Are tiny house curved roofs worth it? (Explained)

Curved roofs have been incorporated into housing designs since the 1920s, with original designs actually coming from the need to create more space in barns for hay storage.

Since then, many people (including tiny house dwellers) have come to appreciate curved roof designs for their aeshetic appeal, as well as functionality.

For tiny homeowners, also, a flat roof can offer precious extra space that a shed, gable or tiny house flat roof can’t.

In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of tiny house curved roofs, as well as what to consider before building one, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your small space. 

Can tiny houses have curved roofs?

Yes, tiny houses on wheels can have curved roofs.

Curved roofs are strong and sturdy, and in some instances, they might be the best choice for your tiny house.

Tiny houe curved roofs are malleable in design, and can be made from numerous materials like metal sheeting and timber, with the designer being able to dictate the height of the curve wanted. 

The best wooden material options for tiny house curved roofs are cedar and teak wood due to their durability and resistance to moisture. This will help avoid wood rot in the long term.

Teak is the best option for your curved roof if your tiny house on wheels will experience fluctuating temperatures, as the wood has the lowest shrinkage ratio over time.

Pros of tiny house curved roofs

Additional space

A curved roof gives you access to more space in your tiny house.

With a higher, curved ceiling your tiny house on wheels will feel and look bigger.

Maybe the curve offers just enough space for a lofted bed, or now you can add cabinets and storage spaces on higher places on the wall, or maybe you’ll look into skylights for your curved roof to add some more natural lighting and air circulation.

Every inch is precious in a tiny house on wheels and adding a curved roof can ensure a little more space for your enjoyment. 

Here’s an example of a tiny house with a curved roof that utilises the space to host a soaking tub!

Weather resistance

A plus to adding a curved roof to your tiny house on wheels is that it can help your tiny house weather the elements outside.

The most obvious advantage is that snow and rain will slide off your roof rather than excessively clump or pool up.

Wind resistance is also reduced after installing a curved roof on your tiny house on wheels. Reducing any type of wind resistance to your tiny house on wheels is always a plus, as it can make it easier to tow your tiny house and help cut down on maintenance costs.

If you’re an adventurer who plans on taking their tiny house on wheels to places where the weather isn’t always smooth sailing, a curved roof may help keep your house stable in harsh winds.

Tiny house curved roofs also insulate very well and will hold more heat inside your tiny house, so it’s a smart move to install one if your tiny house on wheels will be located in a colder climate. 

Modern aesthetics

Your tiny house will look modern and edgy with a curved roof.

Most tiny homes are affixed with gabled or flat roofs, giving your tiny house a chance to stand out even more by adding a curved roof to the design.

You can even work with your developer to design a curved roof that is unique to your taste.

Whether it’s the curve height or the colorway, or the type of timber you’re interested in using, your tiny house curved roof can be completely customized to your liking.

Cons of tiny house curved roofs

Expenses

The expense of your tiny house curved roof will vary depending on the design chosen.

This includes the types of material chosen to make the roof, the height and width of the curve, and the size of your tiny house on wheels.

Most tiny house experts recommend hiring a developer for the installation of your curved roof, as it is rather difficult for a novice to install correctly. But, it’s better to pay for a proper installation rather than for continuous maintenance on a poorly built curved roof. 

Potential for over-insulation

While it’s important to always take tiny house roof ventilation and insulation seriously with whatever type of roof you choose, a curved roof may lead to more moisture problems than other types.

Tiny house curved roofs are known to insulate and trap heat really well, which is great when it’s cold but can create quite a problem when the weather gets warmer.

If you are planning on having your tiny house on wheels in a climate where it’s typically warmer, you should look into ways of dehumidifying your living space or be sure your ventilation system can handle the heat build-up in your tiny house.

What to consider for your curved roof design

Curved roofs are a great way to infuse your own design into your tiny house on wheels, modernizing it, but there are a few things to consider before making the decision to install one. 

It’s recommended to hire a developer or development team to build and install your curved roof if you are not an expert in roof installations yourself.

Unlike pitched or gabled roofs, the installation of a tiny house curved roof is more complex, with the materials needing to be worked to create a sustainable curvature while also properly insulating the tiny house on wheels.

Consider the expense of designing and installing a tiny house curved roof, and budget it into your tiny house on wheels project before going ahead with it. 

Curved roofs also cannot faciliate a rooftop garden for your tiny house. 

You should consider the climates your tiny house on wheels will endure and if a curved roof is optimal for its performance. If you’re going to be experiencing a lot of rain and snow, it will be a lot easier to have a curved roof that will allow the elements to slide off of it, rather than having to worry about cleaning off your tiny house on wheels’ roof.

The tiny house curved roof will also offer wind resistance while towing your tiny house on wheels and while stagnating.