When you work on residential or commercial building construction, roof design is the most important factor to watch. You need to choose the proper type of roof, flat or pitched, according to local climate and aesthetic requirements. Read this blog to understand why you need to choose a pitched roof, its types, and much more.
What is a Pitched Roof?
A pitched roof or sloping roof, is a type of roof that covers the house from the top to protect it from exterior elements. It consists of a sloping surface at an inclined angle, either downwards or upwards, with one or two sides that meet at a ridge.
You can choose the roof’s steepness (called “roof pitch”) based on your house requirements. It is often calculated as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal span. A pitched roof needs a pitch of more than 10° or a roof with two slopes that join at a central ridge. Pitched roofs are mostly included because of their structural durability against heavy rainfall and snowfall, as they offer effective drainage systems.
The following are a few major terminologies used in pitched roof design:
- Eaves: These are the roof’s extended parts outside the structure’s outer walls. Eaves help to shadow the structure from direct sunlight and enable rainwater runoff.
- Flashings: It’s a thin metal sheet, usually installed under shingles or roofing material, that directs water away from these vulnerable areas, like the joint between the roof and another part of the structure (like chimneys or valleys) it covers.
- Gables: These are triangular-shaped shares of the wall surrounding the openings on the roof ends.
- Ridges: A portion of the roof where the two sides of a roof meet is called the ridge. It often creates a peak in the roof structure.
- Hips: When a sloped roof has more than two sides, the corners where two sides meet are called hips. These hips are ridges formed by intersecting two sloped surfaces with an exterior angle greater than 180°.
- Purlins: These are the horizontal beams used for the roof’s structural support in buildings. They are often made of steel or wood materials.
- Rafters: A rafter is one of a series of sloped structural members that extend from the ridge or hip to the wall plate, downslope perimeter or eave and are designed to support the roof shingles, roof deck, roof covering and its associated loads. A pair of rafters is called a couple.
- Battens: These are thin strips of wood (or sometimes plastic or metal) that go across the rafters. They help hold the roofing materials like tiles or sheets, in place.
- Fasciae: These are flat wooden boards attached to the ends of the rafters along the edge of the roof. Fascia helps protect the roof and make it look neat.
What are the Different Types of Pitched Roofs?
The following are the major types of pitched roofs used in different cases:
Gable Roof
A gable roof, or double-pitch roof, is one of the most common types of sloped (pitched) roofs used in house construction. It has two sides that slope down from a central top point, forming a triangle shape. Because the sides are steep, rain and snow slide off easily, which makes gable roofs good for locations with heavy rainfall or snow. To make the roof stronger against strong winds or hurricanes, builders can add extra support inside the frame.
Many homeowners like gable roofs because they create extra space inside the house. This space can be used for a vaulted ceiling (a high, open ceiling) or an attic room.
Since gable roofs have a simple design, they are easier for workers to build, repair, or replace. Common materials used to cover gable roofs include cedar shakes (wooden tiles), concrete or clay roof tiles, metal sheets, or asphalt shingles (flat, overlapping roof pieces).
Mono-pitch Roof
A single-pitch roof involves one rafter that drops from one direction to another. To improve water flow, builders usually make the slope steeper than 45 degrees so that rain and snow drain off easily. Mono-pitch roofs are one of the simplest and most budget-friendly roofs to build and install. You can often see mono-pitch roofs on smaller buildings like sheds, lean-tos (simple shelters attached to other buildings), and cabins.
Hip Roof
A hip roof is a type of roof with four sloping sides, all of equal length. These sides slope inward and meet at the top to form a ridge (the top line where the sides connect).
This roof shape is strong and stable, which makes it a good choice for areas with heavy rainfall, snow, or strong winds. The inward slopes help water and snow slide off easily, and the design can handle harsh weather well.
Builders can also use strong materials and more advanced designs to make the roof even better at withstanding storms and rough weather.
Mansard Roof
A mansard roof, or a French roof, is a four-sided sloped roof with double slopes on each side. It involves dual slopes on all four sides, with the lower slope being much steeper than the upper one. This design is very useful because it creates more space and headroom on the top floor of a building. That extra space can be used for living areas, storage, or even full rooms.
Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof has two sides, and each side has two slopes – a steep lower slope and a gentler upper slope.
This roof is a good choice for homeowners looking for a simple and budget-friendly option. It uses only two main roof beams and a basic structure, so it needs less material and is easier to build or replace.
However, because it has an open design, it is not ideal for areas with heavy snow or strong winds. It can still handle rain if the edges are properly waterproofed. Builders often use wood, metal, or asphalt shingles to cover this type of roof.
Butterfly Roof
A butterfly roof has a modern and unique V-shape, made by two roof sections that slope inward and meet in the middle. It’s called a butterfly roof because it looks like butterfly wings.
This design allows for larger windows and better airflow, which brings in more natural light and fresh air—great for keeping rooms bright and well-ventilated.
