New England roofing has come a long way since its original hay day, with roofs made from–well, hay and local vegetation, otherwise known as thatch. Today, roofing offers year-round protection from the elements and can even help you save a tremendous amount of energy. From exploring our region’s roof styles and roof shapes to understanding all there is to know about roof pitch or slope, this ultimate guide to roof design will give you a glimpse into New England roofs.
What are the Common Roof Styles in New England?
It’s no secret that our region is packed to the brim with homes of all shapes and sizes, ranging from quaint to modern and everything in between. When it comes to the roof styles of New England, these are some of the most common styles that you’ll see:
Gable Roof
Imagine two slopes coming together at a peak, like an open book standing on its spine—that’s a gable roof.
This style is simple and recognizable with its triangular shape. It’s quite effective at shedding snow and rain, making it a popular choice in areas that experience heavy winter storms.
You’ll typically find this type of roof on Cape Cod homes, charming cottages, and many suburban houses, where its classic shape complements the traditional architecture.
Hip Roof
A hip roof slopes on all four sides and comes together at the top to form a ridge. Think of it as a more sophisticated version of the gable roof, with all sides sloping downward to the walls—no vertical ends here.
This design provides stability and durability, which is great for windy regions. Hip roofs are often seen on ranch-style homes and larger, colonial residences, where their refined look enhances the overall aesthetic of the house.
Mansard Roof
A mansard roof is a bit more complex, featuring two different slopes on each of its four sides. The lower slope is particularly steep, almost vertical, while the upper slope is more gentle.
This style originates from French architecture and allows for additional living space under the roof, which can be used as a full attic or living quarters. Mansard roofs are typically found on Victorian homes, where they add a touch of elegance and old-world flair.
Gambrel Roof
Picture the roof on a classic barn—that’s a gambrel roof. It features two different slopes on either side: the lower part of the slope is steep and the upper part is much shallower.
This design not only looks distinctive but also provides extra space underneath, which is why it’s perfect for storage or living areas. Gambrel roofs are most commonly associated with Dutch Colonial and Georgian style homes, where they help create a spacious and inviting atmosphere.
Roof Shapes: Pitch and Slope
Now that you know about the most common roof styles, let’s talk about 2 other important architectural components of a roof: the pitch and the slope. Pitch and slope both affect the shape and style of your roof, as well as weather resistance and even the interior space of your home.
What is a Roof Pitch?
A roof pitch refers to the steepness or incline of a roof. It’s typically measured as a fraction, like 1/12.
When it comes to the function of a roof, the pitch affects how well a roof sheds water and snow. If a roof’s pitch isn’t on point, pooling water or snow can lead to a lot of problems, including roof leaks.
The pitch also influences the shape of a roof. For example, steeper pitches result in more pronounced, peaked roofs, while lower pitches lead to flatter, subtler roof profiles. This can affect the architectural style of the building. For instance, steep pitches are common in Gothic or Victorian architecture.
What is a Slope?
A roof slope gives us a lot of information about your home’s roof. It’s expressed as a ratio or as inches per foot. While the slope involves the roof’s incline, it tells us how the roof should be installed. For example, according to NACHI, asphalt shingles should be installed on roof slopes 2:12 or greater. Meanwhile, it’s best to install metal roofs on slopes that are 3:12 or greater.
The roof slope affects roof shapes as well, just like the pitch. However, low slopes are often seen in modern or industrial designs.
Selecting the Right Materials for Your Roof Style
When it’s time to install a new roof, you’ll need to consider roof style and shape when selecting your roofing materials. Some roofing materials are only suitable for roofs of a certain pitch or slope. Let’s take a look at how to choose the best roofing materials for your roof’s style, our climate, and aesthetic purposes.
Metal Roofing
When you want durability and longevity in a roof, turn to metal. Metal roofs are ideal for New England’s variable climate. This roofing material works exceptionally well on steep roofs, such as the traditional Colonial homes. A metal roof truly enhances classic roof designs while providing practical benefits like quick snow and rain shedding.
The sleek lines of metal roofs will also complement modern and contemporary homes. Coming in a rainbow of color options, a new metal roof can last you roughly 70 years.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are perhaps the most popular roofing material in New England. They install easily for many different roof pitches and slopes. Asphalt roofs are also available variety of colors, with a charcoal shingle color being one of the most popular with our roofing customers. This roofing material is truly a flexible option for everything from historic homes to newer constructions.
Our roofing systems are designed for significant energy savings. We install asphalt roofs as a 6-layer system, equipped with ventilation, roof deck protection from water damage, and much more.
Not only do asphalt roofs perform wonderfully in wet and icy conditions, they are also engineered to resist algae and moss growth.
Keep in mind that asphalt shingles can potentially blow off your roof during wind storms–but the solution to this is to work with a roofing contractor who offers wind warranties. Coastal Windows & Exteriors offers an unlimited wind speed warranty, guaranteeing that your shingles will stay in place no matter the wind speed!
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles offer a modern twist on traditional roofing materials, integrating with your roof while providing incredible solar power. Architecturally, they are sleek and less obtrusive than standard solar panels. This makes them an aesthetically pleasing option that doesn’t compromise the look of your home.
These shingles are particularly suited to roofs with good southern exposure and a pitch optimized for catching sunlight. A roofing contractor can help you determine if your roof has the right pitch or slope for solar shingles.
While New England may experience variable sunlight, solar shingles are still capable of generating significant energy savings. Our solar shingles power your home around the clock, even at night and on cloudy days. With solar shingles, you’ll get an entire roofing system installed along with the shingles. You can potentially save 100% on your energy bills with this option.
Find Your Ideal Roof Style with Coastal Windows & Exteriors
From curb appeal to energy savings, there’s much to love about a new roof on your home. If your home is showing signs of age, such as leaks, mold growth, or missing shingles, please reach out to us for a free estimate. With your estimate, you can see what your home will look like for FREE in 3D with the roofing material of your choice. Call us now to get started!
