Suitability of Roof Types Based on Climate and Weather
Best Roof Types for Rain and Snow
A gable roof is triangular in shape, and it's also known as a pitched or peaked roof. This roof type has a steep incline, and this makes it a great choice in areas that get heavy rain and snow. If snow accumulates on the roof, its weight can place undue burden on the structure. If rain pools on the roof, the moisture can lead to algae growth. The steep pitch of a gable roof discourages the accumulation of rain and snow, and this type of roof can reduce roof-related maintenance costs if your live in a wet or snowy climate. A gable roof should be slanted at a 40-degree angle or steeper if you face heavy snowfall.
A hip roof is another excellent choice for wet and snowy conditions. This type of roof has slopes of equal length on all four sides. It offer similar benefits to gable roofs, in that their slant allows rain and water to slide off. An added plus is that they tend to be more stable than gable roofs, and this makes them a good choice if high wind is part of the equation.
A skillion roof is essentially a flat roof that has been tilted at a steep angle. This type of roof is also known as a lean-to or a shed roof, and it's a popular choice in homes that feature modern architecture. Because a skillion roof is slanted at a sharp angle, it discourages the pooling of rain and snow.
A saltbox roof is is similar to a gable roof in that it has a triangular shape. However, a saltbox roof features asymmetrical design. The shorter side typically has a gentle slope, while the angle on the longer side tends to be more steeply pitched. The triangular shape of this roof supports runoff of rain and snow.
Best Roof Types for Hot Climates
A flat roof is useful in hot climates because this type of roofing easily accommodates the placement of cooling units. Also, if you want to save money on cooling costs by installing solar panels, a flat roof will make it simple for your to mount this installation.
A butterfly roof is a V-shaped roof comprised of two flat, angled panels that meet to create a valley. This roofing has a modern look. Its V-shape design naturally pools rainwater, and if a downspout is attached to a rain barrel, this type of roof can serve as a water source. This makes it a strong choice if you live in a hot climate that is prone to drought.
A sawtooth roof is similar to a skillion roof in that it's essentially a flat roof tilted at an angle. However, sawtooth roofing features more than one roof, and these parallel pitched roofs combine to resemble the profile of a saw blade. This roofing style is popular in modern and architectural homes. This type of roof tends to pool rain and snow, and it can be more expensive than other roof types to maintain. However, its design makes it a natural fit for solar paneling that can reduce your home's cooling costs in hot weather.
Cost and Installation
A home's value is tied to the health of its roof, and it's best to entrust roof installation to a seasoned roofing contractor. Installation costs will vary depending on roof type, the size of the home, and the location. Professional roof installation can cost between $1,700-$8,400 and higher.