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6 common roof types

6 common roof types for homes in Georgia

Introduction

Building a new house or remodeling an existing home is a big decision. We need to invest a lot of time and money.  From the foundation to the roof of the building, every aspect requires minute attention and a  lot of research.

However, if you are looking to build, renovate or buy a home in Georgia and are confused about which type of roofing to opt for, you have come to the right page. We have compiled a detailed list of the types of roofs most commonly used in Georgia to help you decide. 

But first, we need to understand why roofs are an integral part of our homes.

Why is a good quality roof so important?

A roof is more than just a layer or a covering for your house. Ensuring a solid and stable roof over your home is as essential as providing a strong and durable foundation.  

Let’s look at some reasons why a good quality roof is essential.

Protects your home

A roof acts as a barrier and keeps your home protected against the elements of nature like snow, hail, rain, etc. In other words, a good and solid roof keeps you sheltered.

Provides insulation

A good quality roof acts as insulation and helps minimize your energy bills by maintaining your home’s temperature, i.e.,warm in winter and cool in summer.

Provides structural support

A roof helps hold your house together. The electrical wiring, interiors, etc.,are all held  together by a strong roof. 

Adds aesthetic value

The roof of the house also adds to the aesthetics of the house, thus enhancing its curb appeal and increasing the marketability of your home.

But before we look at the different types of roofs, let’s look at some factors to consider while selecting the appropriate roof for your house.

Factors to consider while selecting roofing type

Before you decide on a roof for your home, there are some essential points to keep in mind: 

Cost of materials and installation

The materials you choose depend entirely on your budget. Its important to consider the overall costs involved in installing a roof e.g. materials, installation, and labor charges.

Weight of the materials

It’s essential to consider the weight of the materials for the roof, as it should align with the overall structure of your home. Some roofing materials might be heavier than others, so it’s crucial to ensure that your house’s structure can support the heft of the roof.

Long term maintenance

A well-maintained roof can last for decades, so it’s important to consider the cost of upkeep while considering the roof type and materials used. Some roof types cost more to maintain. 

Local climate

The materials used in your roof should be compatible with the climatic conditions in your area or city. As mentioned earlier, a sound roofing system is also an energy-efficient mechanism.

Aesthetic appeal

A roof that is strong, durable, and visually appealing will enhance the overall aesthetics of your home exterior.

Now that we have established the importance of having a durable and solid roofing system and the factors to consider while selecting the roof for your home let us understand the most commonly used roofs in Georgia and their pros and cons.

Types of roofs

As discussed earlier, the place’s climate plays a vital role in determining the type of roof for your home. Georgia has a hot and humid climate, and the materials and type of roofs suitable for homes here should withstand the heat and humidity.

Asphalt Shingles: 

Asphalt shingles are the most common and popular roofs because they are economical, durable, and easy to install. Moreover, they are suitable for almost all climate types. 

  • Asphalt shingles can last nearly 30 yrs with little or no maintenance. 
  • They also come in a variety of colors, but the colors can fade over time. 
  • According to a Forbes Home article of July 2022, the cost of asphalt shingles range from $1.50 to $5.50 per sq foot. 

Asphalt shingles are of 2 types:  

3-tab shingles: 

3- tab shingles are thin and are cut to make them look like three shingles. They create a uniform brick-like pattern and are easier to install. They are cheaper than architectural shingles, making them a more affordable option. 

Architectural shingles

Architectural shingles  are individual tiles that are thicker and have a layered effect. They are better quality and take longer to install, making it a more expensive option. 

Pros: 

  • Affordable
  • Low maintenance
  • Suitable for any climate
  • Durable (lasts for 20-30 yrs)
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Recyclable

Cons: 

  • Color fades over time
  • 3 tab shingles are more prone to wind damage

If you need any help or information regarding  installing/ repairing or re-roofing, you can schedule a free consultation with Tom and Jerry’s Roofing. You can contact them  at: 

Tel: 1 770-374-4423

Mail: tomandjerrysroofing@gmail.com

Or you can even visit their website at https://tomandjerrysroofing.com/

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the oldest roofing types. Metal sheets and shingles are more popular because of their affordability and durability. 

  • They are one of the most durable materials. 
  • They can last up to 50-80 yrs.
  •  Metal roofing comes in various colors; you can also paint them per your requirements.
  • Metal sheets cost between $6 to $14 (Forbes Home article dated July 25,2022), depending on the design and material.

Pros:

  • Affordable and durable
  • Roofing type for different styles of houses
  • Lightweight
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • It can be manufactured to mimic wood, slate, or asphalt

 Cons: 

  • Need a professional for installation
  • If not installed properly, it can warp or develop ripples

If you need any help or information regarding  installing/ repairing or re-roofing, you can schedule a free consultation with Tom and Jerry’s Roofing. You can also contact them at: 

Tel: 1 770-374-4423

Mail: tomandjerrysroofing@gmail.com

Or you can even visit their website at https://tomandjerrysroofing.com/

Gable roof

Gable roofs typically have two slopes joining together to form a triangle. When viewed from the front, the sloping sides create an A-shaped frame. Gable roofs are fast gaining popularity across the US. Gable roofs can be made with asphalt, metal, terracotta, concrete, etc. However, asphalt is a common choice. Gable roofs cost between $3.50 to $9 per square foot, depending on the materials used. 

 

Pros: 

  • Simple gable roofs are easy to install
  • Affordable and economical
  • Sloped roofs enable water drainage
  • Better ventilation for the entire house
  • Aesthetically appealing

Cons: 

  • High winds can cause damage to the roof, especially if there is too much overhang.
  • If the home structure is not strong, there are chances of the gable roof collapsing.

