When you walk by a house, what do you notice first? Often, it’s the roofing design that catches your eye alongside other prominent exterior aesthetics. It’s proof that a well-designed roof can really make a bold statement, setting the building apart from other traditional houses down the road. If you’re looking for roof design ideas and inspiration, leave it to our team at Maupin Roofing to cover everything you need to know for an equally functional and stylish modern roof design!
Traditional Roof Style vs. Modern Roof Designs
The choice between traditional and modern styles all depends on your own preferences and needs as a homeowner. To make that choice, you need to first familiarize yourself with some of the most popular traditional and modern roof designs in the market.
What Are Traditional Roofing Styles?
When you think of traditional roofing styles, you might picture hip or gable roofs. These traditional roofing materials embrace the classic and familiar appearance of traditional homes, and while that isn’t a negative thing on its own, many homeowners might want designs that blend well with contemporary structures and embody the minimalist aesthetic that’s been rising in popularity over the past few decades.
What Are Modern Roof Designs?
Modern roof designs, on the other hand, offer a sleek and elevated look that complements the shape and angles of the contemporary structure. There’s a wide range of modern styles to choose from, allowing homeowners to pick the best design that fits their environment and preferences. For example, a flat roof style may be perfect for those who live in cities where homeowners can take advantage of the extra space it offers, while a green roof may be the best choice for blending in with greeneries and natural surroundings.
Traditional Roof Design Ideas
To give you an idea of classic roof styles, here are a few examples:
Gable Roof
Gable roofs are one of the most popular types of roofs locally and worldwide. When you think of a roof, it’s probably the first thing that pops into your head. It has two slopes that meet in the middle, creating a triangular shape from the front, usually leaving space for an attic. Additionally, it has eaves that poke out from the walls on either side of the house, which create a classic overhang. This simple design typically uses asphalt shingles with a fiberglass mat base, slate tiles, or concrete tiles, though it’s quite compatible with many roofing materials.
Hip Roof
Another traditional roofing style is the hip roof. Instead of two slopes like the gable roof, hip roofs have four slopes that connect to the walls and meet at the peak of the roof. It has a more spacious, rounded appearance which means more attic space and more options for roof add-ons (e.g. skylights and windows).
Gambrel Roof
Think of traditional red barns—their roofs are exactly what gambrel roofs look like. They look similar to the previous types of traditional roof styles, except gambrel roofs have a steep and shallow slope. The roofline of a gable roof provides plenty of space for storage.
Lean-To or Shed Roof
As the name suggests, a lean-to or shed roof leans or slopes to one side. It resembles the roof of a shed, which is basically just one slanted roof plane. A shed roof easily “sheds” off rainwater, snow, and debris due to its angle, making it ideal for preventing leaks in areas that frequently experience rain and snow. While a shed roof offers exterior advantages, its shape can potentially make interior space planning a bit tricky.
Modern Roof Design Ideas
Now let’s explore some of the contemporary roof styles that can give your home a modern edge:
Flat Roof
Flat roofs are incredibly popular nowadays, especially in the city. You probably see a lot of commercial establishments with flat roofs, but they can also be used for homes. A flat roof is practically level with the ground, except it does have a slight slope for easy water drainage. The extra rooftop space can be used for things like solar panels, HVAC systems, and gardens.
Green Roof
A green roof is a modern roof style that features a layer of plants and vegetation on top of the roof surface. It improves air quality and creates a tranquil, green space that stands out in urban spaces and blends in with rural areas. While the installation process and maintenance can be quite demanding, green roofs are great at absorbing rainwater and reducing heat.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs are a top choice among modern roof designs because of their sleek and clean look. The materials used for metal roofing are easy to customize and personalize. Additionally, the metal panels are typically wind- and rain-resistant, making them not just pleasing to the eyes but also practical. A metal roof also tends to last longer than any other roofing material. Overall, metal roofs can be a great fit for your home if you’re going for an industrial look.
Skillion Roof
Skillion roofs look like shed roofs with their single sloping plane. However, skillion roofs tend to have a steep and more pronounced slope compared to shed roofs. This makes it ideal for capturing natural light through skylights or windows. Also, a skillion roof is more flexible in the sense that architects usually integrate it more seamlessly and creatively with modern architecture whereas shed roofs focus more on simplicity and functionality rather than appearance.
Dormer Roof
Dormer roofs feature dormer windows, which are basically windows that protrude from the side of a sloping roof. The dormer windows create an interesting style and aesthetic when combined with the rest of the structure. They also provide extra headroom and allow natural light to enter through the windows. You usually see this style in your typical neighborhood.
Butterfly Roof
A butterfly roof is basically an inverted gable roof. The roof structure or shape resembles the wings of a butterfly in flight (hence the name), featuring two planes that sink inward toward the middle of the house or building. It creates a unique V-shape that’s sure to make your modern house stand out.
Choosing the Right Roof Design for Your Home
Have you found inspiration yet? Whether you’re leaning toward a flat roof, metal roof, or the classic gable roof, here are some essential things you should consider and prioritize:
Functionality
No matter how appealing your chosen roof style is, you should make sure it’s actually functional. Some of these roof designs—especially the modern ones—require complicated installations and maintenance processes, so it’s best to ensure that you’ve accounted for its long-term durability and upkeep needs before starting any construction.
Quality Materials and Workmanship
Of course, it’s essential to use high-quality materials that don’t quickly crack, split, or tear. Consider materials like durable asphalt shingles or metal panels that can handle various weather conditions. Additionally, you want your new, stylish roof to last and perform well over the years, so it has to be expertly and properly installed by professionals.
Design Cohesion
You should also think about how your chosen roof design fits with the style of the rest of your building. Ideally, your roof should complement your house’s existing architecture for enhanced curb appeal. You can do this by carefully choosing the texture and color of the shingles or roofing materials to match your exterior.
Professional Assistance
Professionals can help you throughout the design and installation process. You can get an architect who can bring your vision to life alongside roofing professionals who can skillfully execute the construction plans. These experts can also guide you through choosing a design that fits your home and local climate. Ultimately, it’s always wise to reach out to the pros to make sure you get the best results and avoid expensive mistakes.
Maupin Roofing: Where Expertise Meets Perfect Roof Design
Traditional or modern roof design—name it and we’ve got you covered! Our seasoned roofing experts ensure you get nothing less than the perfect roof for your home. Get in touch and discover why we’re the most trusted roofing OKC business around!
As soon as inspiration strikes, give us a call at (405) 703-3843 so we can bring your roof design ideas to life!
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