Saltbox Slanted Roof

Saltbox roofs look like a patched gable style roof with two sides sloping outwards from a central ridge.

Saltbox slanted roof.

Saltbox houses are variations of early colonial and cape cod designs. When colonial era families first developed the style though they weren t aiming for aesthetic appeal. If you plan to have a flat roof then consider having several windows to act in lieu of vents. Named for the shape of the container used to hold salt in colonial times these homes have a steeply sloped roof that is much longer on one side than the other.

A flat roof is more difficult to ventilate as there is no overhang from a roof nor are there gables to insert wall vents. Historic saltbox houses are easily identified by their signature one sided sloped rooflines and simple colonial facades. They often include a symmetrical brick chimney too. However instead of sloping to the same length one side reaches all the way to the first.

They arose from the need for more room. With its asymmetrical roof and restrained facade the saltbox house has become an icon of new england s coastal areas. The style originated as a quick economical way to add living space to the back of an existing two story home.