How Many Roof Types

How Many Roof Types Are There? A Complete Guide to Roofing Materials & Styles

Choosing the right roof is about more than simply keeping the rain out—it’s about durability, curb appeal, energy efficiency, and long-term value. Roofs differ not just in shape, but also in the materials they’re made from. Here’s a comprehensive guide to both material and style types you’ll encounter.

1. Roofing Materials (10–12 Common Options)

1. Asphalt Shingles

The most widely used roofing material. They come in basic three-tab or thicker architectural styles. They’re affordable (around $1.50–$5.50 per square foot) and last 15–30 years. Downsides include fading color, susceptibility to wind damage, and relatively short lifespan.

2. Metal Roofing

Made of steel, aluminum, or other metals. Lasts 40–70 years or more, highly durable, energy-efficient, and fire-resistant. Expect installation costs between $8–$30 per square foot. Excellent for extreme weather areas but can be noisy during rain.

3. Composite Shingles

Engineered from recycled materials to mimic slate or wood. Durable, eco-friendly, with performance warranties often exceeding 50 years. Initial cost is higher, typically $7–$12 per square foot.

4. Slate

Natural stone tiles that can last 100+ years. Offering unmatched elegance and durability, but require reinforced deck support and cost significantly more (up to $6,000–8,000 per square).

5. Clay & Concrete Tiles

Mediterranean style roofing, fire-resistant and long-lasting (50+ years). Heavy and costly ($10–20 per square foot), used in hot climates or architectural styles like Spanish or Mission.

6. Wood Shingles & Shakes

Cedar or pine products offering rustic charm. Can last 20–40 years in dry climates. Prone to rot, insect damage, and fire risk—fire-resistant treatments are essential.

7. Rubber/EPDM (Flat Roofs)

Popular for low-slope applications. Economical with a lifespan of 20–35 years. Effective water barrier but vulnerable to punctures if not well-installed.

8. Built-Up Roofing (BUR) & Modified Bitumen

Traditional multi-layered systems (tar and gravel) or asphalt sheets—used mostly on flat commercial roofs. BUR lasts 20–30 years, modified bitumen around the same. Less visually appealing, but highly durable.

9. Stone-Coated Steel

Steel panels coated with stone granules to resemble traditional shingles or tiles. Durable (up to 70 years), hail-resistant and lightweight. Average cost $5–10 per square foot.

10. Green (Living) Roofs

Covered in vegetation—excellent insulation and storm-water management. Very eco-friendly but high cost and complex maintenance.

11. Solar Roof Tiles

Shingles embedded with photovoltaic cells. Integrate cleanly into roofing design. Very expensive ($60K+ for a typical home) and require specialized installation and electrical integration.

2. Roofing Shapes & Styles (15+ Variants)

Gable Roof

Classic triangular two-sided slope; easy to build, great for drainage, and provides attic space. Less suited for high-wind or hurricane zones.

Hip Roof

Four-sided sloping roof without gables; highly wind-resistant and structurally stable. More complex framing and more expensive than a gable.

Gambrel Roof

Two different slopes on each side (steep lower, shallow upper). Maximizes attic space—popular on barns and Dutch Colonial homes. Lots of interior space, but complex.

Mansard Roof

Double-pitched on all four sides; steep lower slope with dormers. Very French in style, maximizes living space on upper level.

Flat Roof

Nearly level roof (with slight pitch for drainage). Common in modern or commercial buildings. Often used for rooftop decks or gardens; needs waterproofing.

Shed (Skillion) Roof

Single-sloped roof. Simple, modern aesthetic; ideal for extensions or minimalist designs.

Butterfly Roof

Inverted V-shape; slopes inward, allowing rainwater collection. Stylish, ideal for solar and water-harvesting systems.

Dormer Roof

Projections with their own mini-roofs, providing windows and headroom. Works with gable, hip, or shed roofs.

Dutch Gable

Hip roof with small gable at the ridge—combining benefits of both styles and improving ventilation.

Jerkinhead (Clipped Gable/Half-Hip)

Gable ends “clipped” into a short hip—adds wind resistance without full hip complexity.

Pyramid Hip

All sides intersect at a central peak; ideal for small structures or cabins.

Bonnet Roof

Double-sloped hip roof that flares outward at the eaves—provides porch cover and aesthetic appeal.

Saltbox Roof

Asymmetrical gable with one long slope—historic New England style; good for adding space and shedding snow.

A‑Frame Roof

Steep triangular frame forming both walls and roof—great for snowy regions and cabins.

3. Choosing the Right Roof: Matching Material + Style

Climate considerations

Snow/rain: Steep slopes (gable, gambrel) plus materials like asphalt or metal.
Wind-prone: Hip or jerkinhead shapes with wind-rated materials.
Fire zones: Fire-resistant materials—metal, slate, tile.

Aesthetic & architectural harmony

Traditional: Gable with asphalt or slate
Mediterranean: Clay or concrete tiles with low-slope hip
Modern: Flat or shed roofs with metal or composite

Budget and lifespan

Lowest cost: Asphalt, rolled roofing
Mid cost: Metal, composite, concrete tiles
Premium: Slate, clay, solar, living roofs

Maintenance needs

Asphalt needs replacement every 20–30 years; wood requires regular upkeep.
Metal, tile, slate are largely maintenance-free but more expensive upfront.
Flat and green roofs may need periodic checks and upkeep.

4. Combining Styles and Materials

Roof combinations are increasingly common:

Metal shed roofs on modern home sections
Composite shingles on gable sections, with tile accent hips
Butterfly or clerestory paired with solar
Flat rooftop gardens (green) with stylish shed additions

These hybrids allow you to tailor function and aesthetics—just be sure your structure supports the load and your installer is experienced.

5. Final Take & What’s Next

There are 10–12 common roofing materials and at least 15 distinct roof styles. Choosing the right combination depends on climate, home style, budget, and maintenance goals. Whether you prefer a classic asphalt gable or a modern butterfly roof with solar integration, the options are vast—and each has pros and cons.

Ready to explore the best roofing for your home in Ashtabula, OH? Use this guide to discuss ideas with a trusted roofer. At S&K Construction & Remodeling, we tailor solutions by combining materials and styles that fit your needs—and ensure your roof isn’t just functional, but stylish, durable, and cost-effective for decades.

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