Steel Building Roof Styles
Looking to enhance the aesthetics of a steel building project? Western has you covered.™ Our steel building solutions can easily incorporate multiple roof options. When designing a pre-eng, hybrid, or structural steel building, the roof style can significantly impact its appearance and functionality. Consider the following six common roof styles, each with its unique advantages:
Basic Roof Types
Gable Roof
This classic roof style features two sloping sides that meet at the ridge in the middle. It's a popular choice for its simple, traditional look and ability to shed rain and snow easily. You can also add gable dormers to provide extra headroom and natural light, or pair with overhangs to protect windows and doors. Parapet walls are also easily incorporated.
Single-Slope Roof
Also known as a shed roof, this style features one sloping side that is higher than the other. It's often used for industrial or commercial buildings that require large spans of uninterrupted space. You can add a pop-out to a single-slope roof to create additional floor space and break up the monotony of the roofline.
Gable and Single-Slope roof types commonly feature parapet walls as a design element.
Incorporating parapet walls into gable and single-slope roofs can improve building function and aesthetics. These walls extend vertically from the roofline to the top of the building's walls, creating a uniform appearance and protecting the roof from damage. They also provide additional height for mechanical equipment and prevent water from flowing off the roof, preventing erosion. Parapet walls enhance the building's appearance as a decorative element.
Complex Roof Types
Monitor Roof
This style features a raised central section with lower-sloping sides on either side. It's commonly used for agricultural or equestrian buildings that require natural light and ventilation. You can add dormers to the monitor roof to provide additional natural light and ventilation to the upper level of the building.
The building featured to the right is an indoor riding arena, with canopies supported by columns that provide a covered walkway.
Clerestory Roof
This style features a row of windows along the top of the roof, allowing natural light to enter the building. It's an excellent choice for facilities that require natural light but want to maintain privacy. Adding a pop-out to the clerestory roof provides additional interior space or creates an interesting architectural feature.
Gambrel Roof
This style features two sides, each with two slopes, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper one. It's often used for agricultural buildings and provides ample space for storage. Dormers can be added to the gambrel roof to create additional space or to provide natural light and ventilation to the upper level.
The building featured to the right is an indoor riding arena, with canopies supported by columns that provide a covered walkway.
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Roof types and features serve practical purposes that can make a substantial difference in the function and longevity of a steel building. From parapet walls that protect against damage to solar panels that provide sustainable energy, there’s a whole world of possibilities to explore when designing your perfect roof. If you’re ready to learn more about how the right roof can elevate your steel building project, contact us today!