Your choice of roof design can have a huge influence on both the looks and functionality of your new home. In this article, we’re looking at each sloping roof house design from all angles. We’ll talk about the role the pitch and slopes of your roof play in function and looks plus look at the pros and cons of high and low-pitched roofs.
Table of Contents
What is meant by a house’s slope?
The slope of your roof is another term to describe your roof’s decline or its angle. The pitch of your roof is arguably the defining element that decides what type of roof design it falls under. A sloped roof is often used as a synonym for a range of roofs.
The slope of your roof can influence a variety of factors
- how well your home drains rainwater
- strength against strong winds and wild weather
- positioning and the effectiveness of your solar panels
How much does a sloping roof house cost?
Sloping roofs can range from some of the most affordable options on the market to some of the most expensive. For example, both skillion roofs and gabled roofs are quite simple designs that have fairly straightforward construction and installation. Along with the design itself, there are a few key factors that will influence the price of your roof including:
- Size
- Your build location
- Materials used
- the builder you choose
What are the advantages of building a sloped roof house?
Pros of a High-Sloped Roof
Improved drainage
A steeper angle will allow your roof to make the most of gravity when you experience a downpour. Quality gutters and pipes will ensure this runoff doesn’t pool on your property and is dealt with appropriately. If you’re in one of the rare places in Australia that experiences snow, a steeper slope will better manage this as well.
Aesthetically pleasing
Sloped roofs can suit a wide range of home designs from a gabled roof for a classic, traditional design to a butterfly roof or skillion roof for modern houses.
Pros of a lower slope roof
Sleek, clean modern look
For modern houses, a lower-pitched roof can be an ideal look. Examples include low-pitched butterfly roofs, skillion roofs or even flat roofs with a slight slant for drainage purposes.
Offers more resistance to strong winds
Lower sloped roofs, such as hip roof designs offer better resistance to strong winds, making them an ideal choice for cyclone-prone areas.
What are the disadvantages of building a sloped roof house?
Cons of a higher-pitched roof
More prone to cyclone damage
Sloping roof designs like gable roofs can be more vulnerable to strong winds, hail and cyclonic conditions. It’s important to check what the weather conditions tend to be like in the area you’re building in as this will influence decisions from the pitch of your roof to the insulation you decide to use.
Cons of a lower-pitched roof
Can have drainage problems
Lower-sloping roof designs can have more issues with rainwater, especially if they are not well designed. This can lead to water damage, mould and other issues in the long run.
What are the most popular sloping roof house designs?
There is a wide range of roof styles that incorporate a noticeable slope into their design.
Mansard roofs
A mansard roof, also known as a French or curb roof, is a mixture between a hip roof and a gambrel roof. It’s sometimes considered a modernised version of a gable roof, where it has a similar slant, but has four sloping sides rather than two.
Pros:
- Aesthetic value
- Suits rural areas
- Sturdy Structure
Cons:
- Expensive to build
- Not always to most weatherproof design
- May be tough to get approval in certain neighbourhoods and estates.
Gable Roof Design (gambrel roofs)
A Gable Roof design is one of the most traditional roof types, with two slanted sides meeting at a peak to resemble an upside-down V.
Pros:
- Simple design that’s easy to design, construct and install
- More affordable
- Good for drainage
Cons:
- Can be vulnerable in cyclone-prone areas
- Not ideal for modern home designs
Skillion Roof Design
A skillion roof is a single-panel roof design that has a noticeable slant or lean to it.
Pros
- More affordable
- Easier to design and construct
- Ideal for modern houses
- Provides better drainage than flatter roofs
Cons
- Doesn’t work for traditional home types.
- Not strong against strong winds, hail and rain.
Hip Roof Design
A hip roof or hipped roof is a roof design where all four sides slope downwards to the walls from the ridge.
Pros
- Sturdy structure
- Weather resistant
- Provides an excellent opportunity for eaves
- Popular design in Australia
Cons:
- More expensive than designs like a flat roof, gable roof, mansard roof or butterfly roof designs
- Can be at risk of leaks when not well constructed
- Can look clunky
Sloping roof vs the competition
Sloping roof buildings is a category that encompasses many different designs. However, here are some other designs you could consider for your new home.
Flat Roof Design
A flat roof design can be used to describe any layout that features a single flat roof surface. Even the roof designs that look flat to the naked eye will usually have a slight slant to them to help account for drainage.
Pros:
- Great for modern houses
- Simple, affordable design.
- Can help you get more ceiling space inside the home.
Cons:
- Can have drainage issues
- Not suitable for traditional houses.
- Can absorb heat and rise the temperature inside your home.
Curved Roof Design
Curved roofs are any design that has a noticeable bend in its structure.
Pros:
- Unique, eye-catching design
- Short installation time
- Potentially could increase your home’s resell value
Cons:
- Expensive to design and construct
- Repairs and maintenance are also expensive
- More complicated to design.
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