Residential Roofing Types: A Complete Guide

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For most Oklahoma homeowners, Class 4 Architectural Shingles offer the best balance of cost, hail protection, and insurance savings (15–28% premium discounts). For homeowners who want lifetime durability and maximum energy savings, Standing Seam Metal Roofing is the #1 choice — with 40–70+ year lifespans and 20–40% cooling cost reductions.

When homeowners say “roof type,” they usually mean one of two things:

Roof Shape (Style)

The geometric form of your roof — gable, hip, gambrel, flat, etc. This is determined by your home's architecture and affects drainage, wind resistance, and attic space.

Roofing Material

What your roof is made of — asphalt shingles, metal panels, clay tile, slate, etc. This determines lifespan, cost, storm performance, and energy efficiency.

Both matter when choosing a new roof. Your roof’s shape affects which materials work best, and your material choice affects long-term cost and maintenance. This guide covers both.

Gable Roofs

The classic triangular shape you see on most American homes. Two sloping sides meet at a peak, forming an “A” shape.

Pros

Cons

Best for

Most Oklahoma homes — ideal for neighborhoods across Edmond, Norman, and Moore where moderate winds and heavy rain are common.

Hip Roofs

All four sides slope downward toward the walls, creating a more stable structure. No flat gable ends exposed to wind.

Pros

Cons

Best for

Oklahoma homeowners in high-wind zones. Popular in Yukon, Mustang, and newer OKC subdivisions built to modern wind codes.

Gambrel & Mansard Roofs

Gambrel roofs have two slopes on each side (like a barn), while mansard roofs have four double-sloped sides. Both maximize upper-floor living space.

Pros

Cons

Best for

Homeowners wanting a colonial or French-inspired look. Less common in Oklahoma but found in upscale neighborhoods and custom builds.

70+ MPH Straight-Line Winds

Standing Seam Metal

Hip-roof + Architectural Shingles

Unsealed 3-Tab, Wood Shake

Golf-Ball Sized Hail (1.75"+)

Class 4 IR Shingles, Standing Seam Metal

Stone-Coated Steel

3-Tab Asphalt, Clay Tile, Wood

105°F+ Summer Heat

Metal (reflects 40%+ solar heat), TPO