What You’re Seeing Around Bridgeville Might Be More Than Just a Design Trend
Drive through some of Bridgeville’s newer neighborhoods or renovation zones and you’ll probably see it: a home that looks like it was built with one eyebrow permanently raised. The roof dips down in the center and angles back up at the sides. It’s bold, modern, and—depending on your design taste—possibly your new obsession.
That’s called a ‘butterfly roof.’
If you’re wondering what a butterfly roof is or even just asking, what does a butterfly roof look like, we’re breaking it down for you—along with whether this is just architectural eye candy or a smart investment for Bridgeville homeowners.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this post:
- What defines a butterfly roof and where it came from
- Why this design does (or doesn’t) make sense in the Pittsburgh climate
- How much a butterfly roof typically costs
- What materials and structural upgrades it needs
- What Bridgeville homeowners should know before installing one
Need help weighing whether a butterfly roof is the right fit for your home? New Look Exteriors is here to help.
What Is a Butterfly Roof, Exactly?
Let’s answer the big question: what is a butterfly roof?
A butterfly roof is a roof style where the two sides slope inward instead of outward, forming a “V” shape with a low point in the middle. From the side, it mimics a butterfly’s wings in rest—hence the name. This design became popular in Mid-Century Modern architecture but is gaining traction again in custom homes, green builds, and contemporary renovations.
What Does a Butterfly Roof Look Like on a Real Home?
Picture a traditional gable roof. Now flip it upside down. The peak becomes a valley, and water (or snow) flows toward the center, not away from it. That central valley often includes internal drains or hidden gutters. It also creates an opportunity for higher outer walls and clerestory windows—meaning more natural light and potentially vaulted ceilings inside.
Sounds slick, right? It is. But it also comes with trade-offs, especially in climates like ours.
Why Butterfly Roofs Need Special Consideration in Bridgeville
Here in Bridgeville, we’re dealing with a little bit of everything: rain, snow, ice, wind, freeze-thaw cycles—you name it. That means the design features that make a butterfly roof so attractive also make it more demanding when it comes to drainage and waterproofing.
Quick reality check:
- That central valley? A snow and water magnet.
- That clean drainage line? A maintenance priority.
- That ultra-modern silhouette? Only worth it if the materials and install are dialed in.
Bottom line: This roof has to be done right—or it’s going to cost you more in repairs than in curb appeal.
Solution Prep: What to Know Before You Build a Butterfly Roof
If you’re considering this design, don’t start with the look. Start with the logistics. Here’s what needs to happen before a butterfly roof makes sense for your Bridgeville home:
1. Set a Realistic Budget
A butterfly roof is more expensive than your standard gable or hip. Custom framing, drainage engineering, and premium materials drive the price up. Expect:
- $7,000–$18,000+ total, depending on size and specs
- Additional costs for internal drainage, snow protection, and structural supports
2. Check Code Requirements
Bridgeville and Allegheny County may require:
- Architectural drawings
- Snow load calculations
- Specialized permits for modern or low-slope roofs
3. Plan for Drainage and Snow Management
If your roof design doesn’t include:
- Proper slope
- Interior drains or oversized gutters
- EPDM or metal protection for the valley
…you’re likely heading toward trouble.
4. Choose the Right Contractor
Not every roofer has experience with butterfly roofs—or even low-slope designs. Look for teams (like New Look Exteriors) who specialize in:
- Standing seam metal roofing
- Flat and low-slope membrane systems
- Drainage-integrated installs
Butterfly Roofs: Pros, Cons, and How They Actually Perform
Let’s get into the meat of it—why this design works for some homes, and why it’s a “maybe not” for others.
Advantages of a Butterfly Roof
Built-in Water Management
The inverted slope channels water to one centralized valley, making this design perfect for rainwater harvesting or controlled drainage setups.
Natural Light, Done Right
Butterfly roofs create ideal conditions for clerestory windows—allowing natural light to flood into the space without compromising privacy.
Modern Aesthetic
For homeowners going all-in on a Mid-Century Modern or contemporary build, nothing beats the look of a butterfly roof.
