Garage roof shapes

Why is the roof shape important?

The roof shape determines:

• how well rainwater runs off
• how much maintenance is required
• how high the garage will be
• how it looks

Flat roof (very slight slope)

Typical features: almost flat, water must be drained away via drains.

Advantages:

• Low height
• Clear, compact shape

Typical disadvantages in older garages:

• Water can remain standing (puddles)
• Waterproofing ages due to UV, temperature changes and moisture
• Regular inspection and cleaning important
• Waterproofing often needs to be renewed after a few years

Monopitch roof (one sloping surface)

Typical features: a sloping surface, water runs off to one side.

Advantages:

• Reliable water drainage
• Less maintenance
• Modern look
• Good basis for PV (depending on orientation)

Important: ZAPF as a renovation solution

ZAPF uses monopitch roofs especially as add-on monopitch roofs for renovation: a new, sloping roof is mounted on top of the existing flat-roof garage – as a permanent alternative to recurring waterproofing repairs.

Gable roof (two sloping surfaces)

Typical features: as with many houses – two roof surfaces that slope down to the left and right.

Advantages

• Very good water and snow drainage
• Classic look

Disadvantages

• Higher garage
• More material, often higher costs (depending on design)

Hipped roof (sloping on all sides)

Typical features: Roof surfaces slope down on all sides.

Advantages

• Very stable
• Even load distribution

Disadvantages

• More complex and usually more expensive
• Less common for garages

Quick comparison for end customers

Roof shape Does water drain well? Maintenance Garage becomes taller?

Flat roof Rather difficult Rather high Low

Monopitch roof Very good Low Medium (one side higher)

Gable roof Very good Low High

Hipped roof Very good Low High

Which roof shape is right for me? (3 simple questions)

• Do I want low maintenance? → Sloped roofs are usually advantageous
• Can the garage be taller? → Important for gabled/hipped roofs and also for monopitch roofs (one side)
• Am I planning to install photovoltaics? → Monopitch roofs can be well suited for this (depending on orientation/space)

Further options:

👉 https://www.zapf-garagen.de/garagen/ausstattung

ZAPF note: Solution for problematic flat roofs

If an existing flat-roofed garage leaks or requires regular maintenance, ZAPF offers a tried-and-tested renovation solution in the form of the add-on monopitch roof. This involves installing a new, sloping roof on top of the existing garage. This ensures clear and reliable drainage, reduces maintenance and enhances the appearance of the garage.

ZAPF's monopitch roofs are manufactured in our own workshops and are therefore available all year round.

Interested in modernising your garage with a pent roof?

If your flat-roofed garage is causing problems or you are looking for a durable, low-maintenance solution, ZAPF can help you modernise your existing garage. Our expert advisors will assess the structural conditions, clarify technical and legal issues and show you suitable solutions.

Contact our team for garage modernisation