Pitched or Flat? Different Types of Roofs for Houses

Written by Giovana Martino | Translated by Diogo Simões
Published on August 16, 2022

In addition to their primary function, roofs are one of the most fundamental elements in the aesthetics of a building, taking different shapes, being composed of different structures and sealed by different materials. But, in addition to aesthetics, roofs need to meet the climatic conditions of where they are located, considering the periodic changes related to rain, sun and winds.

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Although the imagery of the house is related to the traditional gable structure, there are many possibilities for coverings for a residential building. First, it is important to understand that the roof performs the primary function of any shelter: to protect a given area from the weather and, in the case of cities, also from the stimuli of urban life. In addition, in some cases, roofs can perform other functions in a residential project, such as receiving house maintenance structures (housing solar panels or collecting rainwater for reuse) or even offering a space for living or leisure.

Beyond its functionality, the aesthetic discussion is also part of choosing a roof. If, on the one hand, when deciding on a more functional roof, we can think mainly of flat slabs, on the other, when we think of simple roofs, we are faced with the choice of the number of gables, the direction of the slope or the type of tile. In addition, we can also think of slabs with more organic lines, such as vaults or inverted arches. For each shape, a different construction technique, material and structural system. See some examples below: