Ever noticed how a home’s personality is written in its roofline? From the dramatic slopes of a Mansard to the clean geometry of a modern flat roof, your choice isn’t just about protection but about architectural identity. 

The right roof enhances curb appeal, optimizes energy efficiency, and seamlessly ties together form and function. Whether you’re restoring a classic or designing something bold and new, this guide will help you find the perfect rooftop statement for your home.

Hip Roof

A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, which makes it one of the most stable roofing structures. It’s ideal for areas prone to high winds and heavy snowfall. 

The symmetrical design helps evenly distribute weight, making it a great choice for homes in regions with heavy snow accumulation. Additionally, the inward-sloping design enhances durability and reduces the likelihood of damage due to wind uplift.

Hip roofs also provide a clean and aesthetically pleasing look, which complements various architectural styles. While they may be more expensive than simpler designs, the added stability and weather resistance make them a solid investment. Ventilation can sometimes be a challenge with hip roofs, but installing ridge and soffit vents can help maintain proper airflow in the attic.

Hip Roof Subtypes

Pyramid Hip Roof: A variation where all four sides meet at a central point, offering strong wind resistance.

Cross Hip Roof: Features intersecting hip sections, commonly used for complex home layouts.

Half Hip Roof: Includes small gable-like sections on each side for additional attic space.

• Average Cost: $8,000–$25,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, metal, slate, or tile
• Compatible Home Designs: Ranch, cottage, contemporary, and Mediterranean-style homes

Gable Roof

A gable roof is the classic triangle-shaped roof, known for its simplicity and excellent water drainage. The steep slopes allow rain, snow, and debris to slide off easily, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage. However, gable roofs can be vulnerable to strong winds if not properly braced, making them less ideal for hurricane-prone areas.

Gable roofs are among the most cost-effective roof designs due to their straightforward construction. They also provide ample attic space, which can be used for storage or converted into additional living space. The variety of gable roof subtypes makes it a versatile choice for different home styles and climates.

Gable Roof Subtypes

Cross Gable Roof: Two gable sections intersect, forming a more complex design.

Front Gable Roof: A gable roof that faces the front, common in Colonial homes.

Side Gable Roof: A simpler variation with the gable ends on the sides of the house.

• Average Cost: $7,000–$18,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, metal, wood shakes, or clay tiles
• Compatible Home Designs: Colonial, Cape Cod, and traditional homes

Gambrel Roof

Often associated with barns, a gambrel roof has two slopes on each side—one steep and one shallow- providing extra attic space. The asymmetrical design maximizes headroom in the upper floors of a home, making it an efficient way to expand living spaces without adding to the overall footprint of the building.

Gambrel roofs offer an elegant, old-world charm, making them a popular choice for historic and country-style homes. However, they are more susceptible to wind damage than other roof types, so reinforcement is crucial in storm-prone regions. 

Proper maintenance and high-quality materials can significantly improve the longevity of this roof style.

Gambrel Roof Subtypes

Classic Gambrel Roof: The most common barn-style design.

Mansard Gambrel Roof: A fusion of gambrel and mansard styles, with extended lower slopes.

• Average Cost: $8,000–$20,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, metal, or wood shakes
• Compatible Home Designs: Barn-style, Dutch Colonial, and Georgian homes

Jerkinhead Roof

A jerkinhead roof combines elements of both gable and hip roofs, offering extra wind resistance and unique aesthetics. The shortened gable design reduces vulnerability to high winds, making it a sturdier option than a traditional gable roof.

This type of roof is often used in historic and Craftsman-style homes due to its timeless appearance. While slightly more complex and expensive to build than a standard gable roof, the added durability and architectural appeal make it a worthwhile investment.

• Average Cost: $9,000–$22,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, metal, slate, or clay tiles
• Compatible Home Designs: Craftsman, Tudor, and historic homes

Skillion Roof

A skillion roof features a single, sloped surface. It’s sleek, modern, and perfect for maximizing natural light with skylights. This simple design is cost-effective and easy to install, making it a favorite for contemporary homes and sheds.

