The shape of your roof can make or break your home, impacting the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the finished product. The selection of your roof shape is important as it affects not only the look of your house but also its practicality and durability – details we live by at RODA Developments! We have some factors to keep in mind when choosing your roof, but before we dive into it, what are your roofing options?
Your roof options
There are various different roof shapes found throughout Australia, with the most common being hipped, flat, gabbled, and skillion. Here’s what you need to know about each type:
Gable roof: A simple, triangular-shaped roof that is commonly used in residential homes, the gabled roof gives you the opportunity to create raked ceilings internally, which then provides plenty of ventilation and natural light.
Hip roof: A hip roof is one of the most effective options, with slopes on all four sides making it more stable in extreme weather conditions. The attic space it provides is also a bonus in terms of ventilation!
Flat roof: A flat roof is a low-sloped roof that is often used in commercial buildings. A flat roof will require regular maintenance to prevent water damage in flood prone areas, and typically costs more to construct and install due to their requirement to have box gutters and parapets. This roof type does, however, provide the opportunity for a balcony.
Skillion roof: A skillion roof has a steep single flat surface. The rooves are different to other pitched options where they have two sloping surfaces. A skillion roof maximises sun exposure (hello solar panels!) and makes collecting rain water easier.
So, how do you select the perfect roof for your home?
Weather conditions
Depending on your land and where your home is positioned, climate can have a significant impact on the construction process. This may result in a different ideal roof shape depending on factors such as severe heat and cold, as well as heavy rainfall, as certain conditions can cause structural damage to an improperly planned roof.
Style choices
The architectural design of your home will also influence the roof shape. For example, a contemporary home may suit a flat or low-sloped roof, while a pitched or gabled roof might better complement a heritage or traditional-style home. A multi-unit development also comes with different considerations than a standalone home as you will need to consider how they work together stylistically.
Budget factor
Another important consideration when starting on a new project is deciding on your budget as the shape of your roof can impact the materials and installation project, having a flow on effect to the cost.
Maintenance
The upkeep associated with certain roof shapes should not be an afterthought. You might save cash with a cheaper initial cost to get a roof on your house, but you should also think about the long term costs of maintaining it over the years. While pitched or gabled roofs may require less maintenance, flat roofs require regular maintenance to prevent water damage.
Building regulations
Each roof shape can carry different regulatory requirements that will determine the minimum and maximum roof pitch permitted in your area, so it is important to abide by these codes when selecting a roof shape. At RODA developments, our knowledgeable team is equipped with the local and professional know-how to help guide you through the selection process.
Ceiling height
Ceiling height is another factor to consider when selecting your roof shape because, as mentioned earlier, a gabled roof provides the option of a raked ceiling. So, consider how you want the inside of your home to look and feel when you are selecting a roof.
Ready to start your build?
RODA’s qualified team of tradespeople will visualise your project from the ground up, working closely with architects and interior designers to create excellent homes and multi-unit developments.
Contact us today to get started!
