# Barns

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barns/466960>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 8, 2008, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barns/466960 "2008-10-08T04:51:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\
**Post date:** [October 8, 2008, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barns/466960/1 "2008-10-08T04:51:37Z")

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We know why barns are red (cheapest color of paint); why are their roofs sloped the way they are–as nearly round as possible? For more space inside? Or to make doubly sure snow won’t collect on them?

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**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\
**Post date:** [October 8, 2008, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barns/466960/2 "2008-10-08T06:27:24Z")

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see:

> **[Gambrel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambrel)**
>
> A gambrel or gambrel roof is a usually symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep. This design provides the advantages of a sloped roof while maximizing headroom inside the building's upper level and shortening what would otherwise be a tall roof. The name comes from the Medieval Latin word gamba, meaning horse's hock or leg. The term gambrel is of American origin, the older, European name bein European...

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**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\
**Post date:** [October 8, 2008, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barns/466960/3 "2008-10-08T06:29:46Z")

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More hay in the loft.