Types of Roofs: Complete Guide to Roof Styles & Materials

1. Gable Roof

The gable roof is the most recognizable and common roof shape in America. Two sloping planes meet at a central ridge, forming a triangular shape at each end (the “gable”). It's the default roof for residential construction because it's the simplest and cheapest to frame.

Pros: Lowest cost to build and replace. Excellent water and snow runoff. Maximum attic ventilation and usable attic space. Works with every roofing material. Simple design means faster installation and fewer leak points.

Cons: The flat gable-end wall is vulnerable to high winds — it acts like a sail. In NJ nor'easters, gable-end walls can fail if not properly braced. Less structurally rigid than hip roofs.

Variations: Front gable (gable faces the street), side gable (gable on the sides), cross gable (two gable sections forming an L or T shape — the most common variation in NJ), and box gable (enclosed triangular section at each end).

Best for: Budget-conscious projects, homes in moderate wind zones, maximizing attic space. The cross-gable variant is the standard for NJ colonials, split-levels, and bi-levels.

2. Hip Roof

A hip roof has four sloping sides that all meet at a ridge. Unlike a gable, there are no flat vertical walls exposed to the wind. Each side slopes down to the eaves at the same angle.

Pros: Superior wind resistance — the aerodynamic shape deflects wind from every direction, making hip roofs the best choice for hurricane and nor'easter zones. Self-bracing structure is inherently stronger than gable. Overhangs on all four sides provide even shade and weather protection. Some insurance companies offer discounts for hip roofs.

Cons: Costs 10–15% more than gable due to more complex framing, more material waste on hip-line cuts, and additional hip and ridge cap shingles. Less usable attic space than a gable of the same footprint. More seams and transitions mean slightly higher leak risk if not installed properly.

Variations: Simple hip (four equal sides), cross hip (two hip sections meeting), and pyramid hip (four sides meeting at a single point instead of a ridge — common on gazebos and square structures).

Best for: High-wind areas, homeowners prioritizing structural strength, ranch-style homes. Very popular on newer construction in NJ suburbs.

3. Mansard Roof

The mansard roof has four sides, each with two slopes — a steep near-vertical lower slope and a flatter upper slope that may not be visible from ground level. Named after French architect François Mansart, this style creates maximum usable space under the roof, effectively creating a full floor with dormer windows.

Pros: Maximum interior living space under the roof line. The steep lower slopes can incorporate large dormer windows for natural light. Elegant, distinctive appearance associated with French and Second Empire architecture. The upper flat section can serve as a small terrace or green roof area.

Cons: The most expensive roof style to replace — the steep lower sections require specialized installation, different materials (often slate or standing seam), and additional safety equipment. The flat upper section needs membrane roofing and careful drainage. Maintenance is higher due to the complexity. Snow can accumulate on the flat top section.

Best for: Historic homes, homeowners wanting maximum attic/living space, French-inspired architecture. Found throughout Montclair, South Orange, and Glen Ridge in NJ's historic neighborhoods.

4. Flat Roof

Flat roofs are not truly flat — they have a slight slope (typically 1/4” to 1/2” per foot) for drainage. They use membrane systems (TPO, EPDM, PVC, or modified bitumen) rather than shingles. Common on commercial buildings, multi-family homes, row houses, and modern architectural designs.

Pros: Usable rooftop space (HVAC equipment, solar panels, rooftop decks, green roofs). Lower material cost per square foot. Easy access for maintenance and repairs. Modern, clean aesthetic. No attic space to heat or cool (energy efficient for the top floor).

Cons: Drainage is the #1 concern — ponding water accelerates membrane deterioration and can cause leaks. NJ snow loads add structural stress. Shorter membrane lifespan (20–30 years) compared to metal or slate on pitched roofs. Requires more frequent inspections (twice yearly recommended). Ice dam potential in NJ winters.

Best for: Commercial buildings, multi-family homes, modern design, homes with rooftop HVAC. Very common in Newark, East Orange, Irvington, and other NJ urban areas. See our flat roof services.

5. Gambrel Roof

A gambrel roof has two slopes on each of two sides — a steep lower slope and a shallow upper slope. Unlike the mansard (four sides), the gambrel only has two sloped sides with flat gable ends. Think classic American barn or Dutch Colonial home.

Pros: Maximizes upper-floor living space similar to a mansard but simpler and cheaper to build. The steep lower sections shed water quickly. Iconic Americana appearance that adds character. Common on Dutch Colonial homes that are popular in NJ.

