Asymmetrical Roof Types

Shed Roof Design

• In more traditional homes, such as those with gabled or hip roofs, two to four planes of roof meet at a central ridge to give the home symmetry. When additional roof designs such as dormers or cross hips and gables are added, the symmetry remains intact. A shed roof design, on the other hand, is the asymmetrical alternative because only one plane of roofing exists. A shed roof is one plane of roof that slopes upward until it meets a top ridge. Unlike a gable or hip roof, the shed roof does not have a secondary plane on the other side.

Shed Roof Considerations

• A shed roof gives a home more space on the inside of the home and offers an aesthetically pleasing vaulted ceiling for the interior. They are also less expensive to construct because they require less roofing materials than a traditional two- or four-planed roof.

Saltbox Roof Design

• Saltbox roofs first appeared during early American colonization, particularly in the Cape Cod region. The name saltbox refers to the shape of the roof, which resembled a wood-topped box of salt commonly sold in America in the late 1600s through the 1800s. Saltbox homes are 1 1/2- to 2-story gabled roof homes with an additional lean-to, or shed roof, added to one side of the home. The additional roofing on one side provides wind protection for oceanside homes, making it a popular choice for New England seaside homes. Saltbox roofed-sheds were first used as fisherman's sheds and are still seen today.

Saltbox Roof Considerations

• A saltbox roof provides more space for the interior of the home compared to other traditionally-styled roofs, such as gabled roofs. In addition, roofing costs are diminished because additional materials are only used on one side of the home. A second lean-to may be added to the first lean-to for even more space beneath the roof of the home.