A roof is the first covering of a structure, adding all structures and materials needed to support it on top of the existing building walls, on top of uprights, or as a partial roof overhang. A roof, unlike most other parts of a structure, is usually a part of the total building envelope. It is usually visible from the inside of a structure, but may also be a structural element of a floor or wall. The roof protects the structural elements of a structure from outside forces, such as rain, wind, snow, sunshine, extreme temperatures, and other forces. It also adds an aesthetic beauty to the outside environment. Many people consider the roof to be a visual component of a home, especially if it is attached to the exterior of a house or building.
A roof has many different types, although usually the flat roofs are associated with commercial buildings. The flat roofing material used to install a flat roof is typically tar paper, slate, tiles, or concrete. Sometimes, people use insulation on top of their roof in order to reduce the cost of their energy bill, but flat roofs are more vulnerable to heat loss than other types of roofs. Flat roofs are often seen in colder climates, such as northern regions of North America.
Gable roofs are usually seen on houses that have an outward gable. Gable roofs have two sides or edges that resemble a steep gazebo. They are commonly used as a secondary roof, to extend the height of a home. A gable roof has plenty of space for trees to grow, supporting the weight of its roof. This type of roof is a more expensive type of roof to install, as well as being a more common form of roofing material.
Sloping roofs are roofs designed so that rainwater falls to one side or the other, instead of soaking into the roof and making it soft and weak. This type of roof can also be pitched to the desired angle. In order to install a sloping roof, you must build your walls at an angle to the pitched roof. If you have a flat roof, you will need to build the walls parallel to the edge of your house.
If you have two slopes of differing heights, you can build your house at an angle to each slope. Two slopes of greater than forty-five degrees are considered acceptable, while angles of less than thirty degrees are not acceptable. Once you have chosen the proper pitch for your house, you can install the roof. The easiest way to install a slope is to start at one end of the house, install the cleats on the ground, and then install the roof on top of the cleats. However, if you have a large amount of snow or rain during the winter, you may want to try installing the roof over the existing sloped roof.
There are many types of residential roofs including: slanted roofs, gable roofs, mansard roofs, flat roofs, and hipped roofs. Gable and mansard roofs are widely used in South America and the Caribbean, because they are very strong and flexible. Flat roofs are popular in the United States, because they are easy to construct. Gable roofs are a little more complex than flat roofs, because they need to have eaves that are at a certain angle, so that rainwater will drain away from the home instead of pooling on the roof. If you are considering building a new home, make sure that you research which type of residential roof will best suit your needs.