Whether thinking about your new home build or if you are replacing your old roof entirely, some East Texan homeowners might not consider the actual shape of the roof. There are a variety of roof shapes, and there are multiple reasons why you may want to choose one over the others. Understanding different roof shapes for homes in East Texas can help you select the appropriate roof shape for your house, considering the region’s unique climate and architectural styles.
Gable Roofs
Description: A gable roof is a roof with two sloping sides that form a triangular shape and form a ridge on top.
Advantages & Considerations: Your Tyler TX roofing contractor from Advantage Roofing may suggest building a gable roof because it is efficient at handling water runoff, which reduces the risks of leaks in the roof down the road. It’s one of the most common roofing styles because its simple design can lead to lower construction costs. However, due to the high winds that frequently occur in East Texas, proper bracing must be ensured.
Hip Roofs
Description: A hip roof is a roof that all sides slope downward gently to the walls.
Advantages & Considerations: If you live in a part of the state with hurricanes or strong storms, your Tyler TX roofing contractor may recommend these types of roofs due to their sturdiness. Hip roofs are very durable and stable, offering better resistance to wind. In East Texas, they also offer some valuable shade and protection from the hot sun due to their eaves.
Flat Roofs
Description: Flat roofs only have a slope up to 10 degrees, making them nearly level with a slight pitch for drainage.
Advantages & Considerations: Flat roofs can be more cost-effective due to their simpler construction and offer additional outdoor space, which might be utilized as a patio or garden. They have easy accessibility for maintenance, which may be one reason a Tyler TX roofing contractor would recommend them. However, you don’t see many flat roofs in East Texas since this region has a fair amount of rainfall, and flat roofs require a very efficient drainage system to prevent water from pooling.
Gambrel Roofs
Description: Gambrel roofs are two-sided roofs featuring two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper than the upper.
Advantages & Considerations: Gambrel roofs are unique because they have all the benefits of a sloped roof, but they also provide ample space for an attic or loft. A gambrel roof might be a good option in East Texas due to its efficient shedding of water. However, one consideration for having a gambrel roof would be that moisture buildup is more common for gambrel roofs, and due to the high humidity in the Tyler TX area, you must ensure proper ventilation in the additional space a gambrel roof provides.
Mansard Roofs
Description: A very elegant roofing style, the mansard roof is a hipped-gambrel four-sided roof with double slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper than the upper.
Advantages & Considerations: Understanding different roof shapes for homes in East Texas can open up some lovely options that you might not have known existed, such as the beautiful mansard roof (also called a French roof). One advantage of the mansard roof is that it offers additional living space, such as an attic or garret. A mansard roof also often has dormered windows, and the elegant roofing style adds a very distinctive aesthetic appeal to the home. However, the complex design may lead to higher construction and maintenance costs.
Shed Roofs
Description: A shed roof consists of a single-sloping plane, often attached to a taller wall.
Advantages & Considerations: Shed roofs offer a minimalist, modern appearance suitable for contemporary homes. Another benefit of a shed roof is that its design facilitates easy installation of skylights or solar panels. Homeowners in East Texas should consider that the slope on a shed roof should be oriented to optimize sunlight exposure and manage rainwater effectively.
Understanding Different Roof Shapes for Homes in East Texas Starts With Advantage Roofing
Understanding different roof shapes for homes in East Texas gives you the tools you need to make an informed decision and is an essential part of building your new home or replacing your old roof. The best Tyler TX roofing contractor, Advantage Roofing, can help you determine the most suitable roof shape for your specific needs in East Texas, a decision that enhances both the beauty and resilience of your home.