Here are the 4 Most Popular Roof Designs for Single Family Homes

Flavia Medrut
7 Min Read

When choosing the roof of your home, it’s important to select a design that will best fit your needs and your environment. The different types of roof designs can vary from anything involving simple pitched roofs to heavy-duty gable roofs, each coming with its own set of design merits and practical uses.

Think of it this way: beyond the visual appeal, the place where you live — and how much snow and rain you see every year — determines which type of roof will be best suited for you.

While this is an aspect many homeowners skip on when envisioning their dream home, it’s best to take the time to research the different types of roofs to make sure you are selecting the right one.

One of the most popular materials for roofs is asphalt shingle roofing. This is because it’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and can come in a variety of colors.

Other popular roof materials are steel, vinyl, tile, and slate. Aside from the materials that your roof will be made of, it’s also important to know what roof designs are best suited for your house’s specific structure and shape. Here are a few ideas to guide your decision.

Most popular roof designs

many types of roof designs

#1 Raised roofs

Raised roofs are one of the most popular and widespread types of roofs and they come in many designs and shapes.

These roofs offer a lot of space and ventilation, which prevents the puddling of rainwater along the roof’s sides. They’re also easier to clean because snow and rain will slide off and wash away instead of pooling on top of your home.

simple traditional roof with shingles

Raised roofs are ideal for homes with little roof space. The homeowner may prefer them because of the fact that they require very little work to install. Since these roofs do not require as much work for installation purposes, they are the cheapest of all the roof styles and are a cost-friendly choice if you’re just starting out in the building department.

#2 Saltbox roof

This is one type of roof design you might not have thought about implementing. Basically, this is a type of roof where the pitched area of the roof meets at the rafter point. It’s a long, pitched roof that slopes down to the back.

wood cabin with a slanted roof

The saltbox roof is quite popular among many homeowners because of its versatility. It’s easy to install, drains water well, and sheds moisture easily. However, it’s also one of the most expensive types of roof to install.

As you might expect, this type requires a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good and require constant repairing. 

#3 Gable roof

A gable roof is typically constructed as a flat roof that’s pitched up inwards. It can also be constructed in an upward manner, but the angle of the roof is much steeper. A gabled roof can be built using wood or shingles, or manufactured from slate or aluminum.

Gable roofs allow for lots of attic room, so if that’s a part of your future plans for the home, you should take this into account.

These roofs are also more efficient to clean because rainwater is much easier to sweep away, and snow melts out much more quickly. They are also better at protecting your home from the elements, because they will not let snow accumulate. This means less damage to your roof and more value to your home. This type of roof is best suited for people who live in areas where snow and rain are common.

#4 Flat roof

A flat roof is simply a flat roof that is not slanted, unlike all the rest. Flat roofs have been around for quite some time and are mostly used in dry climates where water and snow do not collect easily, nor do they run off the roof.

house with a flat roof

These types of roofs also give you a lot more space to work with when it comes to adding in a garden, patio, deck area, or adding another structure on top of your house.

Flat roofs are so easy to install that even the homeowners themselves can do it. This makes them all the more appealing. For an inexpensive way to roof a house, this is the easiest and most economical choice.

To sum things up…

A great roof design is important and can really enhance the looks of your home. No matter what your roofing needs, whether you’re looking to replace your entire roof or just need to repair your current one, you’re sure to find a design that will benefit you.

There are many types of roofing designs that you can do yourself, which can help you save money and ensure that the job is done correctly. However, if you decide to go this route, make sure you check with your local authorities, as you might just need to get a building permit first.

Regardless of why you’re looking to redesign your roof, you have plenty of options. Just make sure you research them all and see which one best fits your needs.

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An avid writer with a knack for lifestyle and home décor, Flavia has been combining her passion for movies and TV with her affinity for welcoming interiors, tackling topics from fictional homes to interior design tips or the psychology behind the way we decorate our homes. With a PhD in Sociology, Flavia has also been inspiring readers as a long-term contributor on Goalcast.com