Common Roof Types: Hip, Gable, Skillion – Which Do You Have?

Ever looked up at your roof and wondered what style it is? You're not alone! Most Aussie homeowners can't tell their hip from their gable, but understanding your roof type is more than just architectural curiosity - it's about knowing how your home handles our harsh Australian weather, what maintenance it might need, and even whether it's suitable for solar panels.

The Three Main Players in Australian Roofing

When you look around Australian suburbs, you'll notice three main roof types dominating the skyline. Each has its own personality and practical benefits:

• Hip Roof - The all-rounder with four sloping sides that meet at the top
• Gable Roof - The classic triangle shape with two sloping sides
• Skillion Roof - The modern single-slope design that's gaining popularity

Hip Roof: The Wind-Resistant Workhorse

If your roof has slopes on all four sides that meet at the top, you've got a hip roof. This is the most common style across Australia, and for good reason:

• Excellent stability in high winds and cyclones
• Uniform eaves provide consistent shading around your home
• Works with almost any architectural style

The trade-off? Hip roofs are more complex to build and usually cost more than gable roofs. They also offer less attic space, so if you're dreaming of converting your roof space into a man cave or extra bedroom, this might not be your best bet.

Gable Roof: The Classic Aussie Favourite

Picture the classic triangular roof shape - that's a gable roof. You'll spot these everywhere in traditional Australian suburbs, and they're popular for several practical reasons:

• Simple design makes them more affordable to build
• Steep slope provides excellent water runoff during heavy rain
• Generous attic space perfect for storage or conversion

The catch? Those triangular end walls (the gables) can be vulnerable in high winds if not properly reinforced. They're also trickier to insulate in the angled spaces.

Skillion Roof: The Modern Marvel

If your roof looks like a single sloping plane without a ridge, you've got a skillion roof. These are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary Australian homes:

• Perfect for solar panel installation due to the angled surface
• Simple construction makes them relatively cheap to build
• Excellent for water runoff and can enhance natural lighting

The downside? No attic space whatsoever, and they're not as stable in strong winds as hip roofs. The modern look might not suit every traditional home design either.

Which Roof is Right for Your Australian Home?

So which roof type should you have? It really depends on your priorities:

• Living in coastal or cyclone-prone areas? Hip roof is your safest bet
• Want maximum space and cost efficiency? Gable roof delivers
• Planning solar panels and love modern design? Skillion roof shines

Most Australian homes feature hip roofs because they handle our diverse climate so well, but each type has its place depending on your location, budget, and style preferences.

Your Roof, Your Rules

Now that you can identify the three main roof types, you'll never look at your neighbourhood the same way again! Whether you're planning renovations, considering solar, or just curious about your home's architecture, understanding your roof type gives you valuable insight into how your house is built to handle the Australian elements.

Next time you're chatting with mates at the pub, you can confidently point out the hip roofs, gable roofs, and skillion roofs around you - and maybe even help them figure out what's protecting their own homes from above.