The Ultimate Guide to 30 Types of Roofs for Homes

30 Types of Roofs for Homes: A Complete Guide for Homeowners, Builders, and Architects

Selecting the ideal roofing design is one of the most important choices you’ll make when building or renovating a home. The roof does more than provide shelter—it influences your home’s energy efficiency, structural integrity, visual appeal, and long-term value. With so many types of roofs available today, from traditional gable and hip styles to innovative green and butterfly roofs, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option is essential.

This all-in-one guide breaks down 30 of the most popular types of roofs for homes, covering key characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and best-use scenarios. Whether you’re planning a contemporary build, updating a classic residence, or seeking sustainable roofing ideas, this guide will help you make a smart, informed decision.

Explore the complete list of roof types below, and be sure to review our detailed comparison table and FAQ section to evaluate cost, durability, maintenance, and climate suitability.

1. Gable Roof

Description: The gable roof is one of the most recognizable types of roofs, featuring two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge to form a triangular shape. Known for its simple construction and excellent water drainage, it remains a popular choice in residential architecture worldwide.

Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to build, great for rain and snow runoff, promotes ventilation, and offers attic space.

Disadvantages: Poor wind resistance; may suffer damage in hurricane-prone regions.

Best Suited For: Cold and temperate climates; suburban homes and cottages.

2. Hip Roof

Description: A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, which come together at the top to form a ridge or point. This type of roof offers greater stability and uniformity in design.

Advantages: Excellent for high-wind and hurricane areas, stable structure, aesthetically pleasing from all sides.

Disadvantages: More expensive to build, requires more materials and labor.

Best Suited For: Homes in windy or coastal regions; bungalows and villas.

3. Mansard Roof

Description: The mansard roof is one of the most space-efficient types of roofs, featuring a four-sided design with two slopes on each side—the lower slope being significantly steeper. This structure maximizes usable attic or upper-floor space, making it ideal for urban and historic architecture.

Advantages: Offers extra living space (ideal for lofts or attics), adds aesthetic appeal to historic and classical homes.

Disadvantages: Costly to construct and maintain; not ideal for heavy snow regions due to lower slope angles.

Best Suited For: Urban homes, historic buildings, and French-inspired architecture.

4. Gambrel Roof

Description: The gambrel roof is one of the classic types of roofs, easily recognized by its two distinct slopes on each side. The steeper lower slope maximizes upper-level space, making it a popular choice for barns, lofts, and colonial-style homes.

Advantages: Maximizes attic space, cost-effective, and attractive for traditional designs.

Disadvantages: Less durable in high-wind or heavy snow regions.

Best Suited For: Farmhouses, barns, and Georgian or Dutch Colonial homes.

5. Flat Roof

Description: A flat roof appears level but usually has a slight pitch for water drainage. It offers a minimalist appearance and can be used as a living or green space.

Advantages: Cost-effective, ideal for rooftop decks or gardens, easy to build and maintain.

Disadvantages: Prone to drainage issues and leaks if not installed properly.

Best Suited For: Modern and contemporary homes, urban buildings, warm climates.

6. Shed Roof

Description: Among the modern types of roofs, the shed roof—also known as a skillion roof—features a single slope that angles in one direction. It’s popular in minimalist architecture and home extensions for its clean lines and efficient water drainage.

Advantages: Simple construction, promotes water runoff, suitable for solar panels.

Disadvantages: Less attic space, not ideal for traditional home styles.

Best Suited For: Contemporary homes, cabins, and extensions.

7. Butterfly Roof

Description: This unique V-shaped roof resembles butterfly wings with its two slopes angling down towards the center. It’s known for its futuristic appearance and water collection efficiency.

Advantages: Allows for large windows, collects rainwater, promotes sustainable design.

Disadvantages: Expensive to construct and maintain; may have drainage issues if poorly designed.

Best Suited For: Eco-friendly and modern homes in warm climates.

8. Bonnet Roof

Description: The bonnet roof is one of the traditional types of roofs, characterized by a double slope on each side. The lower slope extends outward to create a protective overhang, offering both shade and shelter for porches or verandas.

