The shape of roofs greatly differs from region to region. There are a few main factors which influence the shape of roofs. These factors include the climate, the materials available for roof structure and the outer covering. The basic shapes of roofs are flat, mono pitched, gabled, mansard, hipped, butterfly, arched and domed however there are many variations of each.
Roofs constructed of flat sections that are sloped are referred to as pitched roofs (commonly if the angle is more than 10 degrees). Pitched roofs, gabled, hipped and skillion roofs, make up the majority of domestic roofs. Some roofs follow organic shapes, either by architectural design or because a flexible material such as thatch has been used in the construction.