A Home Guide to Picking the Best Roof for Your House
A roof is an important element of any house, or any infrastructure for that matter. Without a roof the walls, furniture and even the entire house would be vulnerable to damage. A roof helps protect a building and its residents from the elements of weather, such as the sun, rain, wind, and snow. Aside from its protective function, a roof can also add a touch of flair to any home, making any passerby admire it from the outside, or any welcomed guest look up in awe. Combining function and flair will help any designer and shopper in choosing a great roof to crown any house.
Elements of a Roof
Material:
Different Types of Roofing Materials – gives an enumeration of the different roofing materials, from the natural banana leaves, sea grass, to the modern materials of plastic, rubber, and metal
Roofing Material – explains how some roof materials can be energy-efficient; also lists down three things to consider for an energy-efficient roof material
Natural Materials and Biomass Roofing – explains how plant materials can be used to build roofs
How to Choose the Best Roofing Materials – explains the different elements in what makes a roofing material ideal, and how a consumer can choose the best one for his needs
Construction:
Roof Construction – a concise explanation of how a strong and sturdy roof should be built and installed
Roof Construction – an extensive archive of articles that discusses the different steps in constructing a roof, from the tools and materials needed, sheathing the roof, to building the different types of roof
Durability:
Choose Durable Roofing Materials – a detailed article on how to choose the roofs that will last a lifetime; outlines the different materials, the roofing basics, and why choosing durable materials can help Mother Earth
Choosing Roofing Materials – focuses on roofing materials that are engineered or manmade, such as asphalt, ceramic, and metal alloys
Roofing Component Basics – a short outline of the different components of a roof
Different Ways to Support a Roof
Types of Roof Trusses – shows diagrams of the different designs of roof trusses and supports, includes the different ideal roof trusses for the different roof types
How to Install Roof Trusses – discusses the things that a builder has to remember in installing trusses, such as the anchor points, nailing bracing, and installing plywood, among others
Truss Types – a detailed list and diagrams of the types of trusses
Timber:
Tips for Timber Roof Trusses – an article that discusses the different factors to consider in choosing timber for roof trusses
The Importance of Timber Roof Trusses - a short article that answers the question, “why are timber trusses important?”
Cast Iron and Steele:
Iron and Steel in Construction - an article that discusses the historic outline of how and when iron and steel became popular materials for construction
The Industrial Revolution – New Materials - discusses how the Industrial Revolution emerged with different materials such as steel and cast iron
Bamboo:
Bamboo Architecture and Construction with Oscar Hidalgo - a comprehensive article on how bamboo can be an alternative to construction; includes a history of bamboo construction, bamboo as concrete reinforcement, and bamboo roofing
Stone Lintels:
Stone lintels, or stone blocks were once used because of their hardness and strength. Eventually, the use of stone lintels became obsolete because builders found that lintels cannot bridge long distances.
Lintels – an article, complete with various diagrams of lintel and its different functions, including bridging openings, reinforcement systems, and bindings; also includes the different kinds of lintels
Lintels – Masonry Systems defines how lintels are made in the contemporary world
Stone Arch or Vault:
The Stone Arch Bridge – discusses how arch bridges are built, and the historical context of these structures
Paxton’s Crystal Palace:
Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace was pioneering during the Industrial Revolution because of its usage of iron and glass in its construction of the greenhouse.
Crystal Palace History – a detailed article about the Paxton’s Crystal Palace, why it became a pioneer in the Industrial Revolution, and what happened to it
The Crystal Palace, or the Great Exhibition of 1851: An Overview – an archive of links and articles that all discuss the Crystal Palace; includes articles about Crystal Palace’s influence on Victorian architecture, its agricultural machinery, and religious contexts, among others
Steele Girders:
Bridge Technology – a detailed outline of how steel girders are designed and constructed
The Different Types and Uses of Steel Beams – a short article on how steel beams are used as flitch beams, box girders, and many more
Different Roofing Materials
Bamboo:
Bamboo can be chosen as a roofing material to create softer curves and textures that are reminiscent of Oriental architectures.
Bamboo in Housing and Building Construction – different articles and a gallery of photographs explaining the different uses of bamboo in building houses
Bamboo Roof Structure – a short description of why bamboo is advantageous in building a roof, and several diagrams of how a person can make a roof out of bamboo
Composite shingles:
To make roofs stronger, composite shingles are made by blending various materials such as slate, wood, laminate, and others. This makes the roof lasts longer, more weather-resistant, and less flammable. Composite shingles are generally more affordable as compared to metal shingles, but the primary disadvantage of the former is that overtime, the shingles can develop algae and moss growth. Special additives and coating can, however, make them impervious to algae and moss growth. In general, composite shingles with more thickness and added features – such as the coating – can make it more expensive, but more durable.
