What is a characteristic of a hip roof compared to a gable roof?

A hip roof is characterized by having slopes on all sides, which differentiates it from a gable roof that typically has two sloped sides meeting at a peak, leaving the other sides flat. The design of a hip roof results in a structure that has a more pyramid-like shape and provides greater stability due to the slopes extending around the entire building. This allows for better water drainage and can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home.

In contrast, the other characteristics mentioned do not accurately describe a hip roof. For instance, a hip roof does not only have one slope, as that would describe a shed roof. While hip roofs can be more complex to construct compared to gable roofs due to the additional slopes and framing considerations, it is also not inherently tied to a specific angle of slope that is steeper than that of gable roofs. The presence of slopes on all sides is the defining aspect that makes the hip roof distinct.