Residential roof designs in mild climates or where there is little precipitation tend to exhibit lower pitched roofs and drainage at the exterior wall; an example of residential flat roof is that of the adobe construction in the American Southwest. In northern climates, where temperatures drop below freezing, or in southern climates with high temperatures, the need for greater thermal resistance will dictate the type of roof design as well as the waterproofing membrane specification. In areas that have a high accumulation of snow, such as Buffalo USA or Montreal Canada, a minimum slope of 6 inches in 12 inches (6/12) of roof surface is required. Roof pitches may exceed 45 or 50 degrees.

Cool roofs and green roofs are becoming increasingly popular, and in some cases are mandated by local codes. Cool roofs are defined as roofs with both high reflectivity and high emissivity. Green roofs have soil placed over the waterproofing membrane in which plants and even trees are planted.