest point of a roof where two roof areas intersect. This is represented by a horizontal line running the length of the area. Almost all roofs, except for a flat roof, have ridges. Dormers are protruding sections which have a window or a door mounted on the front. They are used for loft or attic spaces or to let light into dark spaces. They can also be used for an egress for fire or other emergencies.

All roof types need adequate ventilation. Roofs can be simple with only a few lines and a gentle slope or very detailed with several slopes and details. In the Austin Texas area there are many different roof shapes.

  • A hip roof is a common choice for newer two-story homes. All the angles slope down to the load bearing exterior walls. The roof begins at a peak and slopes toward the fascia board where it stops. There are usually no gables on a hip roof, but there may be several valleys. This is true if the hip roof has several hips which meet at one level of the fascia.
  • Gabled roofs have only two sides which meet at the ridge with rakes sloping the roof. It is a very simple and popular style of roof. Both slopes are of equal size and length and have matching slopes. This type of roof is also used in cold climates because it sheds snow easily.
  • A dutch gable roof is a combination of a hip roof and a gable roof. It is common in warm climates since the large overhang provides more shade to keep the home cooler. Commonly used on one story homes the dutch gable roof is a hip roof with a small gable at the top end of the roof.
  • A lean to roof is, as the name implies, is a roof which leans onto another structure. It is commonly used for add on storage, for example on the side of a garage.
  • The shed roof style has one slope, and unlike the lean to style, stands alone and does not depend on another structure.

Each style of roof has its pros and cons. Look at your own roof and see which descriptions fits your home’s style the best. As with all roofing styles, professional installation and maintenance is a must. If you have questions about what shape if your roof, call or contact us today for more information.