Besides the walls of your home, a roof is one of its most important components. It serves as protection and care for the inhabitants of a property, so it’s an essential element that should withstand the test of time and natural calamities. Although most people only identify with the standard roof featuring two slanted planes, more roof types used in the history of housing have continued to provide their purpose.
Every roof type has its strengths and weaknesses. For some, a strength can mean it can drain rainwater faster than any other type. Meanwhile, a weakness may include garnering all the fallen leaves during autumn due to its flat surface.
However, despite providing different functions in design and construction, all roofs may have errors that roof inspectors should spot. Here are some common mistakes in various roof types.
1. Gable Roof
The gable roof is the most common roof type people recognize. Its inverted “V” design allows rainwater to flow freely, even during heavy rains. Although a gable roof is the standard roof type in the US, inspectors should see that the roof’s coverings should stay put even in the event of strong winds, which is a common occurrence in America.
However, using a more complex variant of a gable roof like a cross gable, Dutch gable, or a front gable may better withstand the strong winds and less likely take damage from the natural disaster.
2. Hip Roof
Homeowners may recognize a hip roof as a two-sided gable roof. Meaning, besides its inverted “V” shape, it also has an inverted “V” covering on each side. In effect, people should see it as a closed box, forming a rectangular shape from above. If a gable roof is best at allowing rainwater to flow, a hip roof is better at doing the task but includes other natural occurrences like snow.
The only downside of the hip roof is that it allows more edges for leakages within the house. Over time, as the roofs begin to deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to natural elements, the edges where the roofs connect may become the reason for an indoor leakage. In turn, they may need repairs and possible replacements in the future.
3. Mansard Roof
A mansard roof looks similar to a hip roof without the sharp edge where the inverted “V” shape joins together. It is also called a French roof, and its design comes from the 17th-century architect Francois Mansart, hence the name. Although the mansard roof uses a flat surface on top, it still does a good job emptying rainwater through reliable drainage systems.
However, the French type of roofing is more susceptible to tears and breakage over time. In effect, the roof may crack and allow natural elements to penetrate the household. Therefore, inspectors should check for early signs of deterioration and ruin to prevent them from getting damaged.
4. Flat Roof
Despite what many people believe, a flat roof is not a hundred percent flat. Instead, a slight pitch slides in the design to prevent water from pooling on top of a house or building. However, despite the efforts to provide proper drainage systems for flat roofs, some designs still become vulnerable to standing water. In effect, the roof may leak and destroy the interior of the house with water.
5. Gambrel Roof
Linked to barns, a gambrel roof is a barn-style roof type enhanced with dormers. In effect, houses with a gambrel roof may experience leakage and moisture penetration. Inspectors should consider the typical weather in the house’s location to see if the gambrel roof needs waterproofing services or not.
Conclusion
In architecture, people design roofs depending on the location where the house or building will stand. In effect, designers can use the most appropriate roof type for the standard weather conditions in the area where the property is erected.
AEI Inspections is one of the leading home inspection companies in Tulsa. Since 1988, we have been pushing for quality work and accurate visual evaluation for clients to provide a solid foundation of knowledge about a home. By providing structural home inspections, our goal is to protect our clients and their properties for the future. Book an appointment with us today through our website.
