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Roofing 101: Understanding the Different Types of Roofs

Jason Jaworski • February 14, 2025

When you are looking at getting your roof replaced, understanding what type of roof you have will tremendously help. When you know what you have, you gain a better understanding of what kind of work and product is necessary to ensure you have a long lasting roof. Knowledge is power, and when you are looking at choosing the best roofing contractor is Cranberry Township, knowing this basic info will help you choose correctly.

Common Roofs in Cranberry Township, PA

Hip and Valley Roof

A hip and valley roof is a design that combines multiple hip roof sections, creating valleys where the roof planes intersect. This style is commonly found on larger homes with multiple wings or complex layouts, as it provides both structural stability and aesthetic appeal. One of the biggest advantages of a hip and valley roof is its excellent wind resistance, making it a great choice for areas prone to strong storms. Additionally, the valleys allow for efficient water drainage, preventing water buildup and reducing the risk of leaks when properly maintained. However, this design is more complex and expensive to build due to the additional framing required. Homeowners should also be aware that valleys can be vulnerable to leaks if not correctly installed or regularly cleared of debris. Despite these challenges, the hip and valley roof remains a popular option for those seeking a durable and visually appealing roofing solution. 


Intersecting / Overlaid Hip Roof

An intersecting or overlaid hip roof features a primary hip roof with a secondary hip roof built on top or intersecting it at a different height. This design is commonly seen on multi-level or split-level homes, adding architectural depth and dimension. One of the main benefits of an intersecting hip roof is that it maintains the durability and wind resistance of a traditional hip roof while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the home. However, the complexity of its design requires additional framing and precise installation, making it more costly and time-intensive to construct. Additionally, the points where the two roof sections meet can create potential weak spots, which must be properly sealed to prevent leaks. Despite these challenges, an intersecting hip roof is a great choice for homeowners looking to achieve a dynamic and visually appealing roof-line without compromising on strength.


Cross-Hipped Roof

A cross-hipped roof consists of two hip roof sections that meet at a perpendicular angle, forming a cross shape when viewed from above. This style is commonly used on L-shaped or T-shaped homes, where each section of the roof slopes down on all sides for added stability. One of the biggest advantages of a cross-hipped roof is its excellent durability—since all sides are sloped, it provides great wind resistance and efficient water runoff. This makes it a reliable option for homes in areas with heavy rain or strong storms. However, the additional ridges and valleys in this design can increase construction costs and require more maintenance to prevent leaks. When properly installed, a cross-hipped roof offers a strong and visually appealing solution for homeowners looking for both function and style.


Dormer Roof

A dormer roof is a design that features a vertical extension built into the main roof, typically housing a window to create additional space and natural light. Dormers are commonly found on homes with attic spaces, as they provide extra headroom and make upper-level living areas more functional. There are several types of dormers, including gable, shed, and hip dormers, each offering unique aesthetic and structural benefits. One of the main advantages of a dormer roof is its ability to improve ventilation and bring in more natural light, making attic spaces feel more open and livable. However, dormers add complexity to the roofing structure, requiring additional framing and waterproofing to prevent leaks. If not properly installed, dormer connections can become weak points where water infiltration occurs. Despite these challenges, dormer roofs remain a popular choice for homeowners looking to maximize space and enhance the exterior appearance of their homes.


Box Gable Roof

A box gable roof is a variation of the traditional gable roof, where the triangular section at the end of the roof is enclosed, or “boxed in,” instead of being open. This design creates a clean, structured look and provides additional protection against wind and rain. Box gable roofs are often seen on colonial-style homes and cottages, adding a classic and symmetrical aesthetic. One of the key benefits of this roof style is its ability to direct water and snow away from the home efficiently, reducing the risk of water damage. Additionally, the boxed-in section provides extra attic space, which can be used for storage or insulation. However, because box gable roofs feature a defined ridge and gable ends, they may be more susceptible to wind damage in extreme weather conditions. Proper bracing and high-quality materials can help mitigate this risk, making box gable roofs a solid choice for homeowners seeking both durability and a timeless architectural style.



