Types of Sloped Roofs
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Find a Local Roofer →There are more than a dozen types of sloped roofs, 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. This page expands on the Sloped Roofs overview with a detailed look at each sloped roof style, its typical pitch, and where it works best.
Main Types of Sloped Roofs
Gable Roof
The most common sloped roof in North America — two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, forming a triangle. Gable roofs are affordable, drain well, provide good attic ventilation, and are simple to build. They need proper bracing in high-wind areas. Typical pitch: 4:12 to 12:12.
Hip Roof
All four sides slope down to the walls with no vertical gable ends. Hip roofs are more stable in high winds and storms than gable roofs and provide consistent eaves on all sides, at a slightly higher cost. Typical pitch: 4:12 to 6:12.
Gambrel Roof
A two-slope-per-side "barn" roof — a steep lower slope and a shallow upper slope — that maximizes attic and upper-floor space. Common on barns and Dutch Colonial homes. Requires careful waterproofing at the slope transition.
Mansard Roof
A four-sided gambrel with a near-flat top, common on historic and high-end urban buildings. It creates a full usable floor beneath the roofline, often with dormer windows. Requires skilled installation and specialized materials.
Shed (Skillion) Roof
A single sloping surface, popular for modern homes, additions, and commercial structures. The simplest and most economical sloped roof to build, and ideal for solar panel placement. Also called a skillion or lean-to roof.
Additional Sloped Roof Styles
Saltbox Roof
An asymmetrical gable with one short slope and one long slope, giving a distinctive colonial silhouette and good water runoff.
Dutch Gable Roof
A hybrid that places a small gable ("gablet") on top of a hip roof, combining hip-roof stability with extra attic space and light.
Jerkinhead (Clipped Gable) Roof
A gable roof with the top points "clipped" into small hips, improving wind resistance while keeping a gable look.
Butterfly Roof
Two surfaces that slope inward to a central valley, resembling butterfly wings. A modern, architectural style that aids rainwater collection but demands excellent drainage design.
M-Shaped Roof
Essentially a double gable joined in the middle, forming an "M." Used on wide buildings where a single gable would be impractical; the central valley needs careful waterproofing.
Sawtooth Roof
A series of ridges with alternating steep and shallow slopes (often glazed), historically used on factories to bring in natural light. Now seen in modern and industrial design.
Bonnet Roof
A reverse mansard — a steeper upper slope with a gentle lower slope that extends over the walls to shade porches. Good for warm, wet climates.
Sloped Roof Types Compared
| Roof Type | Slopes | Typical Pitch | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable | 2 | 4:12–12:12 | Most homes; affordable, good drainage |
| Hip | 4 | 4:12–6:12 | High-wind and storm-prone areas |
| Gambrel | 4 (2 per side) | Steep + shallow | Barns, maximizing attic space |
| Mansard | 4 (2 per side) | Steep + near-flat | Adding a full upper floor; urban/historic |
| Shed/Skillion | 1 | 3:12–15:12 | Modern homes, additions, solar |
| Saltbox | 2 (asymmetric) | Moderate–steep | Colonial style, strong runoff |
| Butterfly | 2 (inverted) | Inward V | Modern design, rainwater harvesting |
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/rainy climates: Steeper pitches and gable, hip, or shed shapes shed water and snow best. See Best Roof Types for Cold Climates.
- High-wind areas: Hip and jerkinhead roofs resist wind better than plain gables.
- 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 the most economical to frame and cover.
Your choice also affects which roofing materials you can use — steeper pitches suit shingles, metal, and slate, while low slopes may need membranes. 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 types of sloped roofs are the gable (triangular, two slopes), hip (four slopes), gambrel (barn-style), mansard (four double slopes), and shed/skillion (single slope). Gable and hip roofs are the most widely used on homes.
What is the best type of sloped roof?
There is no single best type. Gable roofs offer the best value and drainage for most homes, hip roofs are best for high-wind areas, and 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 called a hip roof. A mansard roof also has four sides, but each has two slopes (a steep lower and near-flat upper section).
What is the cheapest sloped roof to build?
Shed (skillion) and simple gable roofs are the cheapest sloped roofs to build because they use straightforward framing and the least material. They are common on additions, sheds, and budget-conscious new builds.
