Getting your roof replaced is a stressful process for any homeowner. Whether you’re struggling to select a roofing material, trim color, or roof style, deciding on the best roof for you is far from simple.

While you navigate this decision, you might not consider the type of roof shape you want for your new replacement. Roof replacements offer new opportunities for unique shapes and styles that you can select depending on your home and preferences.

This article will cover three top resident roof shapes to consider for your home to help you make a confident, informed decision that complements your style.

Type One: Gable Roofs

A well-known roof shape is the gable roof, which consists of two sloping sides that meet at a ridge at the top of your roof. A gabled roof has a triangular extension, or gable, at the top of your home.

Gable roofs are popular for numerous reasons. The design of a gabled roof complements most homes, and if you are looking for a simple yet sophisticated roofing style, gable roofs are a wise choice. Gable roofs are more straightforward to design than other roofs and cost less than many other shapes. These roofs also offer more attic space and better ventilation.

However, selecting roofing providers that can install a well-constructed gable roof without too much overhang is essential. Without proper installation, you could face issues with high winds and poor weather that causes damage.

False-Front Gable Roof

The first variation of gable roofs to consider is false-front gable roofs. These roofs appear as two separate gable roofs because they include false gables on low-pitched roofs. False-front gable roofs are used solely for design purposes and exterior appeal. These roofs are the same style but give a different appearance to change the style of your home.

Dutch Gable Roof

Another variation of the traditional gable roof is the Dutch gable roof, which blends the styles of a traditional gable roof and a hip roof. A Dutch gable roof involves an additional gable to your hip roof that allows for more attic space and a new look to your home’s architecture.

Crossed-Gable Roofs

This variation of the traditional gable roof combines two roofing sections meeting at a 90-degree angle. The roofing sections in a crossed-gable roof might have the same height, pitch, or length; however, some homeowners prefer an asymmetrical style for crossed-gable roofs to differentiate home areas.

Type Two: Gambrel Roof

Gambrel roofs are a unique type of gabled roof that separates individual sloping roof sections into two parts, with a flatter part close to the ridge and another steeper part close to the eaves. Gambrel roofs are helpful for homeowners looking to maximize their under-roof attic space.

A gambrel roof is a common choice for residential homeowners because of its intriguing style and sturdiness compared to other roof styles. Gambrel roofs are made with sturdy materials and are helpful for homeowners seeking a roof where they can easily add gutters to the overhang. A gambrel roof is ideal for keeping your home safe from bad rainstorms that might damage other roofing styles.

However, a gambrel roof might not be ideal for areas with high winds or heavy snow accumulation. Gambrel roofs are less versatile than the traditional gabled roof, but the lack of versatility is made up for by the gambrel’s unique, historical style. Gambrel roofs are ideal for homeowners that want to install windows into their roof replacement. Though a gambrel roof is challenging to retrofit, your roof can last decades if you stay on top of maintenance.

Mansard Gambrel Roof

The first variation of a traditional gambrel roof is the mansard gambrel roof. Unlike the classic gambrel, a mansard gambrel roof has a French style with two slopes on each side of the roof. Mansard roofs create more space at the top of your home but reduce the overall height of your roof’s appearance.

Wall-Supported Gambrel Roof

A wall-supported gambrel roof has no ridge boards, cutting down on storage space but increasing the stylistic value of your home. Many consider the wall-supported gambrel the most visually appealing variation of gambrel roofs. A wall-supported gambrel roof is an attractive choice if you want a stylized look and don’t need extra space.

Type Three: Hip Roof

A hip roof slopes back from every side of your roof and is a self-bracing design, meaning it is sturdier than many other roofing options. Hip roofs don’t require as much diagonal bracing and are ideal for areas with high wind and heavy snow accumulation.

Additionally, a hip roof can combine with an L-shaped building or other gabled roofs to create a unique and appealing style. These roofs add to your home’s curb appeal and provide more ventilation and attic space than other roofs. However, some homeowners decide against hip roofs because they are more complex than gabled and gambrel roofs. This complexity means that installation might be more challenging, and the price of a hip roof is typically higher than other styles.

A hip roof might be perfect for your replacement if you live in an area with turbulent weather conditions, including high snowfall and hurricanes. Additionally, hip roofs have effective, high-quality gutters that prevent damage from rainfall and melted snow.

Half-Hip Roof

The first variation of the traditional hip roof is a half-hip roof. The gable on this roof has upper components replaced with smaller hips, making it easier to install gutters on every side of your roof.

Cross-Hip Roof

A cross-hip roof is a popular alternative to the traditional hip roof. The hips in a cross-hip style attach to an L-shaped building, with one part of the roof covering the perpendicular side of your home and the other covering the vertical side.

Pyramid Hip Roof

A pyramid hip roof is a style of hip roof where each side of your roof meets at the top to create a pyramid-like structure.

Hip and Valley Roof

The final variation of the traditional hip roof is a hip and valley roof, which helps homeowners seeking an irregular structure. This style is ideal if your roof requires more than four hips.

Find the Right Roof Replacement for You

Your roof replacement style should depend on your home’s structure and unique style preferences. If you struggle to select a single style, you might consider combining some styles, such as a Dutch gable roof or a hip-gambrel roof combination. Some of these combinations will protect you against harsh weather, sturdy materials, and attractive styles.

If you are looking for a new roof replacement in Pennsylvania, the experts at Volpe Enterprises can help you discover the roof of your dreams. Volpe Enterprises serves Pennsylvania residents seeking a variety of exterior and interior home repair services. Contact the experts at Volpe Enterprises today to discover a roofing style that’s right for you.