Open Gable Roof

An open gable roof is one of the most recognizable and widely used roof styles, featuring two sloped sides that meet at a ridge with an open triangular gable at each end. This design allows for excellent ventilation and provides a classic, symmetrical look that suits a variety of home styles. Open gable roofs are particularly effective in areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall, as their steep slopes help shed water and prevent buildup. Another advantage of this roof type is its affordability—since it has a simple structure, it requires fewer materials and is easier to construct compared to more complex roofing styles. However, the open gable ends can make this roof more vulnerable to strong winds, as there is no additional bracing or covering at the ends to reinforce the structure. Homeowners in windy regions should consider additional reinforcements to improve wind resistance. Despite this, open gable roofs remain a versatile and cost-effective choice for many homeowners.

How to Spot Early Signs of Roof Damage Before It’s Too Late

By Jason Jaworski • February 26, 2025
Being a homeowner comes with many challenges and distinct knowledge that the majority of individuals aren't particularly familiar with, and that's normal. That's why experts like us, Dynamic Roofing Solutions, exist. But that doesn't mean that you can't arm yourself with some basic knowledge that can save you thousands of dollars and stress. Let's keep it simple, and break things down into two categories for warning signs. Exterior and Interior. Exterior As your coming and going from your home, doing yard work, or just hanging out with your family in the backyard, periodically take a look up at your roof and look for the following: Missing or Damaged Shingles. This one is the easiest. Look up and if your missing shingles, you've got a problem starting. Damaged shingles are a bit more difficult to see from the ground. However, depending on the height of your home you can still see shingles that are bent, torn, or curling. Anything other than laying flat against the roof deck is a sign something is wrong. Granule Loss The best way to look for granule loss is to check your gutters, if they have a buildup along the bottom of the gutters of granules (look like little rocks) than you likely have a granule loss problem. When up checking the gutters you should be able to see and reach the lowest course of shingles and see bare spots. You can even purchase a shingle gauge to test how deteriorated the shingle is. Much like checking a tires tread wear. Sagging From the ground looking up if you see any sagging or depressions, you are having an issue with your decking underneath your shingles. This can be caused by multiple problems like water leaks, improper ventilation, or even structural damage with rafters. This is a very serious problem and should be addressed immediately. Moss and Algae Growth Your shingles should be free and clear of any moss or algae on them. However, if you have a heavily shaded roof by trees it's normal to see a little bit of moss or algae growth. That being said, if your shingles look like a moss covered rock in the woods you are having mositure being trapped and degrading your shingles. In time, this will create leaks. Damaged Flashing Take a look at your valleys, chimneys, skylights or vents and look for any metal that may be lifted or not quite securely sealed to the surface its attached to. These areas are very prone to leaks and are one of the more common repairs we do. Interior Looking for interior damage is a pretty simple process and doesn't take a trained eye to notice you have a problem. Identifying exactly what causes the issue is a challenge, but that's what experts like us are for. If you see any of these below issues, you have a problem going on that needs addressed immediately. Water Stains Whether you see stains near the top of your walls or if you see them on the ceiling, you have a leak. You can venture into your attic and attempt to trace where the leak is coming from. Your attic is often the key to finding and diagnosing Mold or Mildew Growth Along with the last bullet point, if you see either of these on your ceilings or in your attic you have a moisture problem. This does not mean necessarily that you have a leak. You could have improper ventilation creating excess moisture in the attic space. Daylight in Attic Along the edge of your rafters nearest the edge of your home you should see some daylight coming through. However, if your seeing daylight come in anywhere else than your having a problem with covering over your ridge or over your roof decking itself. Ok so I have one or more of these warning signs, what now? Simply put, call your local professional roofer. If you are in the Cranberry Township, PA or greater Pittsburgh, PA area we can help you. Catching these warning signs early can save you on costly replacements or repairs down the line. Unfortunately, these issues do not fix themselves and will only continue to get worse and cause greater problems over time.
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