Composition Shingles – discusses why composition shingles are becoming a popular choice for roofing material, and further classifies the different types of composition shingles
Shingle Roofs vs Metal Roofs – a comparative look at shingle roofs and metal roofs, and how a buyer can choose the better roofing material for his needs
Slate:
In the Swiss Alps, slate roofs are commonplace as this kind of roofing is considered one of the best. Slate roofs are very durable, and can last for more than 50 years. Homeowners and designers will have to pay a price for durability, though, as slate roofs installation are generally expensive. Slate roofs also have a tendency to go through “nail sickness” in which rusted nails loosen their grips on the slate roofs, and the latter can slip. One remedy for the “nail sickness” is to use copper or steel nails, both of which are more resistant to rust.
Slate Roof – a brief article about the slate roof; how to choose the slate, what roofing styles a slate roof can arrange, and how to avoid mistakes in purchasing and installing slate roofing
Slate Roofs: The Quality Choice for Hundreds of Years – the National Slate Association explains why slate roof can benefit any home and homeowners; also contains links to articles about slate types, history, and its environmental history, among others
Slate Roof Wear, Aging and Durability – discusses the longevity of slate roofing, what to do to maintain it, and how to inspect and repair damaged slate roofs
Organic Roofs:
Extensive Green Roofs – how unconventional roofing such as plants can benefit a house; discusses the subsystems in a green roof, such as drainage, waterproofing, and wind resistance systems, among others
Preservation of Historic Adobe Buildings – discusses the historical significance and emergence of adobe as a roofing and housing material and the adobe construction techniques; also gives an overview on how adobe deteriorates and how professional help can preserve adobe houses and roofs
Sheet Metal:
Sheet metal is also a popular roofing material. Metals such as copper, lead, and iron, which can be electroplated with zinc, are common choices. Sheet metal is lightweight, hence easy to install and remove. Builders can even install sheet metal roofing over an pre-existing roof, greatly reducing the cost of removing the current roof/ It is also durable, weather-resistant, and most importantly, fire-resistant. To environment-conscious homeowners, metal sheet roofing is a favorite choice because it is recyclable. Despite their advantages, sheet metal roofs have their disadvantages as well. Some people find it noisy whenever rain and falling branches hit the metal roofs. If not strong enough, metal sheets can also be dented from falling debris or hail. Even so, sheet metal roofing remains to be a preferred material because of its durability and cost-efficiency.
Metal Roofing Materials – a directory of manufacturers and companies producing metal sheets for roofing materials
Copper Sheet into Copper Shingles – a roofing manufacturer points out the advantages of copper sheets as roofing materials as compared to aluminum sheets
Repairs to Lead Sheet Roofing and Flashings – an explanation of the nature, behavior, and functions of lead as a possible material for roofing
Iron Sheet Roofing – discusses the different components of iron sheet roofing, such as the raw materials used, how iron sheets are installed, and the benefits and disadvantages of iron sheets as roofing
Solar Roof:
Solar Roof Shingles – discusses why and how solar shingles are becoming increasingly popular among residential and commercial properties; also includes a list of things to consider before a shopper buys solar roof shingles
Solar Roof Shingles – an in-depth look at how solar roof shingles work, and their advantages both for the electric bills and the durability of the roof.; also contains a link to a list of solar roofs manufacturers
Below are the different kinds of roofing, followed by a few links for further information:
Lean-to roof: a single plane of roof that leans on one side. This type of roof can be used for small and open areas.
Lean-to roof – a dictionary of builder’s jargons explains what a lean-to roof is, among other definitions for other words
The Lean to Conservatory Roof – explains how a lean-to roof, when applied to a sunrooms, should be built and installed, complete with specific angles, materials, and vents
Single-sloped or shed roof: very similar to the lean-to roof, if not the same. This roof shape is singular roof surface applied to a large area, sometimes even to the whole of the house
Shed Roof – an image of a simple shed roof
House Design with a Single Shed Roof – an article that features a cabin made with a single-slope roof
Ridged roof: ridged roofing is used to cover walls that are not of similar heights. Wall plates are installed before the ridged roofing can be installed. Sometimes, layers of rafter sit on top of each other to create a layer of roofs
Ridged Roof – a simple, layman’s definition of a ridged roof
Ridged Roof – an image of a ridged roof
Pitched or gabled: generally a triangular-shaped roof with an open bottom that accommodates that length or the wall. Generally, the walls have a triangular point, where the roof would be sitting on
Gable Roof Framing – a thorough process of how to frame simple gable roof
Gabled Roof – a brief article about the gable roof system and its functions, and why homeowners can wisely choose gable roofs
Shaped gable: the roofing conforms to the shape of the extended walls, which have circular patterns or curving patters
Bell-shaped Gables – an article and a gallery of European structures with shaped gables, from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century
Roof Materials – an extensive article about roof materials, roof parts, and roof shapes
Dutch gable: a gabled roof sitting on above a hipped-roof
Roof Styles – a list of diagrams of roof styles including the Dutch gable
A Few Common Roof Types – a list of commonly-used roof types, including a diagram of a Dutch gabled roof
Crow-step gable: a roof design that has a stair-shaped design. This roof presents a series of horizontal and vertical lines that create a stairs. Both the stair design from the left and the right side meet to form a triangle.
