The Eight Most Used Roof Styles in India

Are you planning to build a new house or renovate your current one? If so, knowing the different house roof styles available can help you choose the best option for your home's design, location, and specific needs.

A well-chosen roof style not only improves your home's appearance but also offers essential protection from the elements.

In this blog post, we will introduce you to the eight most popular roof styles in India. These are the styles you often see in communities and cities across the country.

Understanding these roof styles will help you choose the perfect roof for your dream home.

Flat roofs are among the most common house roof styles in India, especially in urban areas. This roof style has a horizontal or nearly flat surface. Flat roofs are usually made with reinforced concrete, which provides strength and durability. The main advantages of flat roofs are their low cost and ease of construction.

Additionally, flat roofs offer versatile space that can be used for gardens, terraces, or even additional rooms in crowded cities. However, they need a proper drainage system to prevent water from pooling during the rainy season, especially in regions with heavy rainfall.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a flat roof style:

• ASA Synthetic Resin Roof Tile: This tile is durable, lightweight and resistant to extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for flat roofs. It has excellent waterproofing and insulation properties, which is crucial for flat roofs that are prone to water accumulation.

  
  

• Clear Polycarbonate Roof Sheet: While polycarbonate sheet is not typically used for residential flat roofs, it is a good choice for creating a covered outdoor space (such as a deck or patio) on a flat roof that is both transparent and provides UV protection.

Sloping roofs, such as gable roofs and hip roofs, are widely used in areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall, like the Himalayan foothills or the Western Ghats. These roof styles are designed to allow rain and snow to slide off easily, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage.

Gable roofs have two sloping sides that form a triangle, making them easy to build and providing good attic space. Hip roofs, with slopes on all four sides, offer extra stability in high-wind areas. Sloping roofs are typically made from durable materials like clay tiles, metal sheets, or asphalt shingles, which are chosen for their weather resistance.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a sloping roof style:

• Stone Coated Metal Roofing Shingles: these shingles are great for sloped roofs, such as mountain wall or four-pitch roofs, because they are durable and able to withstand heavy rains and strong winds. The stone coating adds extra protection and beauty, similar to traditional clay or slate shingles.

  
  

• Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are another great option for pitched roofs, offering good waterproofing properties and a wide range of colors and textures. They are affordable and relatively easy to install, making them a popular choice for residential properties.

Pitched roofs are another popular option in regions with heavy rainfall. The steep slope of a pitched roof allows water to drain off quickly, making it suitable for areas like Kerala and Assam. These roofs are often built using lightweight materials like metal sheets or clay tiles, which help reduce the load on the building. Pitched roofs not only offer excellent water resistance but also add a traditional look to homes, making them a popular choice for many homeowners in India.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a pitched roof style:

• Stone Coated Metal Roof Shingles: for pitched roofs, stone coated metal shingles are a sturdy and durable option for the steep slopes and heavy rains common to areas requiring pitched roofs. The stone coating enhances the appearance of the roof and provides additional protection from the elements.

• Asphalt Shingles: Also suitable for sloped roofs, asphalt shingles are a lightweight solution that reduces the load on the building's structure while providing effective drainage and resistance to weather damage.

Curved roofs are a modern architectural style that is becoming more popular in Indian homes. These roofs offer a stylish, contemporary appearance while providing practical benefits like improved wind resistance and better water drainage. Curved roofs are usually made from flexible and durable materials like metal or composites.

 They are ideal for areas that experience strong winds and heavy rains, offering both visual appeal and functional benefits.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a curved roof style：

• ASA Synthetic Resin Roof Tiles: These tiles are flexible enough to be molded into curved shapes, making them ideal for curved roofs. Their synthetic resin composition makes them resistant to fading, corrosion and weathering, ensuring a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing finish.

  
  

• Clear Polycarbonate Roof Sheets: For modern, curved roof designs, polycarbonate sheets have a smooth,translucent appearance that enhances natural light while providing good weathering and impact strength.

Mansard roofs, known for their classic French design, have two slopes on each of their four sides. The lower slope is steeper, creating extra living or storage space. This roof style is becoming more popular in India because it allows for an additional floor without major structural changes. Mansard roofs are typically made of slate, tiles, or metal, which are chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They are a great choice for homeowners who want to maximize their available space.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a mansard roof style：

• Stone Coated Metal Roof Shingles: stone coated metal shingles are an excellent choice for Mensa-style roofs, which require durable materials that can accommodate both steep downhill slopes and flatter uphill slopes. These shingles have the necessary flexibility and strength, while their beautiful finish complements traditional French designs.

  
  

• Asphalt Shingles: asphalt shingles can also be used for Mensa-style roofing, especially when a more cost-effective solution is needed. They are flexible enough to accommodate different slopes and have good weathering properties.

The butterfly roof is a modern design gaining popularity in Indian cities. It has an inward V-shape that resembles butterfly wings, directing rainwater to a central collection point. This design is ideal for conserving water, especially in areas facing water shortages.

Butterfly roofs are often built using reinforced concrete or metal, combining strength with a modern look. They are a perfect choice for homeowners who want a unique style while also focusing on sustainability.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a butterfly roof style：

• Clear Polycarbonate Roof Sheets: Polycarbonate sheets are an excellent choice for butterfly roofs, especially when sustainability and water harvesting are priorities. These sheets are lightweight, durable, and allow natural light to penetrate, which can lead to increased energy efficiency.

  
  

• ASA Synthetic Resin Roof Tiles: ASA tiles can also be used for butterfly roofs due to their high durability and resistance to weathering, making them suitable for areas with high rainfall.

Gambrel roofs, often associated with colonial-style architecture, have two slopes on each side, with the lower slope steeper than the upper one. This style, similar to a barn roof, is suitable for areas with mild climates. Gambrel roofs provide extra attic space, making them a preferred option for homes needing additional storage. They are usually made of wood or metal shingles, which offer a rustic charm that fits well in both urban and rural settings.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a gambrel roof style：

• Stone Coated Metal Roof Shingles: duplex roofs have a barn-like appearance thanks to the rustic look of stone coated metal shingles, which provide excellent durability and beauty. These shingles can mimic traditional materials like wood or slate while providing superior protection.

  
  

• Asphalt Shingles: asphalt shingles are a practical and economical option for duplex roofs. Their flexibility allows them to accommodate the varying slopes of a duplex roof design, and they stand up well to inclement weather.

Skillion roofs, also called shed roofs, have a single sloping surface. This roof style is becoming more popular in contemporary architecture, especially for home extensions or smaller houses.

Skillion roofs are simple to construct and provide a clean, modern look. They are ideal for areas with heavy rainfall because their steep slope allows for efficient water drainage. Materials like metal sheets or polycarbonate panels are commonly used for skillion roofs due to their lightweight and durable nature.

Which roof tile to use to achieve a skillion roof style：

• Transparent Polycarbonate Roof Sheet: For single slope roofs, polycarbonate sheets offer a modern, minimalist look with good weathering and UV protection. This material is ideal for buildings that utilize natural light, such as extensions or small buildings.

  
  

• Asphalt shingles: asphalt shingles are another suitable option for single slope roofs, especially when a simple, cost-effective solution is required. They have good waterproofing properties and can be easily adapted to the single slope design of single slope roofs.

From the cost-effective and versatile flat roofs to the innovative and sustainable butterfly roofs, each house roof style offers unique benefits tailored .

At Attiroof, we specialize in providing customized roofing solutions to meet your diverse requirements.