Advantages: Provides extra shade and protection for outdoor areas; distinct architectural charm.

Disadvantages: Complex and costly to build; challenging to ventilate.

Best Suited For: Colonial homes, porched residences, warm and tropical climates.

9. Saltbox Roof

Description: A saltbox roof is asymmetrical with one long, steep slope and one short slope, giving the home a distinctive lean-to appearance.

Advantages: Great drainage, wind-resistant, adds character and space to the home.

Disadvantages: Irregular design may limit interior layout flexibility.

Best Suited For: New England-style homes, historic renovations, and sloped lots.

10. Jerkinhead Roof

Description: As one of the hybrid types of roofs, the jerkinhead roof—also known as a clipped gable or half-hip roof—blends the features of gable and hip designs. Its clipped ends enhance wind resistance while adding a distinctive architectural profile.

Advantages: Unique appearance, strong against wind, adds stability to gabled designs.

Disadvantages: Slightly more complex and expensive to construct.

Best Suited For: Craftsman homes, Tudor-style houses, and windy locations.

11. Skillion Roof

Description: A skillion roof is a single-sloped roof surface, similar to a shed roof but often used as the primary roof on modern minimalist homes.

Advantages: Easy and cost-effective to build, excellent drainage, ideal for solar panel installation.

Disadvantages: Limited attic space; not ideal for traditional home styles.

Best Suited For: Modern, energy-efficient homes and home extensions.

12. Dutch Gable Roof

Description: A hybrid between a gable and a hip roof, the Dutch gable features a small gable atop a hip structure, combining aesthetics and functionality.

Advantages: Adds extra attic space, enhances curb appeal, improves ventilation.

Disadvantages: Requires more materials and skilled labor; higher construction cost.

Best Suited For: Suburban homes and traditional houses with large roof spans.

13. Dormer Roof

Description: A dormer is an additional structure that projects from a sloped roof, typically containing a window, used to add usable space and light.

Advantages: Increases headroom, boosts natural lighting, adds visual interest.

Disadvantages: Adds to construction costs; potential for leaks if not sealed well.

Best Suited For: Attic conversions, lofts, and homes in cold or temperate climates.

14. M-Shaped Roof

Description: Among the more unique types of roofs, the M-shaped roof resembles the letter “M” when viewed from the front, featuring two gable roof sections connected by a central valley. This design adds architectural interest and accommodates vaulted ceilings or clerestory windows.

Advantages: Allows for large interior space and multiple windows, good drainage.

Disadvantages: Complex to construct, valley area requires excellent waterproofing.

Best Suited For: Larger homes and modern designs with bold facades.

15. Sawtooth Roof

Description: Comprising a series of ridges with dual pitches, the steeper surfaces are glazed to admit natural light.

Advantages: Excellent natural lighting, ideal for solar panels, industrial appeal.

Disadvantages: High construction cost, difficult to maintain.

Best Suited For: Modern homes, lofts, and converted industrial buildings.

16. Pyramid Roof

Description: A type of hip roof where all four sides meet at a single point, forming a pyramid shape.

Advantages: Strong resistance to wind, symmetrical and visually balanced.

Disadvantages: Less attic space, not ideal for large buildings.

Best Suited For: Small structures like gazebos, cabins, or compact homes.

17. Combination Roof

Description: A mix of two or more roof types used on a single structure to create architectural interest and meet functional needs.

Advantages: Customized to suit complex floor plans, versatile aesthetics.

Disadvantages: Complex and expensive to design, potential for leak-prone intersections.

Best Suited For: Custom homes and eclectic architectural designs.

18. Intersecting Roof

Description: Features two or more roof lines that intersect at an angle, commonly seen in multi-winged homes.

Advantages: Adds depth and dimension, allows complex floor plans.

Disadvantages: Difficult to construct, vulnerable at junctions.

Best Suited For: Large residential buildings and traditional homes.

19. Curved Roof

Description: A modern roof type with a curved shape that softens architectural lines and enhances aerodynamics.

Advantages: Striking modern look, great for wind deflection, unique aesthetic.

Disadvantages: Requires specialized materials and engineering.

