Best Roof Types: Specs, Pros and Cons

Before you build, check out this guide from Sunshine Coast roofing to pick a roof that suits your budget and needs.

Bonnet Roof

Used in modern houses, bonnet roofs are double-sloped.

Pros: Overhanging eaves protect porches and walls from water damage.

Cons: The complex design requires additional building materials.

Butterfly Roof

This V-shaped roof has two tandem pieces that connect into a valley.

Pros: Gives the house natural light and lowers utility bills.

Cons: Since the design is complex, the roof is too expensive.

Combination Roof

Practical and artistic, a combination roof integrates different roof designs.

Pros: Adds architectural interest to a house.

Cons: Adding extra pitches and roofs increase labour costs and construction materials.

Curved Roof

A modern, unique and creative roof design that comprises curved planes.

Pros: Aesthetically appealing and easy to customise.

Cons: The design is too complex and costly.

Dome Roof

Unique and aesthetically appealing, a dome roof is ideal for gazebos and cupolas.

Pros: Durable and beautiful design.

Cons: Expensive to construct.

Flat Roof

Though flat, flat roofs have a small pitch that allows water to drain.

Pros: Design is conducive to install solar panels.

Cons: Vulnerable to rainfall and water leakage.

Gable Roof

Peaked or pitched, gable roofs sport a triangular shape.

Pros: Easy and cheap to build thanks to the simple design.

Cons: In hurricane-prone and high-wind areas, gable roofs are susceptible.

Gambrel Roof

A gambrel has two sides and is often seen atop barns, farmhouses and log cabins.

Pros: Simple to frame and spacious attic space.

Cons: Not suitable for areas with heavy winds and snow storms.

Hip Roof

On all 4 sides of a hip roof are slopes that connect to form a ridge.

Pros: Is stable, sturdy and durable.

Cons: Costly to build owing to the complex design.

Jerkin Head Roof

It combines the elements of a gable and hip roof.

Pros: Resistant to wind damage, offers extra living space and gives architectural appeal.

Cons: Installation costs increase as the design becomes more complex.

Mansard Roof

A mansard or French roof is a 4-sided, low-pitched structure.

Pros: Flexible, roomy and appealing.

Cons: Susceptible to heavy snowfall.

The roof loo

Pyramid Roof

Is great on buildings like cabins and bungalows. It’s also perfect for auxiliary structures like garages, storage facilities and pool houses.

Pros: An excellent choice for high-wind and hurricane-prone areas.

Cons: Complex design means high costs.

Saltbox Roof

Asymmetrical in design, a saltbox roof has slightly sloping sides.

Pros: Long lasting and easy water run-off.

Cons: Tricky design leads to slanted ceilings and high construction costs.

Sawtooth Roof

The structure has two or more parallel-pitched roofs with vertical and slanted surfaces.

Pros: Suitable for eco-friendly homes using solar.

Cons: Complex design and many materials make the roof very expensive.

Skillion Roof

It’s a sloping roof that’s attached to a tall wall.

Pros: Simple to assemble and needs few roofing materials.

Cons: Ceiling is too low if the pitch is too high.

Hire an affordable roofer who has experience installing and maintaining the roof you prefer.