Jerkinhead-style roofing is a variant on classic gabled roofing. With a gabled roof, the sides of the roofing slope upwards until meeting at a sharp point at the top. The gabled roof will typically have the main gable and a higher gable that serves as the roofing for the upper story of the home. Jerkinhead-style roofing differs in that upper gable. While the lower roof is still gabled, the upper section is instead a hip-style roof, which has a flattened top and arched sides.

A Jerkinhead-style roof, also called a half-hip, has a few different slope shapes to deal with when placing shingles. And like the gabled roof, much of the shingle work will be easily visible from the street. So style matters as much as function. But what are the best tips for selecting shingles for a Jerkinhead-style roof?

Wood or Slate Shingles Offer the Most Style

When you need to replace the shingles on a Jerkinhead roof, you might want to look for the cheapest option available. But consider using a higher cost material such as wood or slate if it's possible within your budget. There are composite shingles made to mimic wood or slate but those lack the same texture and sophisticated natural hues. And with so much of your roof visible from the street, you really don't want to compromise on style.

So is wood or slate better? That depends on your style preference and the performance you expect from your shingles.

Wood shingles are typically made of cedar which offers an insulating layer for your attic or upper story. But the insulation isn't stifling, as the cedar is somewhat porous. This means that the insulation won't end up trapping too much heat in your home. But wood shingles are also more susceptible to weather damage even with frequent maintenance. And the shingles could help spread a house fire that occurs.

Slate is more expensive than wood and requires a well-trained roofer to properly lay the shingles so that the segments don't break. The shingles are more weather resistant than wood and will have a longer lifespan in general.

Use Rectangular Shingle Shapes

Shingles are available in different shapes that range from a solid rectangle with straight lines to a shingle with a curved arch at the front. You want to stick closer to the rectangular styles for a Jerkinhead roof as the roof already has quite a few competing geometric elements.

If you want to change things up a bit and plan to use slate tiles, your roofing contractor can lay the tiles in an almost cobblestone pattern. Use the pattern on the main gable or on the upper hip while leaving the other section with a more traditional shingle layout.

For more information, contact Robideau Roofing Ltd. or a similar company.