What Is A Bonnet Roof?

Bonnet roofs are ideal for tropical homes since they perform well in storms. On this house, a bonnet hip roof covers the main home and the guest house.
The disadvantages of a bonnet roof:
Not all roof tiles will look the Mediterranean. The type and color you pick will drastically influence the look of your home.
A bonnet roof is a hip roof extending past a home’s walls on all sides. The overhang provides shade and is a top pick for homes with outdoor patio space or wrap-around porches.

What is a Bonnet Roof?

The advantages of a bonnet roof:
You can use any material on a bonnet roof. Two of the most popular materials are tiles and metal. Tiles work well for Mediterranean-style homes, while metal fits modern style.

Pros and Cons of a Bonnet Roof

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, a bonnet roof provides better high wind protection than a gable roof. Otherwise, both have their pros and cons. A gable roof is simple and less expensive but doesn’t provide shade like a bonnet roof.
A bonnet roof is an excellent choice if you live in a tropical environment or want shade over a wrap-around porch. The design does come at a cost, though – it’s expensive to build.

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If you’re considering building or buying a home with a bonnet roof, here’s what you should know.

• Shade – The overhang of a bonnet roof is ideal if you want a covered front porch or patio.
• High-wind resistant – Since a bonnet roof is a variation of a hip roof, it’s one of the most structurally sound and can withstand high winds.
• Siding protection – The roof overhang will help protect your siding from UV rays and water damage.
• Attic Space – The high pitch of a hip roof allows for plenty of attic space.
• Water drainage and gutter installation – The slope of a bonnet proof allows for easy water drainage. The design is also advantageous for a gutter system.
• Aesthetics – Bonnet roofs add a unique style to a home and can boost curb appeal.

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Here’s a look at the pros and cons of a bonnet roof.

• Costly to build – Compared to a standard hip roof, bonnet roofs require more trusses. They are more complex and expensive to build.
• Potential for leaks – The more seams a roof has, the more potential for leaks. You’ll need to inspect your bonnet roof annually and after storms to check for damage.

Bonnet Roof Examples

While similar, a bonnet and mansard roof have different slopes. A mansard roof has two slopes on all sides. The top pitch is shallow, while the bottom slope is steep. A bonnet roof also has two slopes on each side, but in reverse – the top slope is steep, and the bottom is shallow.

Metal Bonnet Roof Over Wraparound Porch

A bonnet roof has four hipped sides, each with a slight slope at the bottom. The shape provides shade like a bonnet, which is where this roof gets its name.
Bonnet roofs are typical for pool houses since they provide shade.

Wood Shingled Bonnet Roof on a Pool House

Bonnet roofs are popular for homes with large wrap-around porches. While this type of roof can be complex and costly to build, it has a fair share of advantages.
While the style of a bonnet roof can vary, these roofs all have one thing in common: an overhang. The sides of a bonnet roof extend past the home’s wall providing shade and shelter.

Island Home with Bonnet Roof

These roofs are versatile, suiting traditional, modern, and island-style homes.
You can use any material on a bonnet roof, including wood shingles. The bonnet roof on this pool house features an overhang on all four sides with a much larger one on the front.

Mediterranean Home with Tile Bonnet Roof

There are variations of bonnet roofs. Here are a few examples.
Aside from providing shade, a bonnet roof has other advantages. It’s structurally sound, protects a home’s siding, and promotes optimal water drainage. The biggest downside to this roof style is the cost and potential for leaks.
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Final Thoughts

If you’ve thought of adding tiles to your roof, here’s an idea of how it might look. The Mediterranean-style home looks quaint with its blue shutters and orange tile roof.