6 Popular Roof Types to Consider In 2022 (Pros & Cons)

When you build a new home, there are numerous details to consider. What color siding do you want? How many rooms do you want to include? And of course, what style of roof do you want?

Perhaps you didn’t even know that there were multiple roof types, but if you’re looking for inspiration for your upcoming build, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re highlighting some of the top roof types in 2022 to use for your new roofing project. We’ve included pros and cons to help you decide which is perfect for you.

6 Most-Popular Roof Types

Most people think of roof styles like the classic slanted look of traditional homes or the flat styles seen on many commercial buildings. But there are actually six different roof styles that you can consider for your new home! They are:

• Gable
• Hip
• Flat
• Sawtooth
• Curved
• Combination

1. Gable Roof

Gable roofs are easily one of the most popular roof types in the United States today. They are easy to identify due to their distinct triangular shape. A “gable” is quite literally the triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches.

If you’re looking for a traditional-style home that can still work well with any type of design (including modern), then a gable roof may be the right call for you.

✅ Pros of gable roofs:

• Appealing aesthetic
• Slanted angle gets rid of water and snow easily
• Ideal for climates that experience a good amount of precipitation
• Adds height to the attic or vaulted ceilings which allows for more ventilation

❌ Cons of gable roofs:

• If frames are not installed correctly, collapses are possible with high winds
• High winds may also cause materials to break off

2. Hip Roof

Another common type of roof, the hip roof has slopes on all four sides. Each side is the same length and meets at the top to form a ridge. This style can be a little more divisive when it comes to aesthetics, but when done right it can be a great addition to the home.

You also have the option of a “hip and valley roof.” These roofs are essentially modified hip roofs. A hip and valley roof has more than one section where four sloping sides meet, but these sections are joined to the other hipped areas on the roof. Even though this design has been around for decades, it’s still a popular style for contemporary homes.

✅ Pros of hip roofs:

• Generally, hip roofs are more stable than gable roofs thanks to the inwards slope of all four sides
• Similar to gable roofs, they are great for shedding all types of precipitation
• If built large enough, you can add rooms under them

❌ Cons of hip roofs:

• Because they require more materials, they are more expensive than gable roofs

3. Flat Roof

Taking a quick detour from shaped roofs, here we have the flat roof. On the name alone you can probably guess what this roof looks like. Yes, it is indeed flat. Of course, they aren’t completely flat; otherwise, water wouldn’t be able to run off the roof.

Flat roofs are often reserved for commercial buildings, but many modern homes have included them in their builds with excellent results. If you want an ultra-modern architectural style for your home, a flat roof can be the perfect solution.

✅ Pros of flat roofs:

• Can be used for gardens or patios
• Heating and cooling units can be placed on them
• Easy to incorporate solar panels into them
• Typically require less material so they are cheaper

❌ Cons of flat roofs:

• More likely to incur water damage as it can’t run off as easily as slanted roofs
• May need more maintenance down the road, which can end up costing quite a bit

4. Sawtooth Roof

Speaking of modern styles, sawtooth roofs are ideal for modern homes because of their cutting-edge, outside-of-the-box aesthetics. A sawtooth roof is when you have two or more parallel roofs that are sloped.

✅ Pros of sawtooth roofs:

• Windows can be placed in the roof’s vertical spaces, which looks beautiful and provides more natural light
• Higher peaks can once again allow homeowners to add additional rooms
• Modern aesthetics boost curb appeal and home value

❌ Cons of sawtooth roofs:

• As you may have guessed, they are more expensive both in terms of the complexity of the design and the number of materials needed
• They are considered a high-maintenance roof
• It may not be the best for high snowfall climates as they are more susceptible to damage from snow

5. Curved Roof

Curved roofs are another great detail often seen on modern homes. With planes that are curved, these roofs are perfect for homeowners that are interested in creating a unique silhouette. If you’re looking for an individualized home design that stands out from your neighbors, consider incorporating a curved roof.

✅ Pros of curved roofs:

• While looks are subjective, curved roofs do offer a unique, fun look that many homeowners will find aesthetically pleasing
• Can be highly customized to fit your needs
• Easily sheds precipitation

❌ Cons of curved roofs:

• It may cost more than a traditional roof due to the complexity of the design
• May stand out too much amongst neighbors—which can also be a pro
• May not conform to HOA standards

6. Combination Roof

A combination roof is exactly what it sounds like. It is a roof style that incorporates one, two, or sometimes even three different styles into one. The result can be a beautiful, distinct roof that is anything but ordinary. When done correctly, this roof will impress your neighbors for years to come.

A combination roof is typically most effective on larger roofs and homes so that there is plenty of square footage to accommodate the different roof types.

✅ Pros of combination roofs:

• Allows you to use the best type of roof for each individual piece of your home
• From an aesthetic perspective, it’s hard to beat

❌ Cons of combination roofs:

• As with the other more complex roofs on this list, it can be more expensive

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home

When it comes to picking the ideal roof for your home, it starts with understanding your climate in addition to your style preferences. For example, a flat roof may not be ideal for your home if you live in Minnesota where heavy snowfall is common—even if you love the look of it.

You should work with your home builder and roofer to decide what roof makes the most sense, both in terms of style and materials.

For materials, there are plenty of options out there. Metal roofing has become very popular today and can last a lifetime. Asphalt shingles still get the job done, and they can also last for many years when installed correctly.

If you need to find a trustworthy local roofer for your upcoming home build, check out the Directorii! All of the roofing contractors on Directorii have gone through an extensive approval process based on pre-set standards. Every roofer is even backed by a $20,000 guarantee so you can feel confident in their reputation.