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Shed Roof
You can’t get much simpler than a shed roof, aka a skillion roof. It consists of a single flat panel sloping to one side, usually the back of the building where water drains. The minimalist design suits rustic cabins. It’s also a common feature in avant-garde architecture.
A shed roof is the easiest to build because it has no hips or valleys and it’s virtually leak-proof. It isn’t a good choice for windy areas, though, because a strong gust can lift it off the building like a sail. It also does little to increase attic space. It’s common to install windows in the taller wall just under the roofline to provide more indoor light.
Because a shed roof slopes away from the front of the building, it isn’t that visible. So any roof covering that readily sheds water, like roll roofing, metal roofing and shingles, will work. In areas with heavy snow, a shed roof is usually built with a steep slope to better shed snow melt.
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Butterfly Roof
Think of a butterfly sitting on a flower with its wings outstretched, and you have a pretty good picture of a butterfly roof.
It consists of two flat panels that slope toward a central valley, analogous to the butterfly’s torso. Water runs into the valley, sloped toward one side of the building, and drains in a single stream toward the ground. It’s an ideal construction for catching rainwater.
This type of roof can create separate attic spaces, one for a loving area and the other for storage. Its main advantage, though, is its appearance. Its distinctive, aerodynamic design also makes it good for windy areas.
Butterfly roofs are expensive to build, and the valley must be properly sealed. They don’t work well in snowy areas because snow can collect in the valley and turn to ice. You can use a wide range of roof coverings, including shakes, shingles, tiles, metal and even concrete.
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Pyramid Roof
A specialized example of a hip roof, a pyramid roof consists of four triangular panels that meet at a single point. The design adds height to the attic space, but the steep slope of the panels cuts into the available space. The slope does, however, promote snow and water runoff.
Like a butterfly roof, a pyramid roof adds a distinctive touch to the building. It’s one of the most stable roof structures, because the pyramid design is self-supporting. Like all hip roofs, it can leak at the seams where the panels meet.
A pyramid roof is more difficult to build than a gable or shed roof, but easier than a hip or mansard roof. It’s visible from the ground, so choose a covering wisely. Shingles, tiles and shakes are some common choices.
