What is Roof?
[[Image:Zakopane-schronisko-2.jpg|thumb|A roof in [[Poland]]. It has [[wood]]en shingles. Six ''dormers'' can be seen]] A '''roof''' is the top surface of the [[building]].<ref name=M-W>{{cite web |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roof |title=roof |author= |website=Merriam-Webster Dictionary |publisher=Merriam-Webster, Incorporated |accessdate=January 16, 2017}}</ref> The plural of 'roof' is 'roofs'.<ref name=M-W/> The roof keeps out [[rain]] and [[snow]] and protects people from the [[sun]]. Some roofs are [[:wikt:slope|sloped]], or [[:wikt:pitch|pitched]], so the rain and snow fall off easily. Some roofs are flat, but even flat roofs have a little bit of pitch so the water can flow away towards a drain. == Types == ''Gable'', ''hip'', ''gambrel'', ''shed'' and ''mansard'' roofs are the main types of pitched roofs.<ref name=PHMC>{{cite web |url=http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/architecture/resources/dictionary.html |title=Dictionary of Architectural Terms |author= |website= |publisher=Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission |accessdate=January 16, 2017}}</ref> The type of roof on a building helps identify the building style.<ref name=PHMC/> For example, an [[List of architectural styles|American Arts and Crafts style]] versus a [[Cape Cod (house)|Cape Cod style]]. Roofs are often covered in [[asphalt shingle|asphalt]] or [[wood shingle]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.angieslist.com/articles/4-common-roof-types-asphalt-shingles.htm |title=4 Common Roof Types: Asphalt Shingles |author=Rachel Vega |website= |date=27 September 2012 |publisher= Angie's List |accessdate=January 16, 2017}}</ref> But they can also be covered in [[metal]], [[slate]], [[thatch]] or [[clay tile]]s.<ref name=WallenderABT>{{cite web |url=http://homerenovations.about.com/od/houseexteriorframework/a/Survey-Of-Best-Roofing-Materials.htm |title=Roofing Materials: Asphalt, Wood, and Four Other Popular Options |author=Lee Wallender |website=About Homes |publisher=About, Inc |accessdate=January 16, 2017 |archi