The inward slope helps collect rainwater in the center, where it can be directed to a drain and reused for the garden or inside the house, which can save water and lower energy bills.
You can also add a green roof (a layer of plants) on top. This helps absorb rainwater, improve insulation, and make the air cleaner while adding a touch of nature to your home.
Understanding Roof Pitch Calculation
Calculating roof pitch is essential when designing roofs that suit India’s diverse climate conditions. Roof pitch is calculated as the ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run, typically expressed as “X:12.”
For example, a 6:12 pitch means the roof rises 6 units for every 12 units of horizontal distance. To measure roof pitch, use a level and tape measure:
- Place the level horizontally on the roof, mark a 12-inch run, and measure the vertical rise at that point.
- Common pitch angles are low (3:12, about 14°), medium (6:12, about 27°), and steep (12:12, 45°).
- In India, low pitches (3:12) suit regions with less rainfall, while medium to steep pitches (6:12 to 12:12) are suitable for areas with heavy rain or snow, as they ensure rapid water runoff and prevent accumulation. Steeper roofs also perform better in windy regions, reducing uplift risk.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pitched Roof
Advantages of Pitched Roofs
- Better Water and Snow Drainage: The sloped design eases the flow of rainwater and snow apart from the structure, reducing the risk of leaks, waterlogging, and structural deterioration. This makes them particularly effective in regions with heavy rainfall or snowfall.
- Longer Lifespan Compared to Flat Roofs: Pitched roofs are generally more durable and require less frequent maintenance. High-quality materials can extend their lifespan to over 100 years, offering great long-term value.
- Improved Ventilation and Attic Space: The triangular shape provides additional attic or loft space, which can be used for storage or converted into living areas. The natural ventilation under the roof layer also enhances thermal efficiency and energy savings.
- More Attractive and Enables Architectural Flexibility: Pitched roofs offer versatility in design, complementing various architectural styles and increasing the building’s curb appeal.
- Better Resistance to Extreme Weather: A sloped roof offers better resistance against extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and snow, making them suitable for diverse climates.
Disadvantages of Pitched Roofs
- Higher Initial Cost Than Flat Roofs: Sloped roofs demand more materials and experienced workers to install. It also takes more time to construct. Therefore, it usually takes higher initial costs than flat roofs.
- Intricate Construction and Maintenance: The intricate design and steeper slopes make construction and maintenance more challenging, often requiring professional expertise and specialized equipment.
- Wind Vulnerability in Extreme Conditions: While generally stable, very steep or poorly designed pitched roofs can be vulnerable to wind uplift or storm damage in areas with extreme wind conditions.
- Requires More Materials: The structural complexity and larger surface area demand more construction materials, adding to both cost and environmental impact.
Cost of Pitched Roof Installation
The cost of installing a pitched roof in India depends on several key factors:
- Material Costs: Asphalt shingles are the most budget-friendly option, costing ₹80–₹150 per sq. ft., while charges for metal roofing start from ₹300 per sq. ft. Slate and premium tiles charge even more, reflecting their durability and aesthetic value.
- Labour Charges: Labour charges commonly account for about 30 to 40% of the total cost. Complex roof designs, steep pitches, or multi-level structures require more skilled labour and time, increasing overall expenses.
- Roof Size and Complexity: Larger roofs or those with complicated shapes and features (like dormers or valleys) require more materials and labour, raising costs. For example, a 1,000 sq. ft. asphalt roof may cost ₹80,000–₹1,50,000, while larger or more complex roofs can exceed this range.
Why Pitched Roofs Are Better Than Flat Roofs?
Pitched roofs are better than flat roofs due to the following reasons:
- Their sloped design ensures efficient drainage of rainwater and snow, significantly reducing the risk of leaks, water pooling, and structural damage over time. This leads to a longer lifespan and less frequent maintenance compared to flat roofs, which are more prone to water-related issues.
- Pitched roofs provide better thermal insulation and energy efficiency by allowing natural ventilation and reducing heat loss, which can lower energy bills.
- Sloped roofs offer extra attic or storage space and enhance the architectural appeal of a building, increasing its value.
- Their robust structure gives better protection against environmental hazards like heavy rain, snow, and wind, making them ideal for diverse climates.
- While pitched roofs have a higher initial cost, their durability, lower maintenance needs, and added benefits make them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
On a final note, pitched roofs are very well suited for Indian regions with heavy rainfall or snow, as they provide efficient drainage and better thermal comfort. This makes them best suited for most residential and traditional buildings. For better durability of roof structures, you need to maintain them regularly. Regular maintenance not only extends the roof’s lifespan but also reduces repair costs and helps preserve its structural strength and appearance. To build the appropriate type of pitched roof, you can hire a trusted construction company to design and build a pitched roof using materials best suited for your location and needs, ensuring durability and visual appeal.
Mithali Konety 
Hemali Patel