Although you might not realise it, a house or building gets most of its character and aesthetic appeal from the choice of roof style.
Choosing a roof style can depend on your home’s architectural style, location, and even your preferred level of maintenance. Some roof styles are great at blocking the elements but come with higher maintenance costs than others. On the other hand, some roof styles may just not suit the style of your home and therefore would not be a good fit.
Here at Icon Homes, we know how important it is that your dream home suits your location, lifestyle, and, most importantly, budget.
To help you understand the different styles of roofs in Australia, here are some of the most common styles in the market. If you are curious if a roof style will suit your home, our expert team members are always happy to help guide you.
The different styles of Australian roofs
1.Flat Roof 
One of the most common roofs for modern architecture, flat roofs are easier to construct, safer, easily accessible, lower in costs, and help to minimise the area covered by a roof.
Often constructed using cement or metals, flat roofs are a go-to for apartment blocks, high-rise buildings, and commercial buildings as they are easier to maintain, clean, and fix. A very slight pitch can allow for proper drainage and run-off water as they are completely level.
The average life expectancy of a flat roof is around 15 years, although regular maintenance and inspections can add several years to that number.
2. Hipped Roof
A hipped roof typically features three or more pitched planes that are set to be sloping down from a central ridge. Sporting generous eaves, these roofs are known for being excellent protection from the wind and sun, making them a popular choice for coastal homes.
If you want to protect your home from the harsh elements, speak to one of the Icon Homes’ expert team members to find out how your home design can help block wind and sun.
3. Skillion Roof
A Skillion roof is similar to a flat roof, except for a single, very pronounced pitch for water runoff. Skillion roofs do not require much maintenance, and thanks to the extreme pitch, water drainage is not an issue.
Skillion, which refers to a “smaller addition to an existing roof”, isn’t attached to any other roof surface. Usually positioned at a lower height than the main roof structure, skillion roofs have become another favourite for modern architects.
4. Peaked or Gabled Roof
A peaked roof, also known as a gabled, pitched, or peaked roof, consists of two sloping sections at the top. Depending on the height of the roof, many homes have attics or large windows to allow for airflow and sunlight.
A gabled or peaked roof is cost-effective and easy to maintain, although it is recommended that you get regular inspections to ensure it hasn’t leaked.
5. Roof tiles
Roof tiles are an excellent option for those seeking a more endurant, energy-efficient, easy-maintenance roof. With a wide range of colours and textures, roof tiles can add character to a home and help to keep the rain out. Roof tiles can be expensive and, depending on the pitch of your roof, may not be suitable for installation.
6. Colorbond roofing
Strong, non-combustible, and easy to maintain, steel roofing in Australia has come a long way from the quintessential corrugated iron roofs of the past. Coated steel roofing is designed to withstand extreme elements and can last for an incredibly long time. Most steel roofing has the option for colour coating so that you can match the colour to your home’s overall aesthetic.
One of the drawbacks of coated steel roofing is the potential for noise in heavy rain or hailstorms. Some homeowners choose not to install steel roofing, while others enjoy the sound it creates.
If you’re looking to update your roof or perhaps unsure if a roof will be suitable for your new home, let us help! Icon Homes is highly experienced in home building and the importance of the right roof for your dream home. Speak with one of our consultants and find out how we can customise your design.
