The Different Types of Roof Designs & Styles

April 13, 2025
Title image with the Roof Maxx logo, cutout of a Roof Maxx branded van and the title "The Different Types of Roof Designs & Styles" on a green transparency over an image of a modern home with a flat roofline.

Summary

  • Design, durability, budget, location, and climate can dictate which roof style is right for your home. Gabled roofs are popular for their affordability, while hip roofs are resistant to strong winds.
  • Flat roofing options like built-up (BUR), modified bitumen (MBR), and EPDM rubber each offer unique advantages. BUR is more fire-resistant, MBR is highly energy efficient, and EPDM is easier to install.
  • Materials like terra-cotta, concrete tiles, and EPDM better resist high temperatures in hot climates. Light-colored roofs maximize energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight. Flat EPDM roofs with a pitch equal to or below 2:12 perform especially well.
  • Metal roofs last over 50 years when cared for properly. Asphalt shingles last around 20 years, but having Roof Maxx applied every 5 years can extend their lifespan by up to 15 years.

Your roof can be one of the biggest home improvement costs you ever face—but taking care of it is a worthwhile investment. Choosing a roof that’s suitable for your climate, home design, and budget will protect you and your family for many years to come!

But which type of roof is best for your home? Below, we’ll teach you about the different types of roofs and outline how they stack up in terms of affordability, performance, and lifespan. We’ll also show you how Roof Maxx treatments can make asphalt shingle roofs last longer by re-infusing them with lost oils.

Types of Roofs

There are dozens of popular roof types available, and each has their own unique pros and cons. If you’re building a new home or re-framing your roof, the options listed below are a great place to start.

A hipped roof on a home with two satellite dishes and a skylight.
A hipped roof on a home with two satellite dishes and a skylight.

Hip Roofs

A hip roof has four sloping sides that come together to form a ridge at the peak. You’ll commonly see this design on residential homes in regions that see hurricanes, high winds, or heavy snow. Balanced slopes have an aerodynamic effect that helps wind move smoothly across the surface.

Pros:

  • Wind and rain-resistant (snow if steeply pitched)
  • More stable than traditional gable roofsWater and debris slide off the slopes easily

Cons:

  • More expensive due to its complex design
  • Less attic space compared to gable roofs
  • Requires more time and materials to install
A standard gable roof with shingles and chimneys.
A standard gable roof with shingles and chimneys.

Gable Roofs

Gable roofs are the most common type of roof in America. The design can vary slightly, but they always have the same general triangular shape. The framework inside them is relatively efficient to build, which is why they’re so common in residential construction.

Pros:

  • Relatively affordable and easy to build
  • Plenty of room for attic spaces and ventilation
  • Steeper slope allows water and snow to drain off easily

Cons:

  • Can develop leaks if not properly sealed at ridges and valleys
  • Not ideal for areas prone to strong winds or hurricanes
  • Can suffer wind uplift, leading to damage
A flat roof on an apartment building with HVAC and ventilation equipment on it.
A flat roof on an apartment building with HVAC and ventilation equipment on it.

Flat Roofs

Contrary to popular belief, most flat roofs aren’t actually flat—they just look that way. Most have a slight slope that averages around 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch per foot for drainage. Options in this category include built-up roofs (BUR), modified bitumen roofs (MBR), and rubber membrane roofs (EPDM).

  • BUR: The least expensive option, known for being fire-resistant and ideal for decks that look out of the roof, but also heavy and difficult to install.
  • MBR: Easy to install and energy-efficient, but not very durable (and can be a fire hazard.)
  • EPDM: Easy to install and very durable, but not energy-efficient, and can be easily punctured.

Pros:

  • Very compatible with solar panels and energy-efficient coatings
  • Can accommodate rooftop decks, gardens, or HVAC systems
  • Easier to construct than sloped roofs

Cons:

  • Shorter lifespan than sloped roofs due to water and weather exposure
  • Requires more maintenance due to water drainage issues
  • Can be prone to leaks if not installed properly
A modern or contemporary style butterfly roof on a small home.

Butterfly Roofs

Also known as an inverted gable roof, the butterfly roof’s V-shaped style makes a strong design statement and is sure to stand out in the neighborhood. Some homeowners use the upward-sloping planes to harvest rainwater by channeling it into a tank or reservoir, while others just like the aesthetics.

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly features like easy rainwater collection
  • Pairs well with large windows or solar panels
  • More room for windows reduces the need for artificial lighting

Cons:

  • Central valleys need careful waterproofing
  • Difficult and expensive to install
  • Requires specialized materials
A curved roof on a garage with multiple slopes.
A curved roof on a garage with multiple slopes.

Curved

This type of roof looks just as it sounds. The curved shape was originally popularized by farmers looking to increase storage space in their barns, but it gained popularity during the 1950s. Some designs are single-span and have one continuous arch, while others are segmented, wave-patterned or scalloped.

Pros:

  • Unique, aesthetically pleasing design
  • Aerodynamic, wind-resistant shape
  • Very suitable for buildings in coastal regions

Cons:

  • Expensive and complex to build
  • Requires custom engineering
  • Many slopes increase maintenance needs
A beautiful multi-colored domed roof with a weather vane.
A beautiful multi-colored domed roof with a weather vane.

Domed

Domed roofs date back centuries, but they’re becoming more popular for their unique appearance and structural strength. The curved shape evenly distributes the weight of the roof across the surface, which can help reduce pressure on walls and other nearby structures—especially in bad weather.

