8 Updates on Classic Rooflines

See how designers work with planes and angles to get the right roof for each house

Homeowners usually have a good idea of what they'd like for their homes' interiors in terms of square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and style. But the shape of the roof can be hard to visualize.

The roof is a complex element and may involve an engineer to determine wind load and structural supports, and a trained designer to balance the complexities of its function and beauty. The following photos illustrate 8 common roof types and some ways architects are adding to each style.

by Frederick + Frederick Architects

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Hip roof. Usually symmetrical with the roof sloping on all sides, a hip roof is quite strong, due to the complex framing and the even distribution of the roof overhang.

Adding Interest: Hip roofs are most dramatic when they are layered in different heights and when dormers are added.

Private Comment

by Birdseye Design

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Shed roof. This is the simplest and most economical form of roof construction, in which the roof slopes down from one side of the house to the opposite side.

Adding interest: Exposed rafters add appeal to the shed roof on this waterfront home.

Private Comment

by Eck | MacNeely Architects inc.

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Gable roof. A gable roof is basically a shed roof with two slopes. In this example, the architect extended the ridge of the roof line to create a more expressive design, almost like the bow of a ship.

Private Comment

by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Flat roof. Probably the most versatile form of roof design. Flat roofs offer a clean, modern look and can be great solutions where height is restricted. Not recommended in areas with heavy rainfalls or snow accumulates.

Adding Interest: In this example, some walls extend beyond the roof to create more definition.

Private Comment

by WA design

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Curved roof. This contemporary roof style behaves much like a shed roof. The benefit of curved roof is the gentle spaces it can create inside the home.

Adding Interest: This curved roof breaks up what would be a massive roof spanning the entire house. Working with the plan, the roof cutouts also help define outdoor spaces.

Private Comment

by Camber Construction

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Butterfly roof. Dramatic and modern, the butterfly roof creates high ceilings and superior views at either end of the house. Special drainage consideration is required for this type of roof, as water collects at the center instead of around the perimeter.

Adding interest: This example places the facade off-centere and emphasizes the building's height with vertical siding.

Private Comment

by Joe Carrick Design - Custom Home Design

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Mixed roof forms. It takes a creative mind to make a composition like this work. 3D modeling may be used to visualize the house before finalizing.

Adding interest: Here, a mix of shed, gable, and even a domed roof mimics the rugged mountain profile nearby.

Private Comment

by McClellan Architects

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Environmental friendly roofs. Recycled materials, living plants, or solar paneling can be installed on existing roofs. Additional structural support may be needed when considering rooftop vegetation.

Adding Interest: The green roof of this lakefront house has become part of the view from the patio. Varying textures and colors of the vegetation blends with the sloping site.

Private Comment

Browse more exterior photos »