If you need any help or information regarding  installing/ repairing or re-roofing, you can schedule a free consultation with Tom and Jerry’s  Roofing  at: 

Tel: 1 770-374-4423

Mail: tomandjerrysroofing@gmail.com

Or you can even visit their website at https://tomandjerrysroofing.com/

Hip Roof

The Hip Roof is another popular and common type of roof found in most homes. A hip roof is one where all the  sides are sloping. The slopes create an overhang on all sides of the house, making it easy for water and snow to slide off. It is much sturdier and more durable than a gable roof.

Hip roofs can also be made with different materials like metal, tiles, concrete, etc., and the cost of the roof depends on the material you choose. But since this roof has more corners and sides, the installation cost might be slightly higher than a gable roof. 

There are four different types of Hip roofs: 

  • Regular or simple hip
  • Half- hip
  • Cross-hip
  • Pyramid hip 
  • Tented hip

Pros: 

  • One of the most sturdy roof types
  • Self-bracing: able to withstand heavy winds and storm
  • Resistant to sun and rain damage
  • Easy to install gutters due to its vertical slopes
  • Proven to be highly energy-efficient
  • Aesthetically appealing

Cons: 

  • More expensive than gable roofs
  • It needs to be installed by a skilled professional
  • Prone to damage by leakage of water
  • The design is such that it is difficult to access to carry out maintenance

If you need any help or information regarding  installing/ repairing or re-roofing, you can schedule a free consultation with Tom and Jerry’s Roofing. You can contact them at: 

Tel: 1 770-374-4423

Mail: tomandjerrysroofing@gmail.com

Or you can even visit their website at https://tomandjerrysroofing.com/

 Mansard

An elegant roof style, the Mansard roof style is derived from the French and Victorian roof styles of the 17th century. A Mansard roof has a steep upper slope and a vertical, flat perimeter on the lower section. It has the features of a hip roof and a gambrel roof. This roof style is ideal for those who want to increase their attic space. The dormer windows in a mansard roof allow natural light and warmth into the building.

As with other roofs, Mansard roofs can also be made with any material, but typically wooden shingles or slate tiles are used to maintain their historical aesthetic. 

Pros: 

  • Lots of extra space in the attic
  • Wind resistant
  • Easy to make additions to a building with a mansard roof due to the design of the roof
  • The steep slopes keep away water from the sides of the building, thus preventing mold.
  • Better light and heat distribution, thus making it energy efficient

Cons: 

  • High installation cost and longer process
  • Repair and replacement costs are high
  • Not a great option for regions prone to heavy snowfall

If you need any help or information regarding  installing/ repairing or re-roofing, you can schedule a free consultation with Tom and Jerry’s Roofing. You can contact them  at: 

Tel: 1 770-374-4423

Mail: tomandjerrysroofing@gmail.com

Or you can even visit their website at https://tomandjerrysroofing.com/

Gambrel Roof

A Gambrel roof is a two-sided sloping roof with two slopes on each side, a shallow upper slope and a steeper lower slope. The gambrel roof is most seen in the barns spread over the countryside across the US. 

There are three styles of gambrel roofs: 

  • The classic gambrel roof
  • The mansard gambrel roof and
  • Wall supported gambrel roof

The cost of installing a gambrel roof depends on the type of materials used. However,compared to other roofs, a gambrel roof costs 15 to 20 percent more than other roof styles. 

Pros: 

  • It gives the building a unique style 
  • It requires fewer materials
  • Much more durable than other roof styles
  • Easy to install drainage
  • Easy to add a window to a gambrel roof

Cons: 

  • Not suitable to withstand snow
  • Weathering can cause wear and tear
  • Fitting a gambrel roof on an existing structure can work out to be expensive
  • Susceptible to wind damage
  • The ridges need to be waterproofed to avoid dampness due to rains

If you need any help or information regarding  installing/ repairing or re-roofing, you can schedule a free consultation with Tom and Jerry’s Roofing. You can contact them  at: 

Tel: 1 770-374-4423

Mail: tomandjerrysroofing@gmail.com

Or you can even visit their website at https://tomandjerrysroofing.com/

A summary: 

The table below shows a comparative analysis of the different roofs based on some key parameters:  

Roof Type Cost Durability Functionality
Asphalt Shingles $1.50 to $5.50 per sq ft. Lasts for 20-30 yrs Suitable for any climateLow maintenance
Metal Roof $6 to $14 per sq ft Lasts upto 50-80 yrs LightweightEnergy efficient
Gable Roof $3.50 to $9 per sq ft Susceptible to damage by high winds Provides ventilationSloped roofs enable water drainage
Hip Roof Higher installation cost than gable Sturdy and self bracing Vertical slopes makes it easy to install guttersHighly energy efficient
Mansard   Resistant to wind Better  light and heat distributionSloped roof prevents accumulation of mold
Gambrel Roof 15% to 20% more than other roofs Most durable roof style Requires fewer materials for installationEasy to install drainage

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when deciding on the type of roof for your home,  namely, durability, cost, aesthetics, efficiency, etc. It is also advisable to talk to your contractor before making a decision. 

If you need any help or information regarding  installing/ repairing or re-roofing, you can schedule a free consultation with Tom and Jerry’s Roofing. You can contact them at:   

Tel: 1 770-374-4423

Mail: tomandjerrysroofing@gmail.com

Or you can even visit their website at https://tomandjerrysroofing.com/