The design of a roof can make or break a modern building, and the major material that forms the structure of the roof is where most designers begin. The choices of roofing type vary widely–from a cap made of asphalt shingles to one made of metal, as well as a variety of more innovative options like ones made with recycled rubber, plant matter, and even cork. Below we explore some cool new materials that you may opt for in your next building.
Butterfly Roof
Butterfly roofs are sometimes called “v-roofs” or “delta roofs,” and they’re known for their butterfly-like shape. They are flat on the sides and in the middle, with a peak in the middle. The roof slopes down at each end, creating a valley in the middle. Butterfly roofs are usually used to collect rainwater since this roof style makes it easy for water to run down to the center of your roof, where gutters and other collection systems can be placed.
What roofing material can make a Butterfly Roof?
Asphalt Shingles: Durable and resistant to cold weather, asphalt shingles are an affordable choice that helps block UV rays.
Metal: Long-lasting and able to withstand heavy rains and snowfall, metal roofing is one of the most durable types of roofing materials on the market. Metal roofing may also be coated in special finishes or painted to give it a more residential or commercial look.
Pyramid Roof
The pyramid roof style can be adapted to most types of roofs, but the most common style is made of sloping sides that meet at a point at the top. The sides are often steeply pitched, sometimes even vertical.
This design is popular for a number of reasons, including cost and style. A pyramid roof can be made from nearly any type of material, but you’ll most often see asphalt shingles or metal panels.
Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is a type of gable roof that looks like two roofs on top of each other. The roof is slanted downwards from the ridge, then slanted up again. This style of roof was made famous by the barns that were built in the 1700s. It was an innovative way to add more room for storage, and it was a cost-effective solution for farmers and ranchers who needed additional space for their livestock and crops.
This type of roof can be made from wood trusses or metal trusses, while the exterior can be covered with asphalt shingles, slate shingles, clay tiles, or standing seam metal sheets.
Mansard Roof
A Mansard roof is a four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides with the lower slope, punctured by dormer windows, at a steeper angle than the upper. The steep roof offers maximum amount of usable floor space in the attic or ‘attic’ rooms and is often adorned with dormer windows.
One of the best building materials for this type of roof is copper. Copper lends itself to creating curved features and can provide a striking design element when used for both decorative and functional elements such as gutters, downspouts, flashing, and much more.
Hipped Roof
A hipped roof is defined as a roof that has four sides with slopes on all sides but is not equal to the width of the building. It pretty much looks like a pyramid, but without the point at the top. The sides are typically sloped at 10-25 degrees. This type of roof is typically used in climates where there aren’t high amounts of precipitation or snowfall because these roofs generally don’t have gutters and can often be slightly harder to insulate than other types of roofs.
Asphalt shingles are generally considered the best material for hip roofs, as they provide good protection against water damage and are cost-effective. However, metal roofs are another option that, while more expensive up front, can last up to 50 years and may help reduce cooling costs in hot climates.
Innovative roofing types are out there, and they are completely changing the way architects and developers approach their designs when they’re building a new structure. The result is buildings that look better, last longer, and have a more positive impact on the environment. As designers continue to search for cleaner ways to construct and maintain buildings, these innovations will only grow in number.