Roof DesignThe primary function of a roof is to protect the house in all types of weather with minimum of

maintenance.

Many roofs call for a combination of framing techniques, which can create different

appearances, can create an attractive home.

Various roof styles create different architectural effects.

Roof StylesThe basic roof styles used for homes and

small buildings are as follows:� Flat

� Shed

� Gable

� Gable with dormer

� Gable and valley

� Hip

� Hip and valley

Different variations

� Gambrel

� Mansard

� Dutch Hip

Flat RoofRoof joists for flat roofs are laid at a sight

slope for drainage. Sheathing and roofing are applied to the top of the joists, which in this case serve as rafters. The ceiling material is applied to the underside.

Shed Roof

Sometimes called a lean-to, this roof slopes in one direction only. The shed roof is used for contemporary homes and for additions to existing structures.

Gable Roof

The gable roof is the most common. It has two roof slopes which meet at the top, or ridge, to form a gable at each end. For variation, the gable may include dormers which add light and ventilation to second-floor rooms.

Gable and dormer

Gable and valleyGable Roof

Hip RoofThe hip roof slopes at the end of a building as

well as at the two sides. This slope to all sides makes it possible an even overhang all around the building. The low appearance of this roof line and the fact that minimizes maintenance.

Hip and Valley Roof

Mansard RoofThe mansard is a variation of the hip roof. It has steep slopes on all four sides but these do not meet at the center like in a hip. Partway up on each side a second slop is developed. The second slope is almost flat and continues toward the center of the building where it meets with the slopes on the other sides. The mansard roof style was brought here by the French.

Gambrel RoofThe gambrel roof is a variation of the gable roof.

It has steep slopes on two sides. Partway up a second slope developed, which continues toward the center of the building. There it meets with the roof from the other side. This roof style was first used by German settlers in the States.

Typical in Barns

Dutch Hip Roof

The Dutch hip roof is a hip roof with a small gable at each end of the ridge. Like a hip roof, it has an even overhang around the entire building. This protects the walls from the rain. Like a gable roof, portions of a Dutch hip roof are formed by two roof slopes which meet at the ridge. Common in single story houses.

Roof Styles