Higher Ceilings = Bigger Feel
The outer walls lift higher, allowing for vaulted ceilings or open concept interiors.
Drawbacks You Shouldn’t Ignore
More Frequent Maintenance
That valley isn’t going to clean itself. You’ll need to keep it free of debris, ice, and buildup—or deal with water pooling.
Snow Accumulation
Bridgeville gets real winter. That means the central valley can turn into a snow trap, requiring snow removal or structural reinforcement.
It’s Not Budget Roofing
This is a custom build, not a cookie-cutter install. It demands more time, more material precision, and more cost upfront.
Deep Dive: Materials, Lifespan, and What We Recommend
Let’s say you’re ready to commit. Now comes the question: what should a butterfly roof be made of?
Best Roofing Materials for Butterfly Roofs
| Material | Strengths | Considerations |
| Standing Seam Metal | Fast drainage, long lifespan, works with slope | Higher cost, but worth it for Bridgeville’s weather |
| EPDM Rubber Membrane | Seamless waterproofing in valley areas | Needs pro install and regular inspection |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingles | Budget-friendly, familiar | Not ideal for central valleys unless reinforced with membrane underneath |
At New Look Exteriors, we recommend Goodview Metals standing seam roofing (made right in Apollo, PA) and EPDM for low-slope or valley zones. These materials offer superior durability and are made to handle the types of weather we get in Western PA.
Warranties and Longevity
- Material warranties: Up to 50 years (metal); 20–30 years (EPDM)
- Workmanship warranties: We offer up to 10 years on premium installs
If you’re investing in a butterfly roof, warranties aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Common Questions About Butterfly Roofs in Bridgeville
If you’re considering a butterfly roof or just learning about modern roof designs, chances are you’ve got some specific questions—especially about how this roof style works in our climate here in Bridgeville. Below, we’ve answered the most common ones homeowners ask us.
What does a butterfly roof look like?
A butterfly roof looks like an inverted gable roof, with two roof slopes that angle inward and meet in the center. This creates a V-shape—much like a butterfly’s wings at rest—giving the home a dramatic, modern appearance from the front or side.
Is a butterfly roof good for snowy climates like Bridgeville?
A butterfly roof can work in snowy climates like Bridgeville if it’s properly engineered. The central valley must be designed to handle snow accumulation and drainage efficiently to avoid pooling or structural stress in winter.
How much does a butterfly roof cost in Bridgeville?
The cost of a butterfly roof in Bridgeville typically ranges from $7,000 to $18,000 or more. Pricing depends on roof size, framing complexity, materials used, and drainage system requirements specific to our regional weather.
What is the best material for a butterfly roof?
The best materials for a butterfly roof are standing seam metal and EPDM membrane systems. These materials handle water efficiently, resist leaks, and perform well in the central valley where most drainage occurs.
How does a butterfly roof drain water?
A butterfly roof drains water by directing it toward the center valley, where internal drains, scuppers, or gutters carry it away from the structure. This setup works well when designed with proper slope, waterproofing, and maintenance access.
Is a butterfly roof high-maintenance?
Yes, a butterfly roof is generally higher maintenance than traditional roofs. The central valley collects water, snow, and debris, requiring regular cleaning and periodic inspections to prevent blockages or leaks.
Can New Look Exteriors install a butterfly roof?
New Look Exteriors can install the roofing systems required for a butterfly roof, including standing seam metal and EPDM membranes. While we don’t frame the roof structure itself, we handle the materials and installation techniques that make this style function reliably in Bridgeville’s climate.
Final Take: Is a Butterfly Roof Worth It?
So—what is a butterfly roof? It’s part art, part science. A bold architectural choice that, when done right, offers style, sustainability, and strong performance. But here’s the kicker: it’s only worth it if the design is dialed in, the materials are high quality, and the contractor knows what they’re doing.
At New Look Exteriors, we’ve helped homeowners in Bridgeville make smart, long-term roofing decisions—whether they’re going traditional or taking the modern route. If a butterfly roof is on your radar, let’s make sure it fits your budget, your home, and our climate.
