Gable
One of the more simple styles, gable roofs are easily-recognizable for their triangular or an inverted V shape. They are ideal for areas that do not have strong winds because they can catch winds just like a sail.
Gambrel
They are typically referred to as barn roofs because they are commonly used on barns. But don’t let the name fool you because they are also seen on most Dutch Colonial and Georgian-style homes. The lower side of the gambrel roof has an almost vertical, steep slope, while the upper slope is much lower. One of the biggest benefits of the Gambrel is that it provides ample space in the attic, which is so big that they can be turned into extra bedrooms or other living spaces.
Saltbox
Saltbox roofs can be thought of as asymmetrical gable roofs, with one side being more slightly sloping flat roof and the other more of a lean to, with gables at each end. They are variations of early Colonial and Cape Cod designs to add more space with less material.
Curved
Curved roofs provide a unique, creative roof design because it does away with the traditional edges. The amount of curve can vary from slightly curved up to an arch shape, depending on the area. For instance, high wind areas would need low-slope curves to withstand the strong winds while areas with more snow might need a high arch to allow water to run-off.
Mansard
The Mansard roof is a French design with a four-sided roof, a double slope on each side that meet to form a low-pitched roof. Lower slopes are much steeper than the upper and the sides can either be flat or curved, depending on the style. They are great for people that want the flexibility to make future home additions. They are terrible for places with heavy snow because they can catch the snow like a basin.
Hip
Hip roofs have slopes on all four sides that are all equal length and come together at the top to form a ridge. They are more stable than gable roofs because of the inward slope on all four sides. They are terrific for areas with heavy snow and high winds.
Jerkinhead
Jerkinhead roofs use elements of both hip and bale roofs and are more stable than regular gable roofs. They are like gable roofs with hipped ends or with two short sides. By clipping the point, the roof becomes more resistant to wind damage. They can also provide more space than traditional hip roofs with the higher pitch while also providing better reinforcement.
Butterfly
Butterfly roofs are a popular choice for modern, eco-friendly home designs as well as for tropical homes. They are V-shaped roofs made to have the effect of a butterfly’s wings in flight constructed from two tandem pieces, angled on the outside. The midsection is angled downward where the two pieces meet into a valley.
Flat
Flat roofs are not exactly completely flat because they have a slight pitch to allow for water run-off and drainage. They are generally used on commercial and industrial buildings but have recently gained popularity for more contemporary residences in both high and low rainfall areas. They can provide ample living space indoors as well as outdoors due to its flat design.
Pyramid
They are a type of hip roof where all four sides come to a point at the top of the roof with no vertical sides or gables. They are mostly used for smaller buildings such as bungalows and cabins, but are also used for auxiliary structures such as pool houses, garages, and storage buildings. The slopes incorporated into the design make for a high resistance to strong winds, making them a perfect choice in hurricane and high wind-prone areas.
Skillion
They are also referred to as shed roofs because they are more commonly seen on sheds. Skillion roofs have a single, sloping roof attached to a taller wall. Their appearance can be thought of as a highly-angled flat roof or a single-pitched roof. They are used residentially for home additions, sheds, and porches. Modern homes, however, have recently made use of Skillions for the entire structure.
Sawtooth
Roofs made using the sawtooth design have two or more parallel-pitched roofs in which the sloped and vertical surfaces alternate, as opposed to the traditional opposing pitches like gable roofs. Windows are placed in the vertical spaces of the roof, providing more natural light as well as additional loft living spaces. One big drawback, however, is that they are generally more expensive due to the complexity of the design as well as the materials required.
Bonnet
Also known as kick-eaves, bonnet roofs are double sloped with the lower slope set at less of an angle than the upper love, reminiscent of a Mansard but in reverse. The lower slope hangs over the side of the house, providing an excellent cover for an open porch. The bonnet design, however, is not typically used in modern houses. They were mainly used in French Vernacular and can be seen in some areas in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Dome
While not typically used in residential areas, they are excellent choices for cupolas and gazebos. They are polygonal with an inverted bowl shape, which are great for adding unique and aesthetically-pleasing features to any home.
Combination
Combination roofs combine all the best elements from different designs for aesthetic appeal as well as added functionality. For instance, a home may combine gables with a hip roof over dormers and a skillion on the porch. One caveat, however, is that the addition of different pitches and roof types can not only be complicated and expensive, but it can also make the structure vulnerable to the rain, making it prone to leaks.