Crow-step Gable – an encyclopedic definition of the crow-step gabled roof
Crow-stepped Gable – an article that discusses the stepped gable and contains examples of structures featuring that roof type
Corbie-step gable: another term for the crow-step gable
Corbie Step – Encyclopedia Britannica gives a definition for the term “corbie-step”
Corbie-step – a short, dictionary definition of the corbie-step
Salt-box: a roof design that has a longer, more sloping side, an a shorter and a less angled side, creating an upside-down acute angle
Saltbox Type Roof Styles – A short article and an image that both show what a saltbox roof is
Saltbox Roof Pros and Cons – an overview of the different advantages and disadvantages of a saltbox roof
Saddleback: a roof that has one or two gables sitting on top of a tower. Resembles an animal saddle, hence its name
Saddleback Roof – A picture of a Saddleback Roof.
Glossary of Architectural Terms – a short glossary of hard-to-know terms of architecture and construction, including the term “saddleback”
Hip roof: a roof type that slopes gently down, usually meeting the walls. The simplest type of this roof has four sides, just like a pyramid
Sketches of Hip and Valley Roof Outlines – sketches of hip roofs that contains labels of the different parts of the hip roof
Hip Roof – an image of how two hip roofs can combine in one house design
Half-hipped: a roof whose triangular tip is folded inside, creating a squared-off tip instead of a triangle one.
Half-hipped – a detailed definition of the term “half-hipped”
Half-hipped roof – a picture that shows an example of a half-hipped roof
Mansard: a sub-type of a hip roof that resembles the gambrel roof. This roof still has four sides, just like the pyramid, but each side has two slopes sitting on top of each other
Mansard Roof – an illustrated architecture dictionary provides a thorough explanation of the mansard roof and its history
Roofing Trusses – an excerpt from the book, “Carpentry for Boys” gives a list and images of roof types, including the mansard roof
Gambrel: a symmetrical roof usually with two sides, but have four slopes: two slopes on the left, and another two on the right. The upper slopes are more angular than the lower slopes
A Gambrel Roof – a short article on the benefits of choosing a gambrel roof, and different diagrams of gambrel roof plans, included with measurements
A New England Style Gambrel Home – a complete house plan of a house framed in a gambrel style; also includes measurements and the designated areas for the different rooms of the house
Pavilion: a version of a hip roof, only with more than four sides. All the sides are at equal angles.
Pavilion Roof – a short definition of a pavilion roof; also includes an image and a sample roof plan
Pavilion – the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation provides an article about the Pavilion style of house design
Conical: as the name suggests, this type of roof looks like a cone turned upside down. The roof has no angles, is typically rounded, and slopes downward
Conical Roof Building Instructions – a detailed page about the conical roofs, the different kinds of conical roofs, how to build it, and several updated instructions
Conical Roof Construction – an invention that provides a new building method of conical roofs
Domical: a roof that resembles a three-dimensional half-circle. This roof type can be seen in mosques, in which the top layer of the structure is rounded. Unlike the conical roof, the domical roof does not have a pointed tip, but a rounded one.
Roof Types – concise explanations and images of the different roof types, including the domed roofs
Special Roof Construction – a roof construction company provides their website with images of how it would construct unusual roofs out of timber, including the domical roof
Pyramidal: a roof shaped like a pyramid. Just like the hip roof, the pyramidal roof has four sides, but the latter usually has a square diagram, unlike the hip roof which usually has a rectangular one
Pyramidal Roof – an article that discusses the distinct character of the pyramidal roof
The Pros and Cons of the Pyramidal Roof – an detailed enumeration of the different pros and cons of choosing a pyramidal roof
Saw-tooth: a roof design with a series of triangles and angles, greatly resembling the teeth of a saw with jagged tips. This type of roofing is intentionally to emit light.
Saw-tooth Roof Form – New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment provides an image of a saw-tooth roof and an outline explaining the different daylighting and environmental functions of the roof’s components
Sawtooth Roof – a picture of a Sawtooth Roof
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