Skillion roofs are great for water drainage and solar panel installation. However, the steep pitch can limit attic space and may require careful consideration of insulation and ventilation. Despite these minor drawbacks, the minimalist and energy-efficient nature of skillion roofs makes them an excellent choice for sustainable housing.

Skillion Roof Subtypes

Single Skillion Roof: A single plane with a steep slope.

Butterfly Skillion Roof: Two skillion sections forming an upward V-shape.

• Average Cost: $5,000–$15,000
• Roofing Material: Metal, asphalt shingles, or rubber membrane
• Compatible Home Designs: Modern, minimalist, and eco-friendly homes

Bonnet Roof

A bonnet roof is similar to a hip roof but features extended eaves that provide additional shade and protection from the elements. This design is particularly useful in warm climates, as the overhanging eaves help reduce heat buildup inside the home. It is also a great choice for homes with wrap-around porches, adding both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

Bonnet roofs offer excellent water runoff capabilities, making them ideal for regions with heavy rainfall. They also create a unique and stylish appearance that enhances the home’s overall charm. However, they can be more expensive due to the increased complexity in framing and material costs.

Bonnet Roof Subtypes

Full Bonnet Roof: The traditional version with large overhanging eaves covering porches.

Partial Bonnet Roof: Features smaller eaves, typically extending over windows or doors for added protection.

• Average Cost: $10,000–$25,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, slate, or clay tiles
• Compatible Home Designs: Southern, French Colonial, and country-style homes

Saltbox Roof

A saltbox roof is an asymmetrical design with one long slope and one short slope, offering excellent wind resistance and historical charm. Originally developed in colonial America, this style provides additional attic space and enhances the structural integrity of the home.

This roof design is particularly effective for shedding rain and snow, making it a great option for colder climates. However, the asymmetry can make construction more complex and potentially increase labor costs.

Saltbox Roof Subtypes

Classic Saltbox Roof: Traditional steep slope with an elongated rear section.

Modern Saltbox Roof: Features a gentler slope variation to blend with contemporary architecture

• Average Cost: $8,000–$22,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or metal
• Compatible Home Designs: Colonial and New England-style homes

Flat Roof

Flat roofs are common in modern and commercial buildings. While they require maintenance for drainage, they offer great opportunities for rooftop gardens, solar panel installations, and outdoor living spaces. Despite the name, flat roofs usually have a slight slope to allow water to drain.

While flat roofs are often more affordable to construct, they do require regular maintenance to prevent water pooling and leaks. Using high-quality waterproof materials and proper drainage systems can significantly extend their lifespan.

Flat Roof Subtypes

Built-Up Roof (BUR): Multiple layers of asphalt and gravel.

Green Roof: Covered with vegetation for insulation and eco-friendliness.

Modified Bitumen Roof: A single-ply membrane with enhanced durability.

• Average Cost: $6,000–$15,000
• Roofing Material: EPDM rubber, TPO, or built-up roofing
• Compatible Home Designs: Modern, industrial, and commercial buildings

Butterfly Roof

A butterfly roof features two upward-sloping sections that create a V-shape, allowing for excellent rainwater collection and a modern aesthetic. This type of roof is commonly used in eco-friendly homes, as it can incorporate sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

While visually striking, butterfly roofs can be more expensive due to the complexity of their design. Proper waterproofing and drainage are essential to avoid water pooling in the valley of the roof.

Butterfly Roof Subtypes

Standard Butterfly Roof: The traditional V-shaped design for efficient water collection.

Asymmetrical Butterfly Roof: One wing higher than the other for a more modern aesthetic.

• Average Cost: $12,000–$30,000
• Roofing Material: Metal, rubber membrane, or solar panels
• Compatible Home Designs: Contemporary, eco-friendly, and futuristic homes

Dutch Gable Roof

A Dutch gable roof is a hybrid between a gable and hip roof, offering a more elegant appearance and additional attic space. The design allows for improved ventilation and enhanced architectural interest while maintaining the strength of a hip roof.

