Types of Roofs

House Painters need to be familiar with the different roofs in order to repair and paint wood components are part of a paint job. This poster shows 16 different architectural roof types. Each style is presented with a model illustration and its corresponding standard roof pitch (slope) measured in inches of rise per 12 inches of run.

Here is a breakdown of the information provided in the image above:

TRADITIONAL & COMMON STYLES

Many of these roof designs are found in residential neighborhoods. Builders create Gable roofs with a classic A-frame shape, where two sloping sides meet at a central ridge. A hip roof slopes downward on all four sides, typically at a gentle angle. The Dutch gable roof combines both styles by placing a small gable at the top of a hip roof. Hip and Valley roofs expand on the hip design and suit homes with multiple wings or L-shaped layouts, forming valleys where roof planes intersect.

COMPLEX & HERITAGE STYLES

These roof styles add interior space or create a strong historical character. Cross Gable roofs are designed with two or more gables intersecting at right angles. Additionally, they associate Gambrel roofs with barns and shape them with two slopes per side. One slope remains shallow, while the other drops steeply. In contrast, Saltbox roofs use an asymmetrical form with one side extending longer and lower. Finally, Jerkinhead roofs complete the group by clipping gable peaks downward to resemble short hips.

MODERN & UNIQUE GEOMETRIES

These designs support modern aesthetics or specific functions like drainage and natural light. Next, builders create Pyramid roofs as Hip roofs with four sides meeting at one point. Clerestory roofs use a vertical windowed wall between two sloping roof planes. This design brings natural light into the home’s center. In contrast, Butterfly roofs invert the V-shape, with planes sloping inward like wings. Finally, Bonnet roofs feature a hip roof with a slope change, where the lower edge flares outward to cover porches.

Industrial & Minimalist Styles

Industrial and minimalist styles rely on simple geometries common in modern extensions, barns, and commercial buildings. M roofs are formed by joining two gable roofs into an M-shaped profile. Shed roofs use a single sloping plane for a clean, modern look. This design efficiently directs water in one direction. In contrast, Flat roofs appear nearly level but include a slight pitch for drainage. Finally, Arched roofs use curved forms without a fixed pitch and often span large spaces or modern homes.

Moisture Protection Components & Features

Roof Sheathing & Rafter: The structural base of the roof. The rafter provides the primary support, while the plywood sheathing creates the flat surface for roofing materials.

Waterproof Membrane: A barrier applied over the sheathing. In this detail, the membrane extends down over the gap between the sheathing and the fascia to ensure water cannot reach the interior wood.

Drip Edge: A metal flashing installed at the edge of the roof. It is positioned over the membrane to ensure any water running off the roof is shed directly into the gutter rather than wicking back into the wood.

Fascia & Soffit: The visible horizontal and vertical trim. The fascia supports the gutter, while the soffit closes the underside of the eave; both are protected here by the overlapping membrane and flashing.

Gutter System: The final collection point for runoff, positioned to catch water directed by the drip edge.

Roof Anatomy Diagram

This comprehensive diagram of a residential roof details the layers from the internal wooden framing to the external finishing materials. It’s an excellent visual for understanding how a roof manages structural integrity and water runoff.