Types of Roofing Systems and Their Features

Beacon Hall Farm Barn, Martlesham, ELC Roofing

Roof Types: All Roof Styles Explained

If like many homeowners, you don’t think about roofing types or materials until you need a repair or a replacement, then you are not alone.

But it is certainly worth thinking about. Not only will the type or style of roof affect your property’s aesthetic, but also the overall value of your home.

What’s more is the type of roof you have can have the capacity to make your home more efficient, more weatherproof and even provide additional storage or living space.

Do you the type of roof you currently have? Or the details of the roofing system of a property you plan on buying or developing? Perhaps you might need a repair and considering re-roofing… Whatever you need, choose ELC.

Roof type considerations

All of these questions and more should be considered when updating the roof of your home.

These will be key factors that you will need to take into consideration, for example:

Do you want to allow for solar panels or other green features?
Do you want extra living or storage space (usually mansard or gambrel roofs), or are you looking for something more budget-friendly?
What’s the style of the property? What does the neighbourhood look like? Are you building a new property in a remote location?
Do you plan on using an architect or designer?
Does your new roof have to work in particular climates or regions?

Types of roofing structures in the UK

Gambrel: Resembling a Dutch roof, gambrel roofs are two-sided symmetrical roofs. On either side will be two slopes, the lower slope having a steep angle and the upper slope being shallow.
Mansard: These can often get confused for gambrel roofs. The mansard type, however, has a double pitch and has four sides but is similar in the fact that it has steep and lower slopes. These are mostly referred to as French roofs because they take the name of french architect Francois Mansart.
Gable: One of the most popular and typical roof types is the gable roof, which forms the inverted V shape. The gable roof has steeper angles that slope to a minimum of 15 degrees. Typically Georgian-type homes use this kind of roof. You can also have cross-gabled roofs, which is more typical in larger homes.
Hip: If you can imagine a pyramid structure, then you can imagine a hip roof, which has four equal sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. Cross-hipped roofs are also an option.
Lean-to: Ideal for extensions a lean-to roof is a single slope roof with the upper edge joining to a wall or building. It’s common and the cheapest alternative for structure coverings.
Flat roofs: More popular than ever, flat roofs have become a major trend throughout the UK for many homes, as well as extensions and shed roofs. Rubber roofing products and single-ply tend to be the go-to choice, but flat roofs are also commonly used with felt.

Most popular roof types and their features

Roofs keep your home dry and safe. There are several roofing systems widely used in the UK, which can either be made from asphalt, tar, rubber, clay, composite materials, wood, metal, cement and even stone.

Each of these has made it into the table below, all have their own benefits and limitations. Take a look below…

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Not sure what your roof needs? Call 01787 278103.