Which type of roof has two sides, each with a shallower slope above a steeper one?

The design characterized by having two sides, each with a shallower slope above a steeper one is known as a gambrel roof. This style often resembles the roofs seen on Dutch colonial buildings and is distinctive due to its two different slopes on each side. The steeper lower slope allows for greater headroom and usable space in the upper level or attic area, while the shallower upper slope helps facilitate water and snow runoff. This design is particularly advantageous in cold weather climates where heavy snowfall may accumulate.

In contrast, a hip roof features slopes on all four sides that meet at a ridge, which does not fit the description of having shallower slopes above steeper ones. A flat roof is level with little to no pitch, making it unsuitable for the slopes mentioned. Lastly, a mansard roof does have two slopes on each side, but this style traditionally features a steep lower slope and a nearly flat upper slope, which is the opposite of what a gambrel roof entails. Understanding these differences helps clarify why the correct answer is related to the characteristics of a gambrel roof.