What distinguishes a hipped roof?

A hipped roof is characterized by its sloping ends and sides that come together at a ridge. This design means that all four sides of the roof slope downwards towards the walls, which creates a more stable structure compared to other roof types. The presence of slopes on all sides provides an advantage in shedding water and snow, thus enhancing durability and longevity. Additionally, the design reduces the risk of wind-related damage because the aerodynamic shape helps to deflect strong winds.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of roofs or characteristics unrelated to hipped roofs. The pyramid shape, for instance, is more typical of a pyramidal roof, which has a distinct point at the top and a specific style that differs from the hipped roof structure. A roof that slopes to one side describes a shed roof, which lacks the ridged structure entirely, while a roof made of rough stone does not pertain to the roof's shape but rather its material composition. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a hipped roof lies specifically in the way its sides are sloped and configured to meet at a ridge, making that the correct distinction.