Best Suited For: Contemporary, eco-friendly homes and cultural buildings.

20. Green Roof

Description: Covered with vegetation over a waterproof membrane, green roofs help insulate buildings and manage rainwater.

Advantages: Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, reduces urban heat.

Disadvantages: High installation and maintenance costs, needs structural support.

Best Suited For: Urban rooftops, sustainable homes, and commercial buildings.

21. Box Gable Roof

Description: Similar to a gable roof, but with boxed eaves on each end for a cleaner finish.

Advantages: Enhances curb appeal, simple and efficient structure.

Disadvantages: Can be less stable in high-wind zones.

Best Suited For: Traditional and colonial-style homes.

22. Clerestory Roof

Description: Features a vertical wall with windows between two sloping roof sections, allowing natural light into interior spaces.

Advantages: Promotes energy efficiency, great for passive solar design.

Disadvantages: Potential for heat loss or gain if not properly insulated.

Best Suited For: Modern homes and eco-conscious architecture.

23. Conical Roof

Description: This type of roofs features a circular base that tapers smoothly upward into a cone shape, commonly found in turrets, towers, and gazebos. Its unique structure adds charm and elegance to both historic and decorative architecture.

Advantages: Iconic and charming, promotes runoff.

Disadvantages: Rare and expensive; complex framing.

Best Suited For: Historical homes, towers, gazebos.

24. Cross-Hipped Roof

Description: A combination of two hip roof sections that intersect, typically seen in L- or T-shaped homes.

Advantages: Good wind performance, elegant symmetry.

Disadvantages: Complicated construction and higher material costs.

Best Suited For: Multi-winged residential buildings.

25. Cross-Gabled Roof

Description: Composed of two or more gable roof sections that intersect, forming a cross-like layout.

Advantages: Adds volume and visual interest, supports varied room layouts.

Disadvantages: Increased chance of leaks where ridges meet.

Best Suited For: Larger homes and cottages with complex plans.

26. Dropped Eaves Roof

Description: A roof with extended eaves that drop significantly over the edge of the building for added shade and rain protection.

Advantages: Great for sun and rain protection, enhances porch areas.

Disadvantages: Can obstruct views or clash with minimal designs.

Best Suited For: Asian-inspired designs, hot or rainy climates.

27. Domed Roof

Description: A hemispherical roof structure that distributes weight evenly and creates a spacious, open interior.

Advantages: Structurally strong, energy efficient, excellent aesthetics.

Disadvantages: High construction cost; rare in residential applications.

Best Suited For: Religious buildings, observatories, and unique homes.

28. Hexagonal Roof

Description: Built with six sides, this roof is typically used on gazebos or decorative buildings for a visually unique look.

Advantages: Attractive, symmetrical, and efficient for small structures.

Disadvantages: Limited to smaller buildings; requires precision framing.

Best Suited For: Garden structures, gazebos, and towers.

29. Monitor Roof

Description: Consists of a raised center roof running along the ridge of a double-pitched roof, with clerestory windows for ventilation and light.

Advantages: Excellent ventilation and lighting; great for barn-style homes.

Disadvantages: More prone to leaks; may require structural reinforcement.

Best Suited For: Barns, workshops, and industrial or farmhouse-style homes.

30. Parapet Roof

Description: Features a flat roof enclosed by a low wall (parapet) that extends above the roofline, often for safety or aesthetic reasons.

Advantages: Adds architectural interest, hides rooftop elements, enhances safety.

Disadvantages: Water drainage must be carefully planned.

Best Suited For: Urban homes, commercial buildings, and minimalist designs.

