The roof of a house is the main form of protection for that building. Roofs are functional, but also quite characteristic, made in many different types and styles. Roof architecture as a whole may have the same basic principle, which is to protect the building it covers, but different types of roofs all have their own origination. As a result, different types of roofs have developed over time to best serve that purpose while considering building architecture, climate, and available building materials. Based on these different qualities, homeowners working with experienced roofing services can explore the best options for their home and choose the most functional roofs.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are the simplest and oldest of all roof types. They were originally used in the Middle East and other arid climates where there was less concern about moisture, and therefore no need for steep slopes. Technically, flat roofs do have a very slight slope to them to promote water runoff, but visually they look flat. These roofs provided the main purpose of covering a dwelling to protect it from the sun and wind, with rain resistance secondary.
Today, flat roofs are very popular in many applications all over the world, from roofing small dwellings to covering massive commercial buildings. Due to improvements in roof materials, better design, and roofing services, flat roofs are considered one of the most important types of roof for certain buildings.
Sloping Roofs
Sloped roofs are built in many different styles, and used on many different buildings all over the world. The purpose behind a sloping roof is to allow water to roll down the roof, preventing damage to the roofing material. This type of roof was first seen used in Africa and other places where thatched roofs needed to be resilient against rainfall, and in ancient Greece. Sloped roofs of various styles soon became widely used as they were stronger than flat roofs in climates that saw more rain and snow. As a result, sloped roofs were adapted in many different ways by many different cultures, each adding their own style and improvements.
The simplest sloped roofs are lean-to roofs suitable for sheds and other smaller buildings. Most traditional residential roofing today is some form of sloped roof. There are many types of sloping roofs in use today, including gable roofs, gambrel roofs, hip roofs, mansard roofs and various others, many of these varieties corresponding with different traditional architectural styles.
Vault and Dome Roofs
Vaulted and domed roofs are a lesser common roof style, but equally significant to recognize due to their unique construction features. They are constructed completely using arches as the supporting structure, and therefore do not require the additional roofing framework that both flat and all types of sloping roofs require. Vaulted and domed roofs came into existence in ancient Greece and Rome, used to cover cathedrals and other important buildings. Today, these types of roofs are not typically used for residential roofs, but they are still being used in larger, more ornate buildings like public buildings, churches and other buildings where this unique type of roofing architecture is most attractive.
There are many, many different roof designs in use today, each one with its own characteristics and strengths. Of all the styles of roofs available to use over a home, they can all be broken down into these three basic types- flat, sloping, and vault or dome roofs. While most homes today utilize some form of or combination of sloped roofs, homeowners looking for something truly unique may be interested in discussing a vaulted or domed roof with the right roofing services.
