Do you know the best roofing styles and design to use for your new home in Denver Colorado? Making the right choice becomes easier if you have a list of factors to consider.
For that reason, we’ve prepared this guide for you. Remember that your roof creates a first impression on others. But whether you care about roofing appeal or not, the right roofing styles and design impact durability.
You need a roof that doesn’t only look beautiful but will also last for as long as you live in your house. Dig in.
What Are the Different Types of Roof Styles and Design?
Before we discuss the factors involved in choosing a roofing design, we’ll share some ideas. Below, we categorize our roofing shapes based on traditional and modern.
Traditional Roof Design Plans
1. Hip Roof Style
The shape of a hip roof is what makes it more durable. A hip roof is characterized by four sides that slope downwards to meet the walls. Because of these four sides, hip roofs perform outstandingly in hurricane-prone regions. What’s more, they prevent ponding water and leak issues. Thanks to the absence of a flat surface.
Read More: Comparing Hip Roofs and Gable Roofs (Pros and Cons)
Good Materials to Use: Metal Roofing, Asphalt Shingles, Slate Shingles, Wooden Shingles, Tile Roofing
2. Dutch Colonial Roof Style
Dutch colonial roofs existed for a long time now. Other names include gambrel roofs or barn-style roofs.
A Dutch Colonial roof, also called a gambrel roof, originated in the 1600s. As one of the oldest roofing styles and design, it provides inhabitants with extra room at the top. In the picture above, notice the window just right below the roof ridge indicating that the additional space has been used as a room.
Good Materials to Use: Metal Roofing, Asphalt Shingles, Slate Shingles
3. A-Frame Roof Style
Some people consider A-frame roofs to be traditional, while some see them as modern roofs. We’ve included them under this list of modern roofing designs simply because they started in the mid-1950s. With an A-frame roof’s very steep sides, it’s impossible for rainwater to sit on them. A-frame structures are cheap to build. Today, they’re commonly used as vacation and cabin houses.
Good Materials to Use: Metal Roofing, Solar Roofing, Wood Shingles, Asphalt shingles
Modern/Latest Roofing Designs
1. Shed Roof Style
Shed roofs, also called mono-pitched roofs, feature one slanting slope. In Australia, people call them skillion roofs. With this roof, you get the benefit of the modern appeal of a flat roof combined with a pitched roof’s ability to shed water. Previously, we wrote a guide about the benefits and drawbacks of these roofs.
Good Materials to Use: Metal Roofing, EPDM Roof Sheets
2. Flat Roof Style
Everybody knows that a flat roof is a popular modern design. If you want simplicity, choose a flat roof. If you want to save money, flat roofs make excellent options. But if you want an attic, unfortunately, you won’t have it. In case you’re wondering, flat roofs aren’t entirely flat. They have a slight pitch to them to allow rainwater drainage.
Good Materials to Use: EPDM, PVC, TPO, and Torch Down Roof Sheets
Related: The Pros and Cons of Flat Roofing for Houses
Considerations to Choose the Right Roof Styles and Design
Got an idea already based on our previous list of roof design plans and types of roof materials? Before you go, make sure to consider these aspects.
1. Longevity
Nobody wants a roof that will break down in a few years. When it comes to lifespan, you must take into account the climate in which you live in. Whether you reside in Denver Colorado or not, think about the possibility of high winds and snow load. A-frame roofs and hip roofs are great selections to handle snow. Hip roofs withstand high winds.
2. Affordability
A lot of homeowners these days put cost-effectiveness at the top of their list. If this is you, choose roof design plans that are low-slope and flat. These design plans take less time to build and involve fewer materials. The key is to find a roofing contractor that builds your roof with quality in mind. That way, there’s zero chances for water to sit on the roof.
3. Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingles make beautiful choices for sloped roofing styles.
Not all roofing materials would suit a specific roof shape, which is why you have to think about them. Do you prefer asphalt shingle roofing? Wood shingle roofing? Metal roofing? These materials are usually installed on sloped roofing styles and design. On the other hand, membranes like EPDM and TPO belong to flat roof structures.
4. Homeowner’s Association
Planning for a roof replacement? If you live in a neighborhood that has a homeowner’s association, make sure you know their acceptable guidelines when it comes to roofing. Many HOA covenants already determine their preferred roofing style and color to maintain uniformity and harmony. To avoid frustration, always ask.
5. Storage
Some people build homes with attics in their minds. While not all houses have attics, people who want them plan to make living spaces out of them. Attics can also be utilized for storage or holding insulation. If you prefer an attic, certainly go with a Dutch Colonial roof. There’s a ton of space to maximize at the top.
6. Roofing contractor
You might not have thought of this but yes, your roofing contractor preference counts. Why? Not all roofers specialize in a specific roofing shape. Also, some roofers don’t install a certain material. For example, a company may specialize in wood shingles but may not be able to handle slate roofing. You get the idea. Always speak with a few roofers first to check their experience and qualifications. Ask the right questions to determine the right contractor.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, you need to give yourself enough time to think through your final roof style. Once a roofing company installs your roof, it’ll be there for years to come. Don’t rush your decision unless you’re having a roofing emergency. Lastly, hire a quality Denver CO roofer with extensive experience and knowledge.
Roper Roofing is a Denver Colorado based roofing company ready to plan your roof with you. Whether you need a new installation or replacement, we’ll take time to discuss your best options.
We specialize in all things roofing. Head over to our Residential Roofing tab and check out our list of roofing systems — roof shingles, roof tiles, metal, wood shake roofing, and more. We’d love to discuss with you! Call us at 720-307-7174 and get your free quote.