A hipped roof has four slopes and diagonal corners that tidy the building's form but alter the loft space and the number of cuts and details. Before choosing a design, check the actual roof plan with sections and building dimensions, not just the name of the form. Assess the proportions between slope height, elevation and eaves overhang, as well as the heights above planned passages and furniture. For trapezoidal sheet or metal tile covering, ask for a layout plan of sheets or modules, because diagonal corners require cuts limited by laps and profile geometry.

The choice of roofing for a holiday cottage depends above all on how the building will be used. Before buying sheet metal, establish whether the cottage will be heated only occasionally or also in winter. With weekend heating, a rapid temperature rise increases the amount of moisture reaching cold surfaces, so check the layer build-up, insulation and ventilation. Metal roof tiles or T18 and T35 trapezoidal profiles may suit a simple form, but match the pitch, batten spacing and eaves detail to the specific model. Unloading, transport and access for cleaning also influence the choice.

Beneath the metal covering, an assembly must provide support, clear incidental water and allow moisture control. Depending on the roof, it includes a membrane, sheathing, battens or other components. No single substrate works for every metal sheet. The word “substrate” can mean different things: rigid sheathing, a membrane or battens. Their roles differ – the sheathing gives support, while the underlay mainly helps protect against water that gets under the covering.