Hip roof. These roofs are rectangular structures that slope on all four sides. When they come together, they create a ridge that runs down the centre of the roof. Pros – this means that there are no flat parts anywhere on the roof and it doesn’t cross or intersect so water and snow can’t stack up on the roof. The slopes make it more sturdy and durable in winds as well. The design also creates ample living space in the top of the property which can mean extra rooms for whatever purpose. Cons – they’re more expensive to put in place than gable roofs. And with water leaking through at the ridge, this can be a problem in heavy rain if the roof is not maintained correctly or on a regular basis.
Gable roof. This roof remains one of the most common and popular kinds of roof you can find on the market. Their triangular shape is known by everyone and most of us will have lived under one with it’s two sections that cross each other. Pros – they’re very simple and common, meaning that all roofing companies know how to install them and they’re also very cheap to put in place. Plus any water and snow can easily slide off the roof. Cons – Gable roofs are among the most susceptible to the dangers of high winds. When there’s a gap at the bottom, the wind can even lift the roof off. So for people who live in places that have high winds, they’re not the best option.
Dutch Gable roof. This roof is what we call a hybrid between a hip roof and a gable roof. It has a small gable at the top (or multiple small gables) but the rest looks like a hip roof. Pros – what makes the Dutch gable roof appealing to people is the fact that it allows you to get the best of both worlds. The slope allows the water to run off easily and it creates a very unique design because you don’t see them too often. Cons – this kind of roof is not perfect for dealing with winds. It can also be easy for the structure to falter if the design is not precise. The gable has to be supported correctly by the hip design that surrounds it.