German Cottage Roof Styles

Roof Types

• German cottage roofs typically fall into one of two categories: gable or hip. A gable roof features a low or high pitch. In an aerial view of the roof, it would appear as though the roof has only two pieces that meet in the center of the house. The two sides meet along a central pitch, which can run from left to right or from the back of the house to the front. A hip roof has a center pitch, but consists of four sides. The four sides meet along the central pitch. A German cottage might feature a pyramidal roof, which has four sides that meet at a point in the center of the home.

Considerations

• Roofs on German cottages can combine elements of more than one roof style. For example, the home might have a gable roof with a hipped front. The hip front covers the front half of the house, before the roof gives way to the traditional gable shape. If the house features a front, back or side porch, the porch can have a different roof, especially if the porch is an addition.

Extra Roof Features

• German cottages often feature extra elements to the roof. A popular addition is one or more dormers. Dormers are pieces that sit outside the edge of the roof. The dormers might add extra height to the inside of the house or sit on a window, creating a window seat. The dormer can have a roof that matches the rest of the house or feature a different roof type. Some German cottages have turrets that sit on the edge or side with a pyramidal or cone roof.

Roofing Materials

• The roofing material on a cottage often depends on the date of construction. Newer homes use asphalt roofs, but new roofs on old homes can still use asphalt shingles. Traditional style homes use brick, tile or thatched roof designs. Metal roofs are another type found on older, traditional cottages.