This type of roof is ideal for homeowners who want a mix of traditional and modern elements. It provides ample space for dormers or decorative features but requires more materials and labor, making it slightly more expensive.

Dutch Gable Roof Subtypes

Full Dutch Gable Roof: A full gable section at the top for increased attic space.

Partial Dutch Gable Roof: A smaller gable element for aesthetic appeal.

• Average Cost: $9,000–$24,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, metal, or slate
• Compatible Home Designs: Victorian, Tudor, and historic homes

Frame Roof

A frame roof, also known as an A-frame roof, has a steep triangular shape that extends down to the foundation, forming the structure’s walls. This simple yet efficient design is common in cabins, cottages, and modern minimalist homes, offering a distinctive look and strong resistance to heavy snow and rain.

Its key benefits include affordability, ease of construction, and excellent weather resistance. The steep pitch prevents water buildup, while the open interior allows for vaulted ceilings.

However, limited vertical wall space can reduce usable interior area, and insulation may be challenging due to the large roof surface. Despite these drawbacks, frame roofs remain a durable and stylish option.

Frame Roof Subtypes

Classic A-Frame: Symmetrical steep slopes that form an equilateral triangle.

Modified A-Frame: Features a higher base and additional living space.

Gambrel A-Frame: Incorporates a break in the slope for extra interior room.

Average Cost: $10,000 – $40,000 (varies by size, materials, and labor)

Roofing Material: Metal, asphalt shingles, wood shingles, composite panels.

Compatible Home Designs: Cabins, Cottages, Modern minimalist homes, Mountain and lake retreats

Mansard Roof

A mansard roof is a four-sided design with two slopes per side, the lower steep and the upper gradual, maximizing attic space and allowing for additional living areas. Popularized in 17th-century France and common in Second Empire architecture, it combines elegance with functionality.

Its main advantages include added interior space, flexibility for dormers, and increased property value. However, its complexity leads to higher costs, and the shallow upper slope requires proper drainage to prevent water pooling. Despite these challenges, its aesthetic and practical benefits make it a timeless choice.

Mansard Roof Subtypes

Straight Mansard: The lower slope is nearly vertical, while the upper slope remains shallow.

Convex Mansard: The lower slope curves outward, creating a more rounded appearance.

Concave Mansard: The lower slope curves inward, adding a decorative and elegant look.

• Average Cost: $15,000 – $50,000 (depending on size, materials, and complexity)
• Roofing Material: Slate, wood shingles, asphalt shingles, metal.
• Compatible Home Designs: French-inspired architecture, Victorian homes, Second Empire-style buildings, Modern adaptations in luxury homes.

Clerestoy Roof

A clerestory roof incorporates a row of windows between two sloped roof sections, allowing for natural light and energy efficiency. This design is ideal for homes that want to reduce dependence on artificial lighting while maintaining privacy.

While clerestory roofs enhance aesthetics and functionality, they require careful engineering to ensure proper insulation and energy efficiency. They work exceptionally well in contemporary and passive solar homes.

• Average Cost: $10,000–$25,000
• Roofing Material: Metal, glass panels, or asphalt shingles
• Compatible Home Designs: Modern, contemporary, and passive solar homes

Pyramid Roof

A pyramid roof is a variation of a hip roof with all sides sloping equally towards a single point, offering high wind resistance. This design is commonly used for smaller homes, gazebos, and outdoor structures.

Due to its shape, pyramid roofs provide excellent stability and durability. They work well in hurricane-prone areas but may not be suitable for larger homes due to their limited attic space.

Pyramid Roof Subtypes

• Average Cost: $10,000–$25,000
• Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles, slate, or metal
• Compatible Home Designs: Small homes, gazebos, and cabins

Last Words: Type of Roofs

The best roof for your home depends on your budget, climate, and design preferences. If you’re looking for durability, a hip or mansard roof may be ideal. For a modern aesthetic, consider a skillion or butterfly roof. 

No matter which style you choose, investing in quality materials and professional installation will ensure your roof protects and enhances your home for years to come.