Cons: The flat gable ends are vulnerable to wind (same issue as standard gable). The shallow upper slope does not shed snow as efficiently — ice dams can form at the transition between the steep and shallow sections. Not recommended in high-wind zones without proper bracing.

Best for: Dutch Colonial and farmhouse-style homes, maximizing upper-floor space on a budget, rural and suburban settings. Found throughout NJ's older suburbs.

6. Shed Roof

A shed roof is a single flat plane sloping in one direction. The simplest roof form — one high wall and one low wall with a single slope between them. Used on home additions, porches, dormers, and modern architectural designs.

Pros: Simplest and cheapest to build. Excellent drainage in one direction. Modern, clean appearance. Can create dramatic high ceilings on one side of the room. Solar panel installation is straightforward. Works with any material.

Cons: All water drains to one side, requiring robust guttering on that edge. Not suitable for large spans without support. Limited aesthetic appeal for primary roofs on traditional homes.

Best for: Home additions, porches, modern/contemporary primary homes, outbuildings. Increasingly used in NJ modern construction and renovations.

7. Butterfly Roof

A butterfly roof is essentially an inverted gable — two surfaces slope inward toward each other, creating a valley in the middle. Popular in mid-century modern architecture and contemporary designs.

Pros: Dramatic, distinctive appearance. The central valley can collect rainwater for eco-friendly water harvesting. The upward-angling outer edges allow for large windows and natural light. Strong visual statement on modern homes.

Cons: The central valley is a major waterproofing challenge — any drainage failure leads to leaks directly into the center of the home. Not practical for NJ snow loads without robust engineering. Expensive to build and maintain. Very few contractors have experience with this style.

Best for: Modern/contemporary custom homes, warm climates, architectural statement projects. Rare in NJ due to snow concerns.

8. Sawtooth Roof

A sawtooth roof features multiple parallel ridges with alternating steep and shallow slopes, resembling saw teeth from the side. Originally designed for factories and industrial buildings to maximize natural light through vertical windows (clerestories) on the steep side.

Pros: Maximum natural light through clerestory windows. Distinctive industrial aesthetic. Excellent for large commercial spaces, artist studios, and loft conversions. The north-facing clerestories provide even, glare-free light.

Cons: Complex and expensive to build and maintain. Multiple valleys create drainage challenges. Snow accumulation at the base of each vertical section. Primarily a commercial/industrial design. In NJ, mostly seen on converted industrial lofts.

9. Dutch Gable Roof

A Dutch gable is a hybrid: a hip roof with a small gable (triangular wall section) at the top of each end. It combines the wind resistance of a hip roof with the ventilation and decorative benefits of a gable.

Pros: Better wind resistance than a full gable thanks to the hip structure. The gable section allows attic ventilation and can incorporate decorative windows. More visual interest than a plain hip roof. Good balance of performance and aesthetics.

Cons: More complex to frame and shingle than either a simple gable or hip, so costs more. The transition between hip and gable sections needs careful flashing to prevent leaks.

Best for: Homeowners wanting the hip roof's wind resistance plus attic ventilation. Common on NJ craftsman homes and some colonial revivals.

10. Jerkinhead Roof

A jerkinhead roof is a gable roof where the peak of each gable end is “clipped” — the top of the triangular gable wall is replaced by a small hip. It looks like a gable roof that someone trimmed the pointed tips off of.

Pros: Better wind resistance than a full gable because the clipped ends don't catch wind as aggressively. More attic space than a full hip roof. Distinctive, elegant appearance. Can qualify for wind-resistant roof insurance credits in some areas.

Best for: Wind-prone areas, arts-and-crafts and bungalow styles. Occasionally found on older NJ craftsman homes.

11. Skillion Roof

A skillion is a single flat surface set at a steep angle. Similar to a shed roof but typically steeper and used as a primary roof rather than just for additions. Multiple skillion sections at different heights and angles create dynamic modern architecture.

Best for: Modern and contemporary homes, architect-designed custom builds, homes prioritizing solar panel placement. Growing in popularity in NJ new construction.

12. A-Frame Roof

An A-frame roof extends from the ridgeline all the way to the ground (or near ground), making the roof and walls essentially the same structure. The steep pitch sheds snow and rain instantly. Popular for cabins, ski lodges, and vacation homes.

