10 Stunning Roof Types to Elevate Your Home

A clerestory roof is a type of roof consisting of two angled planes that meet in the middle, separated only by a wall with clerestory windows. The clerestory windows allow natural light to enter the home while adding extra style. Clerestory roofs are commonly found in craftsmen's homes. These roofs can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Clerestory roofs are not super common, so they're fascinating and can attract attention to your home.

A cross-hipped roof is a spin on a standard hip roof. The "cross-hip" term refers to two hip roofs that come together in the middle, forming a right angle. Where the two hip roofs come together, a valley is formed. Cross-hipped roofs are common but still complex enough to be interesting. Many homes that have an L shape feature this type of roof. Cross-hipped roofs are easy to clean and maintain and can add visual interest to your home.

A dormer roof is any roof that features a dormer window. This type of roof can be any style, but the dormer window adds an extra element of beauty and flair. Dormer windows can also bring natural light to attic spaces, and if you have a finished attic, the dormer windows can provide an excellent view of your yard or neighborhood. If you don't have dormer windows in your attic but would like them, talk to your contractor about adding this feature.

A hip and valley roof is a roof that features hips and valleys. The valleys are formed where the different segments of the roof come together. One type of hip and valley roof is the cross-hipped roof, but the cross-hipped roof is not the only kind of hip and valley roof design.

A Jerkinhead roof is a gable roof with a clipped, flattened edge at either end. This clipped, flattened edge is a hip. Jerkinhead roofs provide your attic with the spaciousness of a gable roof and some of the visual interest of a hip roof. This type of roof is more complex to design and can be more costly to install, but the unique shape of this roof makes it especially durable in windy conditions.

The Mansard roof consists of four steeply sloped sides and an upper slope that is lightly graded. This type of roof is very practical for creating a spacious attic. The steeply sloped sides often feature dormers that make the attic space practical and attractive.

A monitor roof is a raised roof that looks out over a gable roof. The monitor roof is not often found on homes but can be. You'll find monitor roofs more often on warehouses and commercial buildings where natural light can be very helpful. Monitor roofs usually feature clerestory windows.

A Gambrel roof is the classic roof formation that you might find over a barn. Gambrel roofs have rustic charm that can give your house a unique character. Gambrel roofs are often found on barns but can be found on houses as well, including Dutch Colonial homes. Gambrel roofs are practical because they allow upper floors to enjoy more space.

If your home needs a new roof, it's important to work with contractors you can trust. FTC Oury Group is your source for exterior renovation including front door installation, asphalt roofing installation and repair, metal roofing installation, cedar shake, and more. We're a trusted contractor in the Chicago area, and we're here to help. To get started with your new roof or to learn more about how we can install an all-new roof on your home, call today to request a quote and an in-home consultation.