There are several types of roofs, for different styles and rendering.
In all cases, a roof is made up of several elements forming successive layers: the framework, the insulation elements, the under-roof screen, the ventilation and under-roof space, the roofing, the water drainage and the openings.
The different shapes of the roof
The roof offers several choices of shapes, as well as different technical and aesthetic qualities:
– Single slope: roof with a single slope. It is found, for example, in certain mountainous regions, because it evacuates snow more easily and prevents it from accumulating, which would weigh down the structure and risk damaging it.
– Two-sided: the most common and simplest type of gable roof.
– Four-sided: the roof has four equal slopes, which meet at the top in the centre of the structure, usually in a cubic shape.
– Two hipped gables: the hips, which are generally triangular, are located on both sides of the roof.
Two sections with coyal lines:
– Otherwise known as the rolled-up attic;
– the lower part of the roof, generally small, is raised by a beam;
– the roof is then no longer flat at this point, the lower part being less inclined than the upper part.
Two sections with break lines :
– otherwise known as Mansart’s attic, or mansard-roofed attic, or broken attic;
– each side of the roof is made up of two sections not having the same inclination;
– the upper part is called the terrasson, the lower part, more inclined, the break, and the edge where these two sides meet is the break line.
– L or T-shaped roof: double roofing for adjoining buildings that require a perfectly made valley (junction between two sides).
– Flat roof: can be used to create a terrace or to plant the whole building.
– Rounded roof: for an original and attractive appearance and to save space under the attic.
Comparison of roof types
The choice of the roof shape will not only be made according to the aesthetic taste of each individual.
Each shape has specific advantages to be exploited according to:
– climatic conditions;
– architectural criteria, etc.
To help you make your choice, you will find below a summary table of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the roof shapes observed:
| Roof shapes | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Pent roof | – Ideal for regions with a snowy climate: snow does not accumulate on this type of roofing, thus avoiding overloads that weaken the structure or supports (load-bearing walls). – Original aesthetics. |
– An accurate calculation of the single-slope is essential to ensure insulation, rainwater drainage, etc. – Some regions regulate the percentage of the slope. – Loss of surface area at the level of the possible development of the attic. – In some states, flat tiles are prohibited on a roof at less than 35°. |
| Gable roof | – Much more attic space. – Allows you to choose a kit roof structure, thus reducing costs. |
– Lack of originality. |
| Hipped gable roof | – Original and modern appearance. | – Complex structure. – High cost. |
| Gable roof with break line (Mansard-style roofing) | – Optimizes attic occupancy. | – Higher cost. |
| Flat roof | – Allows you to create a terrace and thus increase the operating surface. – The green roof provides reinforced natural insulation. | – Need to properly manage rainwater runoff to avoid infiltration problems. |
Hope the above helps you out in choosing the shape of your roof. If you wish to get in touch with a roof specialist in Ontario, Top-Line Roofing & Sheet Metal is the one to call be it for Industrial or Commercial Roofing, Flat Roofing, and Skylights.
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