Roof Designs

Roofs are designed in an abundance of styles and combinations. Most roof designs have a pitch or slope. The slope of the roof allows it to shed water, reduce ultraviolet exposure and prolong the life of the roofing material. Roofing designs are selected to both protect the building and add ascetic appeal. Gable and Hip roofs are the most commonly seen roofs on homes. Flat roofs are often used to add curb appeal and save expense on construction. Each roof design is constructed differently and has potential problems if not installed and maintained correctly. When roof coverings have been changed as they wear out or renovations are undertaken, the roof design must be able to accommodate the new installation. Many roofs are designed using a combination of alternatives. The inspector will carefully check the roof framing where visible, the sheathing, flashing, and roof covering for any visible defects or wear. A badly designed or installed roofing system can be a source of constant problems and extensive damage to the inner building envelope.

Hip Roofing
Hip roofs are almost as popular as gable roofs. Hip roofs have no valleys unless extended with a different roof type. The hip rafters support the roof surface and framing at angles which eliminate valleys that can leak and wear. When installed correctly, hip roofing design is the most favorable for a home because its angles help it deflect the elements from a home. Your professional inspector will be looking carefully for good quality construction and installation as hip roofs are a little more complicated to install and when done improperly are very difficult to repair without a large expense.

Gable Roofing
Gable roofs are the most commonly seen roof throughout the country. Besides a flat roof they are the easiest to install for a builder and in today's construction may be quickly erected using pre-fabricated truss systems. Gable roofs are often done in combination with dormers or valley type connections. The connections, valleys and dormers are inspected carefully by your inspector for leaks, roof surface damage and other defects. A gable roof usually is vented at the ends and may also have other venting systems such as soffit vents, static roof vents, ridge venting or an attic fan.

Flat Roofing
It has been said that roofers install flat roofs so they can forever charge for repairs! A flat roof is just as it sounds, flat. These roofs in residential construction usually are prone to leaks at all penetrations, wear quickly and may sag. This type of roof installation is fast and inexpensive. Many extensions are constructed using either a flat or shed-style roof because non- professionals install them and framing is simple to manage. Flat roofs are often inspectors biggest concern when they arrive at the home. Your inspector will suspect problems related to them before they see the roof or the inside of the home because flat roofs almost always leak. Many flat roofs are abandoned after frustration and expense over years and a gable roof is installed right over them.

Shed Roofing
Shed roof styles are merely a large rectangular surface at a slope of 2 inches per foot or greater. Low sloped shed roofs wear out quickly, while more generously sloped shed roofs of 5 inches per foot can last as long as a gable installation. Shed roofs are inspected particularly for shifting or sagging. The design does not take advantage of one side of the roof pushing against the other like in a gable roof. Since most shed roofs have relatively low slopes they are prone to leaks and wear more quickly. Most shed roofs are installed for cost effectiveness and workmanship on extensions done using shed roofs must be carefully evaluated for defects.