Hip Roof vs Gable Roof: What Arkansas Homeowners Should Know

Most homes in Central Arkansas have a gable roof, a hip roof, or a mix of both. The shape affects how the roof handles wind, how much material it takes and how much work goes into replacing it.

What a gable roof is

A gable roof has two slopes that meet at a ridge. Each end of the house has a triangle-shaped wall, called the gable. It is a simple shape that sheds rain well and leaves room in the attic.

What a hip roof is

A hip roof slopes down on all four sides. There are no tall triangle walls at the ends. The sloped edges where two sides meet are called hips, and they are covered with hip and ridge shingles, just like the peak.

Hip roof vs gable roof in high wind

Wind matters in Arkansas. The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Solution Center says hip roofs experience smaller wind pressures than gable roofs, which makes them a better choice for high-wind regions. It notes that gable roofs can still be used, with careful evaluation and extra bracing. Source: the DOE Building America Solution Center guide "Hip Roof vs. Gable Roof".

On any roof shape, what holds the roof down in a storm is how it is built: a solid deck, sealed edges with starter shingles and drip edge, and impact-rated shingles if hail is a concern.

Side by side

• Look: gable has triangle ends; hip slopes down on every side.
• Wind: hip roofs see smaller wind pressures, per the DOE guide above.
• Attic space: gable roofs usually leave more room in the attic.
• Ventilation: gable roofs can use gable-end vents; hip roofs have a shorter ridge, so ventilation takes more planning. See ridge vents and attic ventilation.
• Replacement: hips, valleys and extra edges add cutting and hip and ridge material, which is part of why roof shape affects price.

How roof shape affects your replacement price

Shape is one of the things that moves a roof between our price ranges. Valleys, dormers, hips and chimneys add flashing and cutting. See what drives the price on our roof prices page.

Frequently asked questions

Can a gable roof be changed to a hip roof?

That is a framing change, not a roof replacement. We replace roofs on the shape you have.

Which roof shape is more common?

Both are common across Central Arkansas, and many homes mix them, with a hip main roof and gables over a porch or garage.

Want a professional look?

Book a free 30-minute storm or replacement inspection. You get our 21-Point Roof Inspection Report with photos, so you can see your own roof and decide for yourself.