Photos at https://www.pinterest.com/realtyproadvisr/roofs/
By Regina P. Brown
More than just a cover from the rain and insulation from the cold, roofs add aesthetic value to the character of a home. They help define the home’s architectural style and determine its curb appeal. A stylish roof can soften the silhouette and add charm. An upscale roof elevates the street facade for the entire neighborhood.
ARCHITECTURE STYLES
We’re going to walk through the many types of roof architecture. Although knowledge of roof architecture is not required to take a listing, knowledge of your product sets you above your competitors. When you understand all about roofs, you can advise your sellers and educate your buyers.
Gable Roof
This basic roof type has 2 sloping sides which meet at the top to form a peak (ridge). It’s popular because it is simple to build, offers ventilation on the ends, and the slopes sides protect the house from water and snow. The open gable has no ends, whereas the box gable has end pieces. A stepped gable means that the ends appear as stairs, as is common with New Mexico pueblo styles. |
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Winged Gable
This is a variation of the gable roof. The only difference is that the top of each side (at the peak) is longer than the bottom, creating more protection over the ends of the house. Each side is paragon-shaped rather than a rectangle shaped. |
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Barn Roof
This roof is constructed using 4 pieces, 2 per side. It forms a peak at the top, but then wraps down the sides. This allows more headroom in the attic area. Often called a “barn roof ” because it is typically seen on barns because they do not require much attic ventilation. Also known as a gambrel roof (not to be confused with a gable roof ). |
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Hip Roof
This common roof type has 4 sides that begin at the peak. The 2 longest sides meet at the top to form a peak. The style looks more sophisticated than a gable roof, but it does not allow ventilation on the ends. The pyramid hip roof means that all 4 sides are the same size and shape. |
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Dutch Hip Roof
This type is a variation of the hip roof. It has the same 4 sides, except that the end pieces each have a gable (small window). In addition to creating character, the gables provide ventilation. |
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Round Hip Roof
This circle-shaped roof is found on round buildings, such as Deltec homes. Each piece is a pie- shaped wedge, which forms a round octagonal pattern. The corners meet and peak in the middle to allow water drainage down all sides. This roof type is known for high resistance to hurricane winds. Also called a geometric hip roof, 360° hip roof, and continuous hip roof. |
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Hip & Valley Roof
This style combines several hip roofs at various levels. It creates charm and character but has more potential for roof leaks, due to the many adjoining peaks, both upward and downward. |
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Mansard RoofThis French design is similar to a hip roof, in that it has 4 sides. The difference is that each side has 2 pieces. This creates less attic headroom as it wraps down each of the 4 sides, similar to a barn roof. |
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Flat Roof
This single-piece roof is completely flat. It is the cheapest to build but offers minimal shielding from the elements. Flat roofs are not recommended because they aren’t designed for drainage, and can cause roof water leaks. |
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Shed RoofSimilar to a flat roof, it is only one piece. However, it’s installed on a sloped angle so the rain and snow drip off naturally. A great option or “green” building, the opposite side of the house can accommodate large windows for natural sunlight. Alternatively, 2 shed roofs can be installed on opposite sides of the house at different levels, allowing for large windows on the wall between both roofs. Also known as a skillion roof, lean-to roof, or mono-pitched roof. |
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A-Frame Roof
This roof has 2 long sides which meet to form a peak at the top, similar to the gable roof. However, the sides have a steeper slope and are much longer, often reaching down towards the bottom of the house in an upside-down V-shape. This distinctive style is often seen on mountain cabins because it prevents snow buildup. |
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Saltbox RoofPopular on the East Coast, it has 2 pieces similar to the gable roof, except that one side extends down much longer than the other side. In the New England region, an addition was added onto one side of the house, and then the roof would be extended to cover the addition. It soon became an architectural wonder. |
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Dormer Roof
This means it has a dormer window in the side of the roof. Popular in East Coast and Midwest construction, where most houses have attics. |
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Pagoda RoofAdapted from the Chinese and other Asian cultures, this style curves upwards at the corners. Legends say it is for good luck because it repels evil spirits, but the design is actually very functional for columnconstructed homes. While large overhangs deflect rain and sunlight, it allows the entry of fresh air and removal of smoke exhaust through the central roof column. Also known as an upturned roof, it showcases distinctive artistic designs. |
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Butterfly Roof
This style, like the gable roof, also has 2 sides. However, the sides meet in the middle going downwards, which is the reverse style of a gable roof. The pro is that large windows can be installed on both sides of the house, capturing natural light. The con is that water drains to the middle of the roof and is a potential source of roof leaks.