Pros:

  • Very durable and resistant to damage and cracks over time
  • Energy-efficient shape helps keep temperatures even inside 
  • Naturally resists wind, snow and water accumulation

Cons:

  • Difficult to modify and/or add chimneys, dividers, and other features
  • Considerably more expensive than traditional gable roofs
  • May require input from an architect or specialist
Metal rooftops on homes in city suburb.
Metal rooftops on homes in city suburb.

Comparing Roof Types for Different Needs

Every roof type has unique benefits and disadvantages, but the climate in your area, local weather patterns, and maintenance preferences also matter. Here’s a handy comparison of the pros and cons as they relate to specific scenarios and needs.

Which Roof Style and Material is the Most Affordable?

Gable roofs are the most popular style, with hipped roofs coming in at a close second. Both are relatively easy to build, install, and repair, which helps to keep construction costs down.

As far as materials go, asphalt shingles are a top choice for budget-conscious homeowners. They’re durable, affordable, and will last around two decades if you care for them properly. Having a Roof Maxx treatment applied at the first sign of granule or flexibility loss—and every 5 years after that—can rejuvenate your shingles and buy you up to 15 more years.

What Type of Roof Is the Strongest?

A metal hip roof usually offers the most durability of any common roofing design. Because hip roofs have an inward slope, they’re ideal for regions that are prone to strong wind and frequent snow. However, treating asphalt shingles with Roof Maxx can greatly improve their technical performance and make them more resistant to the elements.

A terracotta roof on a southwestern style home.
A terracotta roof on a southwestern style home.

Which Roof Is Best for Hot Climates?

Since many roof types are designed to be energy-efficient, the roofing material is what will make the most difference for homes built in hot climates. These options work best in regions with high temperatures and very dry conditions, like Arizona or California:

  • Terra-cotta tiles
  • Concrete tiles
  • EPDM
  • Metal roofs
  • Green roofs

Asphalt shingles may need more frequent care and maintenance in hot climates, especially when you compare them to metal roofs. On very hot days, the surface temperature can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit—enough to cause thermal warping or cracking. However, Roof Maxx can help prevent this kind of decay by restoring the natural oils your shingles lose over time in hot climates.

What Color Roof Is Most Energy-Efficient?

The lighter the roof color, the more energy-efficient the roof will be. This is because light-colored roofing tiles reflect light rather than absorb it like typical black asphalt shingles. If you already have a roof with black or darker asphalt shingles, you may be able to paint it a lighter color to improve efficiency.

However, you can get even better protection for your shingles by treating them with Roof Maxx instead—which also makes your roof more environmentally friendly and saves you money by prolonging the lifespan of your shingles so you don’t need to replace them as often.

What Type of Roof Is Most Energy-Efficient?

The most efficient roofs are light in color, have a membrane system, and have a pitch that is less than or equal to 2:12. EPDM flat roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing designs available today.

A flat EPDM roof with skylights.
A flat EPDM roof with skylights.

Which Roofing Material Lasts the Longest?

Metal roofing materials tend to last longer than shingle, slate, or tile roofs. While asphalt shingles usually last about 20 years, you can expect a metal or steel roof to last up to 50 years—or more! Just bear in mind that metal roofing is much more expensive upfront.

One alternative is to treat your asphalt shingles with Roof Maxx—which costs up to 80% less than a full roof replacement and can add up to 15 years of life to your existing shingles. This can save you from the high costs of metal roofing while making the roof you have last nearly as long.

Comparing Roofs Side-by-Side

Roof Type Cost ($/sq ft) Average Lifespan Maintenance Needs Best Climates Efficiency Features Other Benefits
Hip Roof $8 – $12 40-50 Low Windy Good insulation Excellent wind resistance, stable structure
Gable Roof $5 – $8 ~40 Moderate Temperate, Snowy Good ventilation Simple and affordable, good drainage
Flat Roof (BUR) $3 – $6 15-30 High Urban, Dry Fire-resistant Room for rooftop gardens and patios
Flat Roof (MBR) $4 – $7 20-30 High Urban, Temperate Energy-efficient Easy to install
Flat Roof (EPDM) $4 – $8 30-50 Moderate Urban, Variable Optional reflective “cool roof” coating Durable, low maintenance
Butterfly Roof $10 – $20 30-50 High Hot, Dry Ideal for solar and rainwater collection Modern aesthetic
Curved Roof $15 – $25 40-50+ Moderate Windy, Coastal N/A Aerodynamic, unique design
Domed Roof $20+ 50+ Low Extreme Weather Naturally energy-efficient Extremely durable, long lifespan
A Roof Maxx truck showing a before and after shot of a customer's roof.
A Roof Maxx truck showing a before and after shot of a customer's roof.

Extend the Life of Your Roof with Roof Maxx

No matter which roofing style you choose, it’s wise to do everything you can to prolong the life of your roof. And while regular maintenance and inspections are important, Roof Maxx is specifically designed to help homeowners with asphalt shingle roofs add up to five years of life to their shingles, so they aren’t forced to pay for a costly replacement early.

Our 100% natural roof rejuvenation treatment works by re-infusing asphalt shingles with lost oils so they’re flexible and supple again. It’s completely safe for pets, kids, and the environment, and costs far less than the average price of a new roof. Connect with a dealer in your area to get a free estimate!

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