7 Different Roof Types and What Building Inspectors look for
A detailed guide covering the 7 different roof types and what building inspectors look for during their assessments.
7 Different Roof Types and What Building Inspectors look for.
There are many different Roof Types, each presenting their own challenges for Building Inspectors.
Here we review seven different roof types, provide a description of each and detail what Building Inspections should be looking out for when completing Building Inspections for each Roof Type.
1. Gable Roof
Description: A gable roof is one of the most common roof types, featuring two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge. It offers simplicity in design, good water-shedding capabilities, and ample attic space for ventilation and storage.
Building Inspection Items to Check:
- Check for any signs of roof leaks, particularly at the intersection of the gable ends and the main roof.
- Inspect the gable wall construction for stability and signs of movement or cracking.
- Examine the roof framing, including trusses or rafters, for signs of sagging, splitting, or decay.
- Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations for proper installation and waterproofing.
2. Hip Roof
Description: A hip roof has slopes on all four sides that converge to form a ridge. It offers increased stability and wind resistance compared to other roof types. Hip roofs are commonly found in areas prone to high winds or hurricanes.
Building Inspection Items to Check:
- Inspect the hip ridges for any signs of roof leaks or loose or damaged ridge caps.
- Check for any signs of roof sagging or unevenness along the hip lines.
- Inspect the roof valleys for proper flashing and waterproofing.
- Examine the soffits and eaves for any signs of damage, deterioration, or pest activity.
3. Mansard Roof
Description: A mansard roof has two slopes on all sides, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope. It provides additional living space or storage in the attic, creating a unique architectural style often associated with historic buildings.
Building Inspection Items to Check:
- Inspect the flat top portion of the roof for any signs of ponding or inadequate drainage.
- Check the steep slope sections of the roof for damaged or missing shingles or other roofing materials.
- Examine the dormer windows and their connections to the roof for proper flashing and waterproofing.
- Inspect the lower roof section for signs of water intrusion, especially at the transition from the steep slope to the flat top.
4. Gambrel Roof
Description: A gambrel roof has two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope. It offers increased headroom and usable space in the attic or upper levels, commonly seen in barns or Dutch Colonial style homes.
Building Inspection Items to Check:
- Inspect the steep slope sections of the roof for damaged or missing shingles, cracked tiles, or other roofing materials.
- Examine the roof valleys for proper flashing and waterproofing.
- Check the dormer windows and their connections to the roof for signs of leaks or inadequate flashing.
- Inspect the roof framing, including trusses or rafters, for signs of sagging, splitting, or decay.
5. Flat Roof
Description: A flat roof has a low or no slope. It is commonly used in commercial buildings and modern residential designs. Proper drainage and waterproofing are critical for flat roofs to prevent water pooling and leaks.
Building Inspection Items to Check:
- Check for signs of ponding or inadequate drainage on the roof's flat surface.
- Inspect the roof membrane for any cracks, blisters, or other signs of deterioration.
- Examine the flashings around roof penetrations, such as vents or HVAC units, for proper installation and waterproofing.
- Inspect the parapet walls or perimeter edges for signs of cracks, deterioration, or moisture intrusion.
6. Butterfly Roof
Description: A butterfly roof consists of two roof surfaces that slope inward, resembling the shape of butterfly wings. It creates a unique architectural aesthetic and allows for ample natural light and rainwater collection at the center.
Building Inspection Items to Check:
- Inspect the flat portions of the roof for any signs of ponding or inadequate drainage.
- Check the valleys where the roof planes intersect for proper flashing and waterproofing.
- Examine the connections between the butterfly roof and any adjacent structures or walls for signs of leaks or inadequate flashing.
- Inspect the underside of the roof for any signs of moisture, sagging, or pest activity.
7. Sawtooth Roof
Description: A sawtooth roof features a series of ridges with vertical windows or glazed sections on one side, resembling the teeth of a saw. It was historically used in industrial buildings to provide abundant natural light to the interior spaces.
Building Inspection Items to Check:
- Inspect each individual roof segment for signs of damage or deterioration, such as cracked or broken roofing materials.
- Check the valleys where the roof segments intersect for proper flashing and waterproofing.
- Examine the connections between the sawtooth roof and any adjacent structures or walls for signs of leaks or inadequate flashing.
- Inspect the supporting structures of the sawtooth roof for signs of decay, sagging, or insect damage.
Building Inspection App is a building inspection software that helps Building Inspectors while onsite completing building inspections to identify defects and provides comments that describe the condition of the item with the ability for the Building Inspector to edit or add to the comment to further personalize as required.
