Roof Shapes: Structural Features and Purposes

Author: rollycorvin | Posted: 15.03.2012

Roofs come in different shapes. Aside from architectural reasons, the variation in shape is meant to meet certain environmental, safety, and efficiency standards. Considering differences in climate and geographical locations, building structures require unique yet ideal roof designs. In areas where heavy snowfall is frequent, for example, houses need to have thick slant roof to manage the risks of snow buildup. There are a wide range of roof shape options that a homeowner can choose from to build a better home.

Pitched roof

A roof that has gables or ridges is known in construction as pitched roof. Pitch refers to the height on the ridge from the ceiling joists. The taller the pitch, the higher slope it can create with the roof sheeting. Slope is an important element in roofing because it improves the drainage functionality. It helps convey precipitation or surface runoff to the gutter efficiently. Majority of houses in places where rain and snowfall are frequent have pitched roofing. Any roofing material can be used with this roof shape.

Flat roof

Contrary to the misconception that flat roofing has no pitch, it actually has a very minimal pitch that allows runoff to seep toward the gutters. The main reasons for flat roof are economy and aerodynamic response efficiency. The smaller the slope of a roof, the fewer materials are required to build it. A flat roof doesn’t even have complex trusses so construction cost can definitely be minimal. Plus, the flatness allows less resistance against wind pressure. The lack of sufficient decking room reduces the chance of uplift when wind manages to seep through the eaves and vents.

Hip roof

Roofing contractors in major states like New Jersey design hip roofing. This is a type of pitched roof that lacks gables. It may have a ridge depending on the length of the sides but instead of firewall extending toward the ridge, roof sheeting is used to close in the open sides. This is better since gable-type roofing New Jersey roofing companies build is costlier.

Mansard roof

If the homeowners want to use the roof deck as a functional space or attic but also want a shallow slope, New Jersey roofing contractors can build a mansard roof. This is characterized by a shallow slope over a steeper slope. The steeper slope can be mistaken as wall depending on the inclination and can be used to install windows for lighting and ventilation of the attic.

Circular roof

Wind forces have a common weakness. Their strength loses when gliding over curve surface. Less resistance that leads to uplift is created. This is the reason New Jersey roofing contractors design circular roofing, especially for places where strong winds occasionally blow.

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