There are a number of different aspects to consider when looking into building an aesthetically pleasing home roof design. House roof styles, roofing materials and roof color are the main ones to consider from a purely visual perspective.

Styles of Roofs and Roof Design

There are three basic house roof designs for houses:

• Gable roofs
• Hipped roofs
• Shed roofs.

A complex roof can add to a home’s look, but in the end it will be a variation of one of the three home roof designs above. Depending on the age of your home, this will determine the house roof styles you can work with. Changing your home roof design is not recommended on houses that are already built. However, the pitch of a roof can be more easily changed to deal with practical and structural concerns.

The higher the pitch of a home roof, the quicker rainwater can flow off of it. Higher pitched roofs are less vulnerable to wind and rain as well. Not only is this a practical concern, but the pitch of a roof can add an artsy feel, especially with a complex roof that has many surfaces.

The Best Looking Home Roofing Materials

As you design a roof, there are many home roofing materials to choose from. Some of the more popular choices are the following:

• Clay tiles are popular in warmer, drier climates and go well with Mediterranean or Spanish style architecture. These roofing materials go well with stucco houses, such as those typical of the Southwestern United States.
• Sheet metal roofs make a melodic noise when it rains. However, they tend not to look as good as other types of material. Metal house roof styles with metal they look best on smaller, one story cottages rather than big, sprawling houses. Steel shingles last a long time, but don’t match many older style homes.
• Slate tiles are popular roofing materials for older houses in the Eastern United States, as well as many parts of Europe: This material was quite popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Wood, and particularly cedar shake roofs, were also common in the nineteenth century. Wood tends to add a rustic look to any home.

Roof Color and Your Home Roof Design

Tar shingles offer a variety of color schemes with which to work, and you will be able to most easily match your siding or paint with these. Here are some things to consider when choosing roof color:

• If you live in a colder climate, a darker colored roof is better, as it retains heat.
• If you live in a warmer climate, a lighter colored roof is better, as it reflects heat.
• Try to use materials that will blend well with the landscape.
• Use a natural material such as clay or slate, and if possible use material that can be found locally.