What is a Butterfly Roof? Should Homeowners Consider One?

Butterfly roofs are different from normal roofs, which are triangle-shaped to remove water quickly and avoid problems like leaks. Conversely, these V-shaped roofs can add a very modern appearance to your home. 

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we aim to educate homeowners about different roof styles and types. This complete blog post will cover the following subtopics:

• What is a Butterfly Roof?
• Purpose of Butterfly Roofs
• Disadvantages of Butterfly Roofs
• Cost to Install a Butterfly Roof

What Is A Butterfly Roof?

The structure of a butterfly roofing system is like a reversed-pitched roof. A butterfly roof has two leaning sides that meet in the middle, forming a V-shape. 

The butterfly roofs have a very interesting history. The idea of butterfly roofs came from a famous architect named Le Corbusier. He used this roof style for a house in Chile in 1930. 

Over the next few decades, other architects around the world tried out the butterfly roof design. In 1943, Oscar Niemeyer built a yacht club in Brazil with this roof shape. In 1945, Marcel Breuer brought the style to the United States with a house in New York. 

William Krisel and Dan Palmer made this roof design really popular in Palm Springs, California, in the late 1950s. Starting in 1957, they built thousands of houses with this unique roof shape in Palm Springs, creating the largest modern-style housing development in the country at that time. 

What Is The Purpose Of A Butterfly Roof?

As you now know what a butterfly roof is and how they originated, here’s a quick overview of the functionality they bring to a building. 

#1 Water Collection

Unlike other roofing systems where water ponding is a concern, these roofs are made especially for collecting rainwater. The V-shape of the butterfly roofing system helps collect rainwater in the middle. This water can be saved and used for things like watering plants or flushing toilets. The design is good for saving water, especially in dry areas. 

#2 More Natural Light

The high points of the roof allow you to install big windows in your home. This means more natural light in your house. It makes rooms brighter and can help save on lighting costs during the day.

#3 Unique Appearance

Butterfly roofs offer a unique and distinctive appearance to a building, which many homeowners like. This can make a home stand out in the neighborhood and increase the overall value of your home.

#4 Extra Head Space

The high parts of the roof can make ceilings taller. This makes rooms feel bigger and more open. It can be nice for living rooms or bedrooms, giving a sense of more space.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Butterfly Roofs?

Despite the benefits mentioned above, you may face certain challenges with butterfly roofing systems. Knowing them prior will help you make an informed decision about this roof shape. 

#1 Risk Of Water Damage

The common meeting point of the two edges is susceptible to damage if water is collected for a long time or if the roof is not installed properly. If you live in an area with heavy rain, this can lead to other problems, including leaks and interior damage. Also, the structure of your roof must be strong enough to handle the weight of any ponded water. 

#2 Not Recommended For Areas With Extreme Snow

If you live in a region with extreme snow, then butterfly roofs are not a good option. Like water, they can also collect snow, increasing the burden on your building’s overall structure. This can lead to your roof aging at a faster rate. Homeowners must frequently clear snow to avoid excessive buildup, which can be dangerous and time-consuming.

#3 Regular Maintainance Is Necessary

The inverted roof shape makes it more difficult to access and maintain the roof compared to other roofing types. You need to clean the central valley regularly to avoid any obstruction of the drainage system. 

How Do Butterfly Roofs Drain?

The V-shape of butterfly roofs meets at a common point. This lowest point in the center of the roof is called the central valley. When it rains, water flows down both slopes towards this valley.

In the valley, there's a gutter or drain pipe. This is the main part of the butterfly roof drainage system. The water collects in this gutter and then flows into downspouts, which are vertical pipes attached to the sides of the building.

The downspouts guide the water away from the house's foundation. Sometimes, the water is directed into a rain barrel or a drainage system in the ground.

For the butterfly roof drainage to work well, the valley must be wide enough and have the right slope. This ensures water moves quickly and doesn't pool.

Some butterfly roofing systems use special materials in the valley, like rubber membranes, to prevent leaks. Regular cleaning of the valley and gutters is important to keep the drainage working properly.

In areas with heavy rain, butterfly roofs might have bigger gutters or more downspouts to handle more water. This helps them drain efficiently, even during storms.

What Is The Best Material For Butterfly Roofs?

Metal is a preferred material for butterfly roofs due to its durability and strength. The unique design of a butterfly roofing system benefits greatly from metal's properties, making it an excellent choice to support the functionality of these distinctive structures.

The butterfly roof's inverted structure requires a tough material to handle water drainage effectively. Metal roofs excel in this aspect, providing superior water resistance and longevity. Its smooth surface allows for efficient water flow, decreasing the risk of leaks and water damage common in butterfly roofs.

Moreover, metal's lightweight nature doesn't add unnecessary burden to the building's structure while still offering exceptional strength to withstand environmental stresses. The material's versatility allows for seamless integration with the butterfly roofing system's unique angles and slopes.

However, you can also use other roofing materials like tiles and shingles. If installed properly, they function well in normal weather. 

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Butterfly Roof?

Installing a butterfly roof on your building can cost anywhere between $7,000 and $18,000. The exact price will depend on how big your building is and the materials you choose. 

Butterfly roofing systems can be more expensive than other roofing types because they require strong structures and additional support. They are tricky to install and need proper waterproofing. You also need to hire a roofer with relevant experience working with butterfly roofs. This can add to the overall cost of the installation, making them a pricier option than some other types of roofs.

Call McClellands Contracting And Roofing For Roof Installation Services In Pittsburgh, PA

We are here to assist you if you are looking for a roof installation in Pittsburgh, PA, or nearby areas. At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we aim to provide top-quality roofing services. We have a dedicated team of roofers with years of experience working with different roofing types and materials. Our quality workmanship makes us one of the best-rated roofing contractors in Pennsylvania. To know more about our services, feel free to call us at (412) 353-5660.