The Advantages of a Steep Roof

Yesterday’s country home builders knew the advantages of steep roofs. Since they shed water and snow more quickly, they lasted longer.

The real advantage though, is the space that a steep roof creates. The Cross Section of a house, below, from the 1856 book, Village & Farm Cottages, shows that although the entire second floor is below the line of the roof, it’s still completely habitable.

An attic room is a very inexpensive space. You have to build the roof structure and gable walls anyway. All you need are extra windows, interior finishes, heat or air conditioning and electricity. If you’re building on a budget, consider planning some rooms below a steep roof.

Cross Section