The right roof depends on budget, design, and climate. Gable roofs are affordable, while hip roofs provide better wind resistance. Flat roofs work well for solar panels or HVAC systems but often have shorter lifespans. In hot climates, terra-cotta, concrete, and EPDM perform best in lighter colors. Metal roofs can last over 50 years, while asphalt shingles average about 20. With regular care and treatments like Roof Maxx, asphalt shingles can remain flexible and last longer.
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.
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 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.
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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.
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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).
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Image courtesy of designboom.com
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
You can get even better protection for your shingles without the risks that come with coating them with paint by treating them with Roof Maxx instead. Our safe, all-natural penetrant is environmentally friendly and can help you save money by prolonging the lifespan of your shingles.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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’s roof restoration service 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 into an expensive, life-disrupting total replacement early.
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