Comparison by Types of Roofs: Estimated Cost, Durability, Maintenance & Ideal Climate

Roof Type	Estimated Cost	Durability	Maintenance	Ideal Climate
Gable Roof	Low	High	Low	Cold & temperate regions
Hip Roof	Moderate	High	Moderate	Wind-prone & coastal areas
Mansard Roof	High	High	Low	Urban & historic districts
Gambrel Roof	Low	Moderate	Moderate	Rural & colonial settings
Flat Roof	Moderate	High	Low	Warm & arid climates
Shed (Skillion) Roof	Low	Moderate	Low	Modern & minimalist homes
Butterfly Roof	High	High	Moderate	Rainwater harvesting regions
Bonnet Roof	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Tropical & porch-style homes
Saltbox Roof	Low	High	Low	Historical & sloped-lot properties
Jerkinhead Roof	Moderate	High	Low	Windy & suburban areas
Dutch Gable Roof	High	High	Moderate	Traditional & large-span homes
Dormer Roof	Moderate	High	Moderate	Attic conversions & lofts
M-Shaped Roof	High	Moderate	Moderate	Contemporary & designer homes
Sawtooth Roof	High	High	Low	Industrial & workshop buildings
Pyramid Roof	Moderate	High	Low	Small cabins & gazebos
Combination Roof	High	High	Moderate	Custom & eclectic designs
Intersecting Roof	High	Moderate	High	Large multi-winged homes
Curved Roof	High	High	Low	Modern & eco-friendly builds
Green Roof	High	Moderate	High	Urban & sustainable projects
Box Gable Roof	Moderate	High	Low	Colonial & traditional homes
Clerestory Roof	Moderate	High	Moderate	Passive solar & daylighting
Conical Roof	High	Moderate	Low	Towers, turrets & gazebos
Cross-Hipped Roof	High	High	Moderate	L- or T-shaped residences
Cross-Gabled Roof	Moderate	High	Low	Complex floor plans
Dropped Eaves Roof	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Hot & rainy climates
Domed Roof	High	High	Low	Unique & monumental structures
Hexagonal Roof	High	Moderate	Low	Garden pavilions & small towers
Monitor Roof	Moderate	High	Moderate	Barns & workshop-style homes
Parapet Roof	High	Moderate	Low	Urban & minimalist designs

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Roofs

Q: What are the most cost-effective types of roofs?

A: For homeowners on a budget, gable roofs and shed (skillion) roofs are among the most affordable roofing types. Their simple structure and low material usage make them ideal for economical construction.

Q: Which roof styles offer the best energy efficiency?

A: Green roofs lead in insulation and temperature regulation, while clerestory roof designs enhance natural daylight and support passive solar heating, reducing overall energy consumption.

Q: What types of roofs are best for snowy climates?

A: Steeply pitched roofing styles such as gable, mansard, and saltbox roofs perform best in snowy regions. These designs efficiently shed snow, minimizing buildup and structural stress.

Q: Which roof designs work best in high-wind or hurricane-prone areas?

A: Aerodynamic types of roofs like hip roofs and pyramid roofs are recommended for storm-prone areas due to their superior wind resistance and structural stability.

Q: What is the average lifespan of different roof types?

A: Standard roofs like gable or hip styles with asphalt shingles can last 20–30 years. Premium options like metal roofs or slate tiles—used on curved or domed roofs—may exceed 50 years with proper care.

Q: Can flat roofs be used in wet or snowy conditions?

A: Flat roofs can be used in such climates if equipped with high-quality membranes and efficient drainage systems. However, sloped types of roofs are generally preferred in areas with frequent rain or snow.

Q: What kind of maintenance do green roofing types require?

A: Green roofs require seasonal maintenance such as weeding, irrigation, and regular inspections of the waterproof layer. Maintenance needs vary depending on plant selection and climate.

Q: How do I determine the best pitch for my roof style?

A: The pitch depends on climate and architectural goals. Steep pitches (above 6:12) are ideal for rain and snow runoff, while flat and low-slope types of roofs suit dry regions and modern home designs.

Q: What factors impact roof replacement costs?

A: Key cost drivers include roof size, materials (e.g., asphalt vs. tile vs. metal), design complexity (gable vs. intersecting roof), labor rates, and whether structural repairs are needed.

Q: What are the most sustainable roof types for city homes?

A: Among the eco-friendly types of roofs, green roofs, solar panel-compatible shed roofs, and butterfly roofs for water harvesting are excellent choices for sustainable urban living.

Q: Which roofing types add the most resale value?

A: Architecturally appealing and durable roof styles—such as hip, mansard, and metal-clad gable roofs—can boost curb appeal and property value due to their longevity and low maintenance.