While it's easy to see what kind of material your roof has, defining the shape or style can be a whole different step. Understanding the type of roofing you have can help you get the right maintenance and repairs done, ensuring your roof stays in great shape for many years to come. Different roof types need different types of care. According to the experts at This Old House, a publication on home improvement and real estate, the main types of roofs are flat, gabled, and hip. Let’s look at a few details to help you determine which style of roof you have.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are also sometimes called low slope roofs. Even though this type of roof might appear completely flat, it actually has a very small slope to it so that water can run off. Flat roofs can be further classified as either warm or cold roofs. This is determined by the positioning of the thermal insulation when it is installed. Flat roofs can be made out of many types of materials. Although in the past flat roofs were predominately for commercial buildings, today more and more homeowners and builders are incorporating flat roofing into residential construction as well.

Gabled Roofs

Gabled is a very popular roof style that can be used on different types of structures. This is the most common roof structure for homes. This type of roof incorporates two sloping sides which meet and create a ridge. This forms a triangular shape at the end of the building, which is referred to as a gable.

Gabled roofs are considered a simple construction. They are popular because they are easy to build and less expensive than some other styles. Many people love this option because it creates better headroom and storage space in the loft area and helps with home ventilation. While the slant, or what roofers define as pitch, varies from roof to roof, the gabled roof continues to be one of the most reliable designs available.

Hip Roofs

This style of roof is similar to a gabled roof, using a design in which all the roof sides slope downward and there are no vertical ends or valleys. This style can even be combined with gabled roofing techniques, depending on your home's unique structure and shape.

If you want to get the most out of your roof’s lifespan, you should take its style and material into account. To learn more about roof maintenance or to get a free quote on our services, give our team at Sarasota Roofing Company Inc a call today. We look forward to serving you.