Choosing the right roof shape is just as important as choosing the right roofing material. In Auckland, long run metal roofing has become a popular choice for homeowners thanks to its strength, clean lines, and low maintenance needs. But how well does it suit different roof types?
From classic gable and hip designs to more modern styles like mono-pitch and butterfly roofs, each shape brings its own considerations. In this guide, Advance Roofing will take you through the most common roof types we’ve seen across Auckland homes, and explain how they perform when paired with durable long run metal roofing.
Gable Roof
A gable roof is one of the most common roof styles in New Zealand. It features two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, forming a triangular “gable” wall on each end. This simple, pitched design is popular because it’s efficient at shedding rain and provides good attic space and ventilation. Gable roofs are also relatively straightforward to build, which can make them cost-effective for homeowners.
How it works with metal long run roofing: Gable roofs are ideal for long run metal sheets. The continuous metal panels can run from the ridge down to the eaves in one plane, minimising joints. This means fewer potential leak points and a fast installation. Metal roofing’s lightweight nature is an advantage on gable structures too. If you have an older gable roof with heavy concrete tiles, upgrading to metal during a re-roofing in Auckland reduces weight and stress on your home’s structure while giving it a fresh, modern look.
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A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, coming together at a ridge or a single point at the top (like a pyramid shape on square buildings). There are no vertical gable ends on a hip roof. Every side of the house has a downward slope. Hip roofs give a home a compact, solid appearance and are known for their stability. Because of their shape, hip roofs perform excellently in high winds; no end is completely exposed to gusts, which is beneficial in windy areas. The trade-off is that hip roofs have a somewhat more complex structure and usually a smaller internal attic space compared to gable roofs. They also involve more roofing materials and labour due to having four sides and valleys depending on building shape.
How it works with metal long run roofing: Long run metal roofing is very well-suited to hip roofs. In fact, many classic Auckland bungalows and villas with hip roofs have been re-roofed from old tiles to metal over the years. Each slope of a hip roof can be covered with metal panels, and we use purpose-made hip flashings along the seams where the slopes meet. Metal’s light weight is a big advantage if you’re replacing a heavy tiled hip roof, putting less load on the timber framing. Also, the ability to get custom-cut long run sheets means fewer overlaps even on the longer spans of a hip roof. The result is a clean, sleek look and excellent weather tightness. Our team often recommends metal roofing for hip roofs because it handles Auckland’s rain and wind so reliably.
Get in TouchMono-Pitch Roof
Mono-Pitch Roof, also known as skillion roof is a single sloping roof plane, typically angled in one direction. Imagine a roof that starts high on one side of the building and slopes down to the other side. There is no ridge line; the highest point is just the tall wall on one side. Monopitch roofs have become very popular in modern home designs around Auckland, especially for extensions, carports, and architecturally designed homes. They offer a contemporary look with high ceilings on one side and can incorporate high windows to let in lots of natural light. Because of their single-plane design, monopitch roofs are generally easier and quicker to build and have fewer joints than multi-sided roofs. They shed water efficiently as long as the roof has an adequate pitch.
How it works with metal long run roofing: Long run metal and monopitch roofs are a match made in heaven. Traditionally, even old Kiwi mono pitch roofs had corrugated iron mono-pitch roofs. With a monopitch roof, we can install long run sheets that span from the top all the way down to the gutter in one piece. This means virtually no horizontal seams where leaks could form. It provides a very clean look and excellent water runoff. One consideration: monopitch roofs in modern designs sometimes have a low pitch for style. Our team ensures that the correct profile of metal roofing is used for low slopes so that even a nearly flat-looking skillion will remain watertight in heavy Auckland downpours. If you’re building a new home with a mono-pitch roof, our new roof installation service will guide you in choosing the perfect long run profile and colour to complement that sleek roofline.
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A butterfly roof is a bold and modern roof that indeed resembles the wings of a butterfly. Instead of sloping upwards to a central ridge like a conventional roof, a butterfly roof has two roof planes that slope down toward the middle, creating a valley in the center. Essentially, it’s an inverted gable roof. Butterfly roofs first gained popularity in the mid-20th century, and they’ve seen a bit of a resurgence in contemporary eco-friendly design. Why? Because the inward slope naturally funnels rainwater to the center, where it can be collected via a central gutter and downpipes, perfect for rainwater harvesting. Also, the shape allows high walls on the outer sides of the building, perfect for tall windows that flood the interior with light and for mounting solar panels at an optimal angle. A butterfly roof gives a home a very distinctive, futuristic look and can create lofty interior ceilings at the edges of the house.
How it works with metal long run roofing: Butterfly roofs, with their inward slopes and central valley, create a striking architectural profile. Long run metal is ideal here, allowing seamless coverage down each slope and reliable drainage into a central trough. Given Auckland’s rainfall, we can install wide, weatherproof gutters and ensure all sheet joins are carefully flashed. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent blockages. When installed by experts, a butterfly roof delivers bold style and solid performance. We’re ready to collaborate with your architect or builder to ensure lasting protection and visual impact.
Get in TouchChoosing the Right Roof Type (and Material) for Your Home
At Advance Roofing, we specialise in long run metal roofing because it is lightweight, durable, and works with nearly any roof design. If your roof is made from old concrete tiles, clay tiles, or asphalt shingles, we can replace it with a modern long run metal roof while keeping the original roof shape. Get the same look you love with improved performance and lower maintenance. Based in Auckland, our experienced team handles everything from small repairs to full roof replacements with the care and quality you would expect from a trusted, family-run business. If you need honest advice or a quote, we are here to help you find the right roofing solution for your home.
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