Simple, modern roof designs have grown in popularity in recent years. You can see there is increased interest in modern residential roofs and architecture by taking a short look online.
Whatever type of roof you choose for your home – flat, pitched, butterfly, or skillion – it’s critical to make sure it aligns with the overall architecture of the structure. In addition to providing shelter, modern roof designs can lower energy costs, increase natural light, enhance drainage, increase the value of your property, and give a home a sense of modern grandeur. Don’t overlook a home’s essential visual appeal and how your chosen roof style blends in with other design elements such as external walls, verandas, windows, and curb appeal.
What Type of Roof Do Modern Houses Have?
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are a traditional feature of modern architecture. These roofs create long horizontal planes suggestive of the wide horizon line that is frequently encountered in nature. They exhibit the modernist idea of “clean lines” by being basic in design and function.
In order to control the sun and provide shade, flat roofs can cantilever into bold overhangs. Green roofs and functional vegetated gardens can be planted on these roofs.
Unlike other roof styles, they can be accessed, offering more living space and serving as viewing platforms for panoramic views of the surroundings. If you want an additional living space or an outdoor space to relax, these roof types are fantastic.
The framing of a flat roof is not too complicated. With horizontal framing members, it can be framed similarly to a floor system.
Numerous materials, including 2x framing, timber framing, wood joists, concrete, laminated beams, steel, or SIPS, can support a flat roof based on the span. This architectural freedom gives designers more options for how to detail the ceiling and whether to cover or reveal the framework components.
Insulation may be positioned above the roof sheathing or between ceiling joists. It could be SIPs, spray foam insulation, rigid board insulation, or batt insulation. Just remember to check whether your roof needs to be vented.
A flat roof isn’t really flat, despite its name. Flat roofs are constructed with a minimum of 1/8 inch pitch per foot to allow water to drain to gutters, scuppers, or centralized drains.
Gable Roofs
The history of traditional architecture has included the gable roof for a very long time. Any child who is asked to draw a house will draw one with a gable roof; so, how did this historically conventional roof style end up on this modern roof list?
A modern gable roof is highly functional and simple.
When properly executed, pitched roofs can adopt a variety of looks that have a modern vibe.
A modern gable roof gives you the option of adding extra floor space to the roof volume, such as a loft or an attic.
Additionally, it can work well for dormers, which expands the usable floor space and lets more natural light into the room.
Many modern home designs with this roof type make use of vaulted ceilings to create a loft space since they add depth to the room.
The framing for gable roofs typically has a ridge beam or prefabricated wood trusses and slanted rafters. SIPs and timber framing are two other frame techniques.
Based on what the ceiling beneath the roof is doing, there are various approaches to insulating a gable roof.
Simple gable roofs drain rainwater just as easily as shed roofs. Both pitches shed water, which accumulates in gutters and eventually drains into downspouts.
Shed Roofs
A shed roof is another example of a clear, basic, and practical roof construction. The simple roof line can work well with modernist architecture.
When you want to let in a lot of light and give your attic extra interior volume, shed roofs are the ideal option.
One of the many benefits of a shed roof is its ability to create clerestory windows and higher ceilings. As a result, there is more natural light, better views, and an added sense of space and volume.
Similar to flat roofs, shed roofs have the benefit of allowing for substantial overhangs, which can be used to passively reduce solar heat gain. It is possible to plan the roof’s slope so that direct solar gain is blocked in the summer yet allowed to enter the house during winter.
Shed roofs, as the name suggests, shed water to one side. Easy access to rainwater collection, storage, and drainage is a good perk. In a simple drainage system, there is just one gutter that gathers water and directs it into downspouts.
Based on the span, the roof framework members can be made of a variety of materials. You can also choose between various aesthetics. Additionally, the roof framing sections can be hidden above the ceiling or left visible below, based on your design preferences.
Skillion Roofs
Skillion roof types have contrasting slopes that frequently join together in the middle. They are accentuated with dramatic angular lines. It is also a type of pitched roof.
There is also no ridge along the roofline, much like a shed or sloped roof. Therefore, the walls within the structure have different heights.
A skillion or pitched roof gives roofing a timeless, contemporary, and bold appearance. This results in interesting, crisscrossing angles and defines an area where angular windows can be placed in a room that would otherwise be completely dark.
Fortunately, pitched roofs can be constructed easily, quickly, and affordably. Additionally, because of how easily water drains from the steep pitch of skillion roof types, they don’t need all the waterproof treatments that low-pitched roof types do.
Which Modern Roof Types Are You Interested in?
Now that you know the different types of modern roofs, which one is your favourite? Remember that there is much more to a roof than style and design: energy efficiency, budget, the surrounding landscape, modern materials, solar panels, etc., are all factors you need to take into account.
Fortunately, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed by this decision. The experts at Fremantle Roofing Services are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you want a Mansard roof or a flat metal roof, we can help bring your vision to life.
Contact us today at 0400 854 758 to get your modern roofing project started as soon as possible. Our team are the experts in Perth for all things roofing including roof restoration and roof repair.
FAQs
What Roofing Style Is Best?
A flat roof is certainly one of the best roof styles on the market. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, it is also one of the longest-lasting types of roofs. Furthermore, you can also use the roof space as a gathering area, patio space, rooftop deck, or grilling space. A flat roof will definitely give you the modern aesthetic you’re after. However, pitched roofs can also give you a wonderful modern feel.
What Are the 3 Main Types of Roofs?
While there are many types of roofs, the three main ones are:
- Gable: These roofs have two sloping sides that form a ridge and meet at the top.
- Hip: Hip roofs have slopes on every side; therefore, there isn’t a vertical side.
- Flat: These are almost completely horizontal and have an extremely low pitch.
Which Type of Roof Is the Cheapest to Build?
The most affordable and widely used roofing material is asphalt tiles; however, other materials, including metal, wood, and slate, last longer and provide higher durability and insulation. Metal roofs are another affordable option if you’re not interested in asphalt roofing.
What Is the Purpose of Green Roofing?
Green roofs are a fantastic way to reduce energy costs by offering insulation, shading, and thermal mass. The purpose of this type of modern roof is to cool your roofing system.
Is Modern Metal Roofing a Good Option?
Metal roofs are well-liked for their modern appearance and a 50-year lifespan. There are a variety of styles, colours, and materials available when selecting the ideal metal roof for your house. Modern metal roofs can vary from dark black for a European appearance or light colours for environmental reasons.
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