Advantages & Disadvantages of a Dutch Hip Roof Style

Advantage: Shading

• The design of a Dutch hip roof includes eaves on all sides. This minor addition aids in protecting walls from harsh weather, including rain and snow. The eaves will also provide some shading over windows, which will aid in keeping the home cool during the summer. This shading is ultimately useful for reducing air conditioning use and related energy costs.

Advantage: Shape

• The Dutch hip roof has four sides that all slope -- an ideal design for removing rainwater and snow. According to Service Magic, a website dedicated to connecting consumers with needed service professionals, hip roof styles and their derivatives, including the Dutch hip, are notable for their solid design and practicality. The style is one frequently used on ranch homes and cottages and is one that is excellent for homes in areas with high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes, as it tends to withstand damage from these conditions better than a gabled or similar style roof.

Disadvantage: Size

• The style of the Dutch hip eliminates some attic space inside the home. For homeowners looking to use this space as storage or an extra bedroom, a gabled roof is more ideal. The sloped sides mean less headspace for walking around and a more cave-like feel. This sloping also makes roof and ceiling maintenance a bit more cramped and difficult.

Disadvantage: Potential Problems

• Though the Dutch hip style drains well, which means water will flow off the roof well, it is still more susceptible to leaking than a gabled roof, according to Service Magic. Additionally, a standard hip roof doesn't ventilate as efficiently as a gable, but the addition of the dormer to the Dutch style usually improves this problem. It has a larger overall size than a gabled or flat roof, meaning construction and repairs are going to be more costly.