Read this small guide for roof structures, framing and different roof styles to get better understanding of roofing before you choose any style.

1. Roof Structures,
Framing and Styles
A Small Guide of Roofing
Read this small guide for roof structures, framing and different roofing styles to
get better understanding of roofing before you choose any style.
2015
Neha
Almeida Roofing Inc.
1/19/2015

2. Roof
Roofs are broadly classified into three categories-
1. Flat Roofs - Flat roofs are generally used in plain areas where climate is moderate
and rainfall is low.
2. Pitched Roofs – Pitched roofs are used where rainfall is heavy.
3. Shells and Folded Plates Roofs – Shell and folded plates roofs are used for larger
spaces where large area needed to be covered. Ex- factories, companies etc.
Pitched roofs further have three basic structures. Here, we will discuss about these
structures.
Roof Structure
Pitched roofs are used where rainfall is heavy. The slope of it must be more than 10
degree, most preferably, 45 to 60 degree. There are basically three types of pitched
roof structures –
1. Single Roofs
2. Double Roofs
3. Trussed Roofs
Single Roofs
The single roofs are used when the span is less than 5m. The rafters for such roofs don’t
require any transitional support.

3. The singles roofs are further divided into four categories –
 Lean to roof
 Coupled roof
 Coupled close roof
 Collar beam roof
Lean To Roof Coupled Close Roof
Coupled Roof Collar Beam Roof
Singles Roof Structures

4. Double Roofs
The Double roofs are used when the span exceeds 5 m and single roofs become more
expensive. For double roofs, intermediate support is provided to the rafters.
Trussed Roofs
This roof is used when the span is more, a frame work of slender members are used to
carry sloping roofs.

5. Roof Framing
Roof framing is the most difficult part of roofing as it includes countless complicated
angles inserted into roof. To understand roof framing, the roofing contractors uses
special terms like ridge board, rafter etc. The framing square consists of two legs –
short leg and long leg. The short leg is called the tongue and long leg is called the
blade/body.
Example of Basic Gable Roof Framing
Roof Styles
The major purpose of a roof is protecting us from the uncertain weather changes with
minimum maintenance. A roof must be strong that can survive even in heavy rainfall,
snow fall and wind loads.
The next concern is the appearance of roof. A home looks fabulous if its roof is well
designed and has some style. The roof styles create effective and beautiful
architectural effects.
The home owner should hire a local roofing contractor that fully understands the
architectural styles of roof and capable to implement it in various styles.

6. Different Roof Styles
One can use any of these roofing styles. You can use many styles on single roof too. At
the end, the home owner decides what structure and style he/she would prefer for
their dream home.