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Curved Roof
This upside-down U-shaped roof is often used for metal sheds and barns, but is also seen on specialty construction homes. This single-piece construction prevents roof leaks because there are no seams at the peak. Variations include a partial U-shape that slopes more gently.
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Curved Panel Roof
This is a series of curved roofs (see above) that span the distance of the building. Most often seen on metal commercial buildings.
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Folded Plate RoofThis accordionshaped style is generally seen on commercial buildings rather than residential. Also known as an M-shaped roof. |
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Double Tier Roof
This refined styled has two eves, with a smaller roof on top of a larger roof. The purpose is to allow for attic ventilation, especially on a round roof. It also evokes aesthetic charm.
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Pent Roof
This refers to a short overhang inserted into a wall. It is not a true “roof” but helps to provide shade and water runoff. It also adds an architectural element of character on a multi-story house.
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Hybrid Roof
Many top tier homes boast roofs that combine several different styles. This classy look radiates charm and curb appeal, especially when designed by a renowned architect.
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Contemporary StylesModern, eclectic homes may have unique contemporary roofs. Examples include parasol roof, warped roof, or free-form roof. |
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ROOF MATERIALS
Residential roofs in California are most often constructed from composition asphalt shingles (“comp”). Red clay or concrete tiles are popular on Spanish style homes. Fiber cement, a heavyduty roof, is known to be fire proof. Less effective roofs include wood shingles/shakes (flame-retardant), tar/rolled (hot mopped onto flat roof), rock/gravel (usually on top of tar) and metal (aluminum or steel).
COMPONENTS
As you are learning about roofs, you will also begin learning the various components, such as trusses / rafters, ventilation, flashing, insulation, gutters, drain spouts, fascia (under eaves), sheathing, and attic access.
SUMMARY
When we take a listing and enter it into the MLS, we need to identify the type of roof on the house. Is it composition shingle, clay tile, or metal? Hopefully you remembered to “look up” when you were at the property meeting with the sellers! If not, look at the photos you took from the street view. You may surprise yourself by also recognizing the roof’s architectural style.
Article as published in The San Diego Realtor® magazine, pages 20-21
Read more in our "Learn the Lingo" series:
1) Backyard & Outdoor Structures: Learn the Lingo
2) View From the Windows: Learn the Lingo
3) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 1
4) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 2
5) Learn the Lingo: Luxury Bathrooms
6) Learn the Lingo: Fences & Gates
7) Learn the Lingo: Vintage Features of Historic Homes
8) The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home Can Be Gourmet
9) The Gourmet Kitchen: Everything and the Kitchen Sink
10) Open the Door of Possibilities (Exterior Doors)
11) The Difference a Good Door Makes (Interior Doors)
12) Tiles
13) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 1)
14) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 2)
15) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 3)
16) Roof Architecture – Don’t Let it Go ‘Over Your Head’
17) Let There Be Light Fixtures ... And There Are Many!
18) A Discussion of Ceilings Will Have You Looking Up
19) Fireplaces: Literally the Hearth of the Home
20) Learn the Lingo of Walls
21) Apply Your Knowledge to Major Appliances
22) Don't Be Floored By this Topic: It's Right Under Your Feet
23) HVAC / Mechanical Lingo
24) Rural Properties - A Sustainable Life "Off the Grid"
25) Land Usage, and Showing & Selling Rural Properties
26) The Dramatic Effect of Stairs and Staircases - A Flight of Fancy?
27) Electrical Components - Get Wired for Understanding
28) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 1 of 2)
29) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 2 of 2)
30) Swimming Pool and Spa Lingo
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