Saltbox Slanted Roof

The style originated as a quick economical way to add living space to the back of an existing two story home.

Saltbox slanted roof.

If you plan to have a flat roof then consider having several windows to act in lieu of vents. They arose from the need for more room. Saltbox houses are common in new. When colonial era families first developed the style though they weren t aiming for aesthetic appeal.

The saltbox architectural style was born as an adaptation to the harsh realities of early colonial life. With its asymmetrical roof and restrained facade the saltbox house has become an icon of new england s coastal areas. Saltbox houses are variations of early colonial and cape cod designs. Saltbox roofs look like a patched gable style roof with two sides sloping outwards from a central ridge.

Historic saltbox houses are easily identified by their signature one sided sloped rooflines and simple colonial facades. A flat roof is more difficult to ventilate as there is no overhang from a roof nor are there gables to insert wall 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.