Although rarely the first thing you notice, a roof says much about a home’s style.
It plays a major role in the structure of a house, as well as its exterior aesthetic.
Theelegant home exterioris distinguished by timeless traditional features, including brick siding and dark shutters.
Credit: JULIE SOEFER
The rough texture and muted color of thecedar-shingle sidingon this home are complemented by the roof’s gray-brown shingles.
This roof shape features four sloping sides that come together to form a peak or ridge along the top.
This roof style commonly appears onDutch Colonial homes, farmhouses, and exterior buildings such as barns and sheds.
Credit: David A. Land
Dormers are often built into the lower slope of the roof to bring in light.
Purple-gray scalloped shingles complement the home’s decorative ornamentation.
While appearance isn’t a concern, ensuring that water quickly rolls off the slight slope is critical.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Dutch Colonial Roof Design
Gambrel roofs with steeply sloped roof sides are characteristic of Dutch Colonial houses.
Wood shingles and shakes are beautiful natural roofing material options but check forfire-retardant treatmentsfor these natural materials.
Alternatively, consider a synthetic substitute such as laminated composition shingles that have a shake-like profile.
Credit: Brie Williams
Skillion roofs also sometimes combine various angles across different sections of the roof for a more dynamic look.
Clay Tile Roof
The bold color and texture of tile roofs command attention.
Metal Roof Styles
Metal roofing can be made from aluminum, steel, or copper.
Credit: Michael Partenio
A metal roof dramatically enhances this three-story clapboard cottage.
The bold red huecreates an appealing color palettewhen combined with the all-white exterior and surrounding greenery.
Slate Roof Materials
Slate makes an elegant and attractive roof material forhomes of many styles.
Credit: Gordon Beall
However, it can be costly to install and maintain.
ThisTudor-inspired house, for example, combines dormer and gable roof designs.
Copper window awnings and a wooden entry door enhance the home’s exterior charm.
Credit: John Bessler
Metal roofing on the lower section helps preserve the home’s original character.
A tear-off reveals anydefects in the roofdeck so they can be mended before a new roof is installed.
This home’s aging roof was updated to a slate-style fiberglass-composite shingle that complements the home’snew gray-blue exterior color.
Credit: Erik Johnson
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