A cross roof is a roof shape where two gabled (saddle) roofs intersect at right angles, creating a cross-shaped floor plan. At the intersection of the two roofs, special angles are formed — valley rafters and hip rafters — making the construction and drainage more technically complex than a simple gabled roof.
What Does a Cross Roof Look Like?
A cross roof essentially consists of two gabled roofs joined together:
- Each roof section has its own ridge
- At the intersecting plane, hip rafters (outer corners) and valley rafters (inner corners/gutters) are formed
- Rainwater drains via the valley gutters in the inner corners
When Do You Encounter a Cross Roof?
- On houses with an L-shaped or T-shaped floor plan
- On extensions to an existing house with an added wing
- On traditional detached houses and villas
- On annexes such as a conservatory or garage that joins the main roof
Challenges of a Cross Roof
| Weak point | Risk |
|---|---|
| **Valley gutters** | Water accumulation, leaks if blocked |
| **Hip rafter** | Complex rafter connection, requires skilled carpentry |
| **Junction** | Roofing at the intersection requires precision |
| **Ventilation** | Limited ventilation in the roof valley |
Cross Roof vs. Other Roof Forms
| Roof type | Description |
|---|---|
| **Gabled/saddle roof** | Simple pitched roof with two slopes |
| **Hipped roof** | Four slopes, no gable ends |
| **Mansard roof** | Kinked slopes for more loft space |
| **Cross roof** | Two intersecting gabled roofs (L/T plan) |
| **Mono-pitch / lean-to** | Single sloped roof |
Maintaining a Cross Roof
The most important maintenance point is the valley gutter:
- Clean annually — remove leaves and debris
- Inspect seals — bitumen, EPDM, or lead flashing
- Test drainage during heavy rain
Average cost to repair a valley gutter: £/€ 500–2,000 depending on material and extent.
> More guides and building plans: fredsdiyplans.com
Related Terms
- Hip rafter — outer corner diagonal of the roof
- Valley rafter — inner corner diagonal of the roof
- Roof truss — the structural roof frame
- Purlin — horizontal roof beams