Best for: Vacation homes, heavy snow areas, unique architectural statements. Rarely used for primary residences in NJ but found in the Poconos and NJ lake communities.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles dominate the residential roofing market for good reason: they offer the best balance of cost, durability, and appearance. Three grades exist:

• 3-Tab Shingles ($4.50–$6.50/sq ft, 15–20 yrs) — Single-layer, flat appearance. Being phased out.
• Architectural Shingles ($5.50–$8.00/sq ft, 25–30 yrs) — Multi-layered dimensional look. Industry standard. 130 mph wind rating.
• Designer/Luxury Shingles ($8.00–$14.00/sq ft, 30–50 yrs) — Thick profiles mimicking slate or cedar. Maximum curb appeal in asphalt.

For detailed comparisons, see our complete guide to shingle types and architectural vs. 3-tab comparison.

Metal Roofing

Metal is the fastest-growing roofing category in America. Types include standing seam (long vertical panels, no exposed fasteners), metal shingles (look like traditional shingles), stone-coated steel (mimics tile or shake), and corrugated panels (agricultural/commercial).

In NJ, standing seam metal handles nor'easters with 140+ mph wind ratings, sheds snow efficiently (with snow guards), and reflects solar heat for lower cooling bills. Metal can last 50–70 years — meaning most homeowners who choose metal will never need another roof.

Read our metal roof vs. shingles comparison and standing seam metal roof guide.

Natural Slate

Natural slate is the longest-lasting roofing material. Quarried stone tiles that resist fire, rot, insects, and most weather damage. Many NJ slate roofs installed in the 1800s are still performing today. Found on Victorian, Colonial, and Tudor homes throughout Montclair, South Orange, Glen Ridge, and Maplewood.

The major tradeoffs are cost (3–5x more than shingles) and weight (800–1,500 lbs per roofing square). Most homes need structural reinforcement for a new slate roof. Repair requires a specialist — general roofers can damage slate tiles by walking on them incorrectly.

See our slate roof repair and restoration guide.

Synthetic Slate

Made from recycled rubber, polymer, or fiber cement composites, synthetic slate closely mimics the appearance of natural stone at 40–60% of the cost. It weighs 75% less than real slate, so most existing roof structures can support it without reinforcement.

Growing in popularity for NJ homeowners who love the slate aesthetic but cannot justify (or their home cannot support) the weight and expense of natural stone.

Clay & Concrete Tile

Clay tiles are the premium option — handcrafted with natural color that never fades. Concrete tiles offer a similar look at lower cost with a wider color range. Both are extremely heavy (600–1,100 lbs per roofing square) and require reinforced framing.

Less common in NJ than in Florida, Arizona, or California, but found on Mediterranean-style custom homes and some upscale developments. NJ's freeze-thaw cycles can crack lower-quality tiles, so premium frost-rated products are essential.

Cedar Shake

Cedar shake provides a warm, natural aesthetic that no manufactured product truly replicates. Each shake is unique, and the wood develops a beautiful silver-gray patina over time. Common on Craftsman, Cape Cod, and cottage-style homes in NJ.

The tradeoff is maintenance. NJ's humidity promotes moss, mildew, and wood rot. Cedar roofs need periodic treatments (every 3–5 years), prompt removal of debris, and careful monitoring for insect damage. Some NJ municipalities have fire restrictions that limit cedar shake installation. Read our cedar shake roofing guide.

Flat Roof Membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC)

Flat roofs require single-ply membrane systems rather than overlapping shingles or tiles:

• TPO ($5.00–$9.00/sq ft) — Thermoplastic polyolefin. Energy-efficient white surface. Heat-welded seams. Most popular for commercial flat roofs. 20–30 year lifespan.
• EPDM ($5.00–$8.00/sq ft) — Ethylene propylene diene monomer (synthetic rubber). Proven 60-year track record. Black surface absorbs heat (good for NJ winters). 20–25 year lifespan.
• PVC ($6.00–$11.00/sq ft) — Polyvinyl chloride. Superior chemical resistance. Heat-welded seams. Best for restaurants, commercial kitchens, or areas exposed to grease/chemicals. 20–30 year lifespan.
• Modified Bitumen ($4.00–$8.00/sq ft) — Asphalt-based with rubberized modifiers. Installed in layers for redundancy. Oldest technology of the group. 15–20 year lifespan.

For a deep dive, see our flat roof membrane comparison.

Roofing Materials Comparison Table

*Cedar shake without fire-retardant treatment is Class C. Treated cedar can achieve Class A or B. NJ Grade reflects overall suitability for NJ climate, cost-effectiveness, and availability of qualified installers.

Roof Style + Material Pairing Guide

Not every material works on every roof style. Here are the best combinations:

For detailed cost comparisons, see our complete roof replacement cost guide and roofing materials comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Roofs