What is a cross roof?
A cross roof is a roof shape whose ridge line runs perpendicular (crosswise) to the main direction of the building, so that the gables face the street or main façade. The cross roof is characteristic of houses and farmsteads with a prominent front block, of extensions to main buildings, and of modern architecture where roof volumes are stacked or mirrored.
Features
- Ridge direction — perpendicular to the building’s long axis
- Gables — at the front and rear, often decorated with finials
- Roof slopes — fall to the left and right, parallel to the main façade
- Gutters — sit on the side walls rather than the front and back
Application
A cross roof is used on:
- Cross-house farmsteads — dwelling with cross roof, barn with longitudinal roof
- Extensions — small cross roof enlarging the house
- Upper apartments — extra storey with cross roof as a visual marker
- Architectural accents — alternating longitudinal and transverse volumes
- Historic townhouses — stepped gables with a cross-oriented roof
Advantages
- Visual richness — two visible gables to the street
- Daylight — extra dormers in the side slopes
- Variation — combining longitudinal and cross roofs creates complex forms
- Functional separation — living and working parts visibly distinguished
Points of attention
- Rainwater discharge — gutters sit in an unusual position
- Hips and valleys — combining with a longitudinal roof creates complex junctions
- Structure — a cross roof may require its own truss system
- Planning — listed buildings or conservation areas often need consent
Difference from a longitudinal roof
| Roof shape | Ridge direction | Gables |
|---|---|---|
| Longitudinal roof | Parallel to main façade | On the sides |
| Cross roof | Perpendicular to main façade | Front and rear |
| Cross-gabled roof | Combination | On multiple sides |
Related terms
- Roof shape
- Saddle roof
- Hip
- Cross-house farmstead
- Roof construction
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