What Style is Your Roof?

Have you ever felt at a loss when trying to explain a specific house to someone, and you can’t figure out how to describe the roof? After all, the roof is one of the most iconic features of the house. You should be able to describe it, right? But many homeowners aren’t familiar with the various styles of roofs in Kansas City, and that makes trying to describe them to someone more difficult.

Whether you’re talking with a neighbor or with one of the local residential roof contractors in the area, it’s good to have a working knowledge of roof styles. Here’s a quick primer that will help.

The Same But Different

The roof is one of the features that give the house its distinct personality. All roofs have some similarities – for instance, they all have some amount of slope that allows water to drain – but they also have many differences. The type of materials used, shingle color, and gutter system all add to the unique appearance of a home. But the type of roof adds the most interest and may even dictate some of those other choices.

Common Roof Types

Roofing companies in Kansas City agree that there are several popular roof styles seen throughout the metro area. Here are a few of the most common.

Hip Roofs

No, this doesn’t mean they’re “cool.” Hip roofs are found on many roofs in Kansas City neighborhoods. Hip roofs slope on all four sides with the sides meeting at the top to form a ridge. Hip roofs are very stable, making them an excellent choice for areas with high winds and lots of snow. The angle of a hip roof makes snow slide off easily, reducing the potential for ice damming in the winter.

Gable Roofs

Gable roofs are quite popular roofs in Kansas City and can be identified by their triangular shape that rises to a ridge at the top. Gable roofs are also known as pitched or peaked roofs. They’re popular with homeowners because they allow water to drain quickly and easily. They also provide lots of attic space for insulation or ventilation. This simple design is easy for residential roof contractors to build, too. Gable roofs can be covered with nearly any roofing material, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or clay or concrete tiles. Within the gable roof category, there are several subtypes. Side gable, crossed gable, front gable, and Dutch gable all fall within this category.

Gable roofs can be seen on many homes and above dormer windows in Johnson County neighborhoods like Prairie Village and old Leawood.

Gambrel Roofs

Gambrel roofs have two slopes and two sides to them. The lower side of the gambrel roof is nearly vertical, while the upper portion has a much gentler slope. Many people agree that these roofs remind them of barn roofs. Gambrel roofs are found on Georgian- and Dutch Colonial-style houses like those found in some of the city’s older neighborhoods.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are fast becoming popular in residential neighborhoods across the country. That’s because they offer an array of benefits to homeowners, including a longer lifespan and lower utility bills. Flat roofs can be turned into fantastic garden spaces for those homeowners who want to maximize their home’s value and living space. Garden roofs are eco-friendly, supporting the environment and helping to reduce cooling costs for homeowners.

Get All Your Roofing Questions Answered

Shamrock Roofing and Construction is one of the premier roofing companies in Kansas City. We’ve been installing and repairing roofs in the Kansas City area for over 55 years. We can answer all your roofing questions, perform a roof inspection for you, or repair storm damage. We also do commercial work. Contact us today for more information on the types of services we offer in your neighborhood!