Overview

Are you getting ready to replace or install a new roof on your home? Understanding your roof style options will help you make the right call for your property and budget. This guide from Black Anchor Roofing breaks down the most popular roof styles, what makes each one unique, and how to choose a roof that complements your home’s architecture.

Introduction

Are you planning a new roof and wondering which style will truly suit your home? The shape of your roof plays a major role in how your home handles weather, uses energy, and functions overall. While materials and color matter, the roof’s architectural design is what ties everything together.

At Black Anchor Roofing, we’ve helped countless homeowners pair the right roof style with their home’s structure, character, and performance needs. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through key roof types and show you how to match form with function for a beautiful, long-lasting result.

Read at your leisure, and don’t hesitate to reach out at (410) 205-9562 if you have any questions.

What Is Roof Style and Why Does It Matter?

The style of a roof refers to its architectural shape and slope. That might sound simple, but it’s a decision that can affect everything from water drainage to attic space—not to mention the overall tone and feel of your home. A dramatic, multi-tiered roof like a mansard can turn a simple house into a showpiece, while a clean gable roof might create a classic look that never feels outdated.

Roofs also play a central role in how well your home performs. Steeply pitched roofs shed rain and snow efficiently, while flatter profiles allow for modern rooftop features like solar panels or green spaces. Certain shapes work better in high-wind areas, and others are designed with aesthetic balance in mind.

The wrong style might make your home feel disjointed or even cause long-term maintenance issues if it doesn’t suit the local environment.

What Factors Influence Roof Selection?

Choosing a roof style involves more than just aesthetics.

Here are key factors to consider:

Local climate: Maryland experiences snowy winters, rainy springs, and humid summers, so roofs need to handle water runoff efficiently. Styles with a noticeable pitch—like gable and hip roofs—are popular because they help shed water and snow more effectively than flat or low-slope designs.
Architectural style: Your home’s existing architecture should complement the roof shape you choose. For example, gabled roofs suit Colonial-style homes, ranch homes often work best with low-sloped hip roofs, and mansard roofs pair well with French-inspired architecture for their added elegance and usable attic space.
Material compatibility: Not every roofing material works with every roof shape. Steep slopes often use asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, while flatter roofs may require materials like TPO or EPDM membranes for proper waterproofing and longevity.
Budget: Simpler roof designs like gables are typically more cost-effective to construct. Complex styles—such as mansard or multi-faceted roofs—require more labor, materials, and structural support, which can significantly increase your overall budget.
Construction complexity: Beyond cost, complex roof shapes can mean longer build times and more specialized labor. If your timeline or contractor availability is limited, a simpler design might offer more flexibility and fewer complications during installation.

Traditional and Timeless Gable Roofs

If you close your eyes and picture a classic house, there’s a good chance you’re imagining a gable roof. With two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, this timeless design is one of the most widely used roof styles in residential architecture.

Common features of gable roofs include:

Clean, triangular profile
Excellent attic ventilation
Compatible with many roofing materials
Cost-effective construction
Strong drainage performance

Why Homeowners Choose Gable Roofs

This style is commonly seen on Colonial, Cape Cod, and Craftsman-style homes. Its simple structure makes it easier to install and maintain than more complex roof shapes, reducing the risk of leaks due to fewer valleys and joints. Gable roofs also support a variety of materials, from asphalt shingles to metal panels, giving homeowners more design flexibility.

Considerations for Wind Exposure

While gable roofs perform well in snow and rain, they can be more susceptible to high winds if not properly braced. This is especially important in coastal or storm-prone areas. Still, with the right reinforcements, gable roofs remain one of the most dependable and attractive options for Maryland homeowners.

Cohesive Hip Roofs

Unlike gable roofs, which slope on only two sides, hip roofs have four sloping planes that meet at a central peak. This creates a compact, symmetrical look that gives a home a more grounded and cohesive appearance. The shape also offers practical advantages, especially in terms of durability and resistance to wind.

Where Hip Roofs Work Best

Hip roofs are commonly found on ranch-style and cottage homes, particularly those with wide, low-slung profiles. Their design wraps around all sides of the structure, providing even coverage and helping blend the roofline into porches, carports, or overhangs.

What To Keep in Mind

Hip roofs tend to be more complex and labor-intensive to build, which can raise construction costs compared to simpler styles like gables. They also offer less attic space because of the inward slope of all four sides. Still, for homeowners focused on structural stability, year-round performance, and refined design, hip roofs are a smart and lasting choice.

Elegant and Functional Mansard Roofs

If you’re drawn to homes with European charm or are looking to maximize space in your upper floors, a mansard roof may be the perfect fit. Originating in France, this four-sided roof design features a double slope on each side—the lower slope being much steeper than the upper one. The result is a unique roofline that creates usable attic or loft space and brings old-world elegance to the home’s silhouette.

Mansard roofs are most often seen on Victorian or French Provincial-style homes, though they can be adapted to more eclectic architecture as well.

One of the most significant advantages of this design is the ability to add dormer windows and expand interior space without extending the home’s footprint. If you ever plan to convert your attic into a bedroom, office, or studio, this is one of the few roof styles that supports that vision naturally.

Material selection is crucial for mansard roofs. The steep lower slopes are ideal for visually striking materials like copper, slate, or cedar shakes, while the flatter upper sections can use rubber roofing or TPO to manage drainage effectively.

Because of their ornate appearance and construction complexity, mansard roofs come with a higher price tag. However, for homeowners interested in maximizing both aesthetics and functionality, the return on investment can be significant, especially in higher-end neighborhoods or historic districts.

Modern and Minimalist Flat Roofing Systems

Flat roofs are a hallmark of modern and mid-century architectural styles. With their clean, horizontal lines, they create a minimalist look that complements contemporary homes and urban additions. One of the biggest advantages of a flat roof is the potential for rooftop utility—think solar panels, HVAC units, rooftop patios, or even green roofs with vegetation.

Despite their name, flat roofs are not perfectly level. They’re constructed with a slight pitch to direct water toward drains or scuppers. Materials like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen are commonly used, as they’re designed to seal flat surfaces and resist pooling water.

Regular maintenance is important to keep flat roofs performing well. Leaves, snow, and debris can accumulate more easily than on sloped designs, which means occasional inspections are essential for preventing drainage issues.

This type of roof might not be ideal if:

You want a low-maintenance roofing option
You’re seeking extra attic or loft space
Your home design leans traditional rather than modern
You prefer roofing materials like shingles or tiles

Bold and Asymmetric Shed Roofs

Shed roofs, also known as skillion roofs, feature a single slope and are often used in modern homes, additions, and accessory structures. Their asymmetrical design creates a bold profile while allowing for high ceilings and clerestory windows that fill the home with natural light.

Though simple in shape, shed roofs can look striking when paired with the right siding materials and architectural features. They’re cost-effective to build and allow for efficient water drainage, making them ideal for smaller structures or homes with a contemporary lean.

This style also lends itself well to sustainable building. Their angled slope is ideal for passive solar design, rainwater collection, or rooftop gardens. While they’re not typically used for large homes, they make a great choice for outbuildings, sunrooms, or energy-efficient renovations.

Get Help Choosing the Right Roof

Every roof Black Anchor Roofing builds is more than just a shelter—it’s a design decision that reflects your style, supports your home’s longevity, and enhances overall property value. Whether you’re still exploring ideas or ready to begin construction, our team is here to guide you from concept to completion.

We offer in-depth consultations, material guidance, and precision installation tailored to your home’s unique needs. Let us help you choose a roof that’s as functional as it is beautiful.