Did you recently see a butterfly roof and feel tempted to have the same type of roof put on your new home? These roofs surely do have a unique appearance. Their "v" shape is completely opposite from what you're used to seeing. But is the unique look enough to make a butterfly roof ideal for your new home? Maybe, but maybe not. Consider the following key points about butterfly roofing before making this decision.
Butterfly roofs can be used to fill a water tank.
When someone has a butterfly roof put on their home, it is often for the purpose of collecting water. Water runs down either side of the roof and collects in the middle valley. The butterfly roof will be slightly sloped towards the back so the water all runs in that direction. You can position a barrel or water holding tank under the edge of the roof to collect that water, which you can use to irrigate your garden. If conserving water appeals to you, then a butterfly roof can help you do so.
Butterfly roofs are really wind-resistant.
Strong winds are a threat to many roof designs, but butterfly roofs tend to withstand high winds better than most other types of roofs. The wind will run through the middle of the "v" and is unlikely to catch under the roof's edge and tear it off. As such, you will often see butterfly roofs on homes in coastal areas where high winds are a common issue. Your homeowners insurance may even give you a discounted rate for choosing a butterfly roof since it reduces your risk of a tear-off.
Butterfly roofs do need repairs more often.
Having water constantly drain into the middle of a butterfly roof means that the middle section of the roof tends to experience a lot of wear and tear. You may get peeling and lifted shingles in this area after a few short years. It will be important to have any damage repaired ASAP to prevent leaks. If you are someone who is vigilant about home maintenance and repairs, this should not be a huge burden. But if you're looking for a low-maintenance roof you won't have to touch for years, a butterfly roof won't be it.
If you think a butterfly roof will work well on your new home, talk to your builder. They can refer you to roofers who install this kind of roof, and you can get a quote. For more information, contact a company like Troyer Roofing & Construction.