Author: Amy Freeman | April 15, 2021

Like many homeowners, you might have found yourself with some extra time on your hands as a result of pandemic-related restrictions on what you can do and where you can go. During that extra time, you might be eyeing your home's to-do list, wondering what project to take on next. Should you fix up the porch, build a doghouse for your four-legged friend or finally get to work on a garden shed?

Different projects require different roof shapes. As you decide what to work on, here's what you should know about roofing designs and specs.

Covered Porch

Now might be the ideal time to transform a deck or patio into a covered porch by installing a roof over the area. Two different roof shapes that are commonly used for covered porches are a shed roof and a hip roof. A shed roof leans away from the house, sloping on one side. A hip roof typically consists of four sides that join together at the top, according to This Old House.

Garage

Whether it's attached to your house or freestanding, your garage needs a roof, and that roof needs regular maintenance. Depending on the age and condition of the roof, it might need a full replacement. Some of the signs that a garage roof needs replacement or repair include missing shingles, sagging and dented areas or water damage on the interior of the garage.

If you've decided to build a new garage, you have a few options when it comes to the style and shape of the roof. A hip roof is a popular option, particularly for garages in areas that get a lot of snow and rainfall. The slope of a hip roof allows water and snow to flow away from the roof rather than rest on it. A gable roof is another popular shape. These consist of two parts that join at the top and slope away from each other.

Shed

A shed is both a style of roof and a small building you might use to hold garden and yard tools. Depending on the shape of your garden shed, the building might have a shed-style roof, meaning it has a single, sloped section. If yours is or will be attached to the side of your home or garage, a shed-style roof will likely meet your needs best.

Another popular roof style for a garden shed is a gambrel roof, which is made up of two, two-part sloped sections on each side of the shed. The lower sections typically have a steeper slope than the upper sections. Water and snow roll off gambrel roofs easily, making the style a good option for areas that get a lot of rain and snow.

Gazebo

If you envision yourself spending more time in your backyard, you might want to build or install a gazebo, which can provide a nice, shaded area to relax in.

The shape of a gazebo's roof depends in large part on the shape of the structure itself. If you choose a four-sided gazebo, you'll most likely install a hip roof on it. Eight-sided gazebos usually have pagoda roofs, made up of triangular sections that join together at a point at the top.

Dog House

While you and your family are enjoying time outdoors, your furry friends may need somewhere to hang out, too. Building a dog house can give them a spot to relax and get some shade on sunny days. The style of roof you choose for the dog house depends in large part on the type of house you want to build. If you're going for a classic look, a gable roof with two sections that come together at the top and slope down is always a good option. A shed roof, made of a single, sloping section, is also a popular pick for a dog house.

Although you might want to try to build a shed or re-roof a gazebo yourself, remember that you don't have to. In fact, working with a licensed and insured roofing contractor is often your safest option, especially if you hope to install or repair any part of a roof. A roofing contractor can help you pick a roof shape and style and can install it so that it lasts as long as possible.

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