Types of Sloped Roofs
Contents
There are more than a dozen types of sloped roofs. They range from the common gable and hip roofs found on most homes to specialty shapes like the butterfly and sawtooth. A sloped roof (or pitched roof) is any roof with an inclined surface that sheds water and snow by gravity. Its shape affects wind resistance, attic space, cost and which roofing materials can be used.[1][2] This page expands on the Sloped Roofs overview with a closer look at each roof style, its pitch considerations, and where it works best.
Main Types of Sloped Roofs
Gable Roof
Two sloping sides meet at a central ridge, forming a triangular wall (the gable) at each end. Gable roofs are simple to frame, shed water well, and leave room for attic ventilation. Their weak point is wind. The flat gable end can act like a sail, so in high-wind regions the gable ends should be braced.[3]
Hip Roof
All four sides slope down to the walls, with no vertical gable ends. Hip roofs are generally more resistant to wind damage than gable roofs.[1][3] In IBHS's study of Hurricane Harvey damage, gable roofs had higher rates of underlayment and roof deck damage than hip and combination roofs.[1] Hip roofs have eaves on every side. They need more framing and more hip and valley detailing than a simple gable, so they usually cost somewhat more.
Gambrel Roof
A "barn" roof with two slopes on each side: a steep lower slope and a shallower upper slope. It maximizes attic and upper-floor space. Gambrels are common on barns and Dutch Colonial homes. The joint where the two slopes meet needs careful flashing and waterproofing.
Mansard Roof
A four-sided roof with two slopes on each side: a very steep lower slope, often with dormer windows, and a low-pitched or nearly flat top. It creates a full usable storey within the roofline. The U.S. National Park Service cites mansard roofs, along with the hipped roofs of Georgian architecture, as examples of roof forms that define a building's style. Many 19th-century mansard roofs were finished in decorative patterned slate.[4] The near-flat upper section needs a low-slope roofing system rather than shingles (see minimum pitch below).
Shed (Skillion) Roof
A single sloping surface, also called a skillion or lean-to roof. It is popular for modern homes, additions and commercial structures, and is the simplest sloped roof to frame. A single large roof plane can be oriented toward the sun for solar panels. Very low shed slopes may fall below the minimum pitch for shingles.[2]
Additional Sloped Roof Styles
Saltbox Roof
An asymmetrical gable with one short slope and one long slope that extends lower on one side. It gives the distinctive silhouette of New England colonial houses.
Dutch Gable Roof
A hybrid that places a small gable ("gablet") on top of a hip roof. It combines much of a hip roof's wind performance with extra attic space and a spot for a vent or window in the gablet.
Jerkinhead (Clipped Gable) Roof
A gable roof with the top of each gable "clipped" into a small hip. It reduces the size of the exposed gable wall while keeping a gable look.
Butterfly Roof
Two surfaces that slope inward to a central valley, resembling butterfly wings. This modern style can direct rainwater to a single collection point, but the central valley demands careful drainage and waterproofing design.
M-Shaped Roof
Essentially two gables side by side, joined in the middle to form an "M". It is used on wide buildings where a single gable would be too tall. The central valley needs careful waterproofing and snow management.
Sawtooth Roof
A series of ridges with alternating steep and shallow slopes. The steep faces are often glazed. It was historically used on factories to bring in natural light, and is now seen in modern and industrial design.
Bonnet Roof
Sometimes described as a reverse mansard: a steeper upper slope with a gentler lower slope that extends past the walls to shade porches. It is suited to warm, wet climates.
