Top 4 Roof Types and Their Ideal Roofing Materials

The challenge with building or rebuilding houses is matching the roofing material to the roofing type. For instance, you can’t use slate tiles on flat roofs or use membrane roofing on high pitch roofs. Knowing which goes with which can give you a clear idea of what can and can’t be done with your roof. Here are four of the most popular roofing types and the appropriate material according to the experts of Howard Roofing:

  1. Gable Roof — This is perhaps the most recognizable type, as even the ubiquitous “home” icon is based on this shape. Gable roofs work best with nearly any roofing material: traditional three-tab shingles, clay or concrete tiles, wood shakes or metal. The valleys and penetrations have to be flashed properly as rainwater tends to collect in these areas.
  2. Hip Roof — This type of roof has slopes on all four sides, and comes together at the top to form a ridge. The added sloped sides reinforce the roof, making hip roofs a better choice for high-wind areas. Hip roofs are likewise flexible with material choices, but we recommend upgrading to wind-resistant roofing material such as tile and metal.
  3. Mansard Roof — Also known as a French roof, it’s basically a four-sided roof with double-slopes on each side, forming what looks like a smaller, low-sloped roof on top of a higher-pitched one. Mansard roofs are great if you’re planning make future additions. The structure will accept most roofing materials, except overlapping composition shingles. Ask our roofers in St Louis, MO, on how we can make your Mansard roof stand out.
  4. Flat Roof — This refers to roofs with extremely low pitches, which are necessary for water run-off and drainage. While flat roofs are typical on commercial buildings, architects and have been finding ways to incorporate flat roofs on homes without making it look like a factory. Single-membrane roofing like TPO and EPDM are cost-effective and can provide adequate waterproofing and cool roofing properties. If you intend to use the roof for activities with high foot traffic, then consider built-up roofing (BUR). Alternatively, consider green roofs if landscaping at ground level isn’t possible.

When it comes to your roofing in St Louis, MO, Howard Roofing would be happy to give the best recommendations. Call us today at (636) 296-1057 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation in-home consultation.