Sloped Roof Types Compared
| Roof Type | Slopes | Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable | 2 | Simple, economical, good drainage and attic space | Gable ends need bracing in high-wind areas[3] |
| Hip | 4 | Better wind performance than gable[1] | More framing, hips and valleys; less attic space |
| Gambrel | 4 (2 per side) | Maximum attic and upper-floor space | Slope transition must be well flashed |
| Mansard | 4 (2 per side) | Full upper storey within the roofline | Near-flat top needs a low-slope roof covering |
| Shed/Skillion | 1 | Simplest to frame; large plane for solar | Very low slopes limit material choice[2] |
| Saltbox | 2 (asymmetric) | Colonial style; long slope sheds water well | Asymmetric framing |
| Butterfly | 2 (inverted) | Modern look; rainwater collection | Central valley drainage is critical |
Minimum Pitch by Roofing Material
Roof pitch is written as rise over run, for example 4:12, meaning 4 inches of rise per 12 inches of horizontal run. See Roof Pitch. The roof shape you choose sets the pitch, and the pitch limits which coverings you can use. U.S. model codes set these minimums (from the International Building Code, as adopted by many jurisdictions):
| Roof covering | Minimum slope | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | 2:12 | Double underlayment required from 2:12 up to 4:12[2] |
| Clay and concrete tile | 2½:12 | Additional underlayment requirements apply on the lower slopes[5] |
| Slate | 4:12 | [6] |
| Metal panels, lapped seams without sealant | 3:12 | [7] |
| Metal panels, lapped seams with sealant | ½:12 | [7] |
| Standing-seam metal | ¼:12 | [7] |
| Modified bitumen and other low-slope membranes | ¼:12 | For drainage[8] |
Canadian provinces and territories set their own requirements under the National Building Code of Canada and provincial codes. Manufacturers' instructions may also be stricter, so confirm limits with your local building department.
How to Choose a Sloped Roof Type
The right sloped roof depends on your climate, budget, architectural style, and how you want to use the space beneath it:
- Snowy or rainy climates: Simple shapes with steeper pitches (gable, hip, shed) shed water and snow more readily. Designs with inward valleys, such as butterfly and M-shaped roofs, need extra drainage and snow planning. See Best Roof Types for Cold Climates.
- High-wind areas: Hip roofs generally perform better than gables. If you have gables, bracing the gable ends helps.[3][1]
- Maximizing living space: Gambrel and mansard roofs add usable upper-floor area.
- Modern design: Shed, butterfly and sawtooth roofs suit contemporary architecture.
- Budget: Gable and shed roofs are usually the most economical to frame and cover, because they have the fewest hips, valleys and intersections to flash.
- Historic homes: Roof form is often a defining part of a building's style. The National Park Service advises understanding the historic value of the existing roofing materials before any repair or replacement.[4]
Your choice also affects which roofing materials you can use. Shingles, slate and tile need a minimum pitch, while low slopes need metal or membrane systems (see the table above). A professional roofing contractor can advise on the best option for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sloped Roof Types
What are the most common types of sloped roofs?
The most common are the gable (two slopes), hip (four slopes), gambrel (barn-style), mansard (four double slopes) and shed/skillion (single slope). Gable roofs, hip roofs and combinations of the two are the most widely used on homes.
What is the best type of sloped roof?
There is no single best type. Gable roofs offer good value and drainage for most homes. Hip roofs generally perform better in high winds.[3] Gambrel or mansard roofs are best when you want to maximize upper-floor space.
What is a roof with four sloping sides called?
A roof with four sloping sides that meet the walls on all sides is a hip roof. A mansard roof also has four sides, but each has two slopes: a steep lower section and a low-pitched upper section.
What is the cheapest sloped roof to build?
Shed (skillion) and simple gable roofs are usually the cheapest to build. They use straightforward framing and have few hips, valleys and intersections to flash. They are common on additions, sheds and budget-conscious new builds.
What is the minimum pitch for a shingle roof?
U.S. model building codes allow asphalt shingles on slopes of 2:12 or steeper, with double underlayment required between 2:12 and 4:12.[2] Slate needs at least 4:12.[6] Flatter roofs need metal or membrane roofing.
See Also
- Sloped Roofs
- Roof Pitch
- Common Roof Structures
- Roof Structure
- Flat Roofs
- Roofing Materials
- Best Roof Types for Cold Climates
- How to Choose a Roofing Contractor
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Hurricane Harvey Wind Damage Investigation — Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 IBC 1507.2 Asphalt Shingles (slope requirements, as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Protect Your Home from High Winds with Resilient House Design and Shape — Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH). Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Preservation Brief 4: Roofing for Historic Buildings — U.S. National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ IBC 1507.3.2 Deck Slope – Clay and Concrete Tile (as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 IBC 1507.7 Slate Shingles (as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 IBC 1507.4 Metal Roof Panels (as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.
- ↑ IBC 1507.11 Modified Bitumen Roofing (as adopted) — UpCodes. Retrieved 2026-09-24.