Menu path
Mod-Roof > Lay-Back (a.k.a Gambrel) (Pulldown menu)
🧾 What it does
The Lay-Back tool creates gambrel-style roof configurations by adding a secondary roof plane with a different pitch. You can apply a lay-back modification to either hip ends or gable ends, creating a distinctive two-angle roof profile commonly seen in barn-style buildings.
🔧 How to use it
Navigate to Mod-Roof > Lay-Back (a.k.a Gambrel)
Click to select the ridge line at the hip end or gable end where you want to apply the lay-back
After selection, you'll see a flashing line appear at the base of the hip or gable - this serves as your reference point for measurements
The Lay-Back defaults dialog will open automatically
Enter your measurements in the dialog (see settings below)
Click OK to apply the lay-back modification
🧾 Lay-Back Settings
Field | Description |
Distance of crank from base of hip | The horizontal distance from the flashing line (at the base of the hip or gable) to where the cranking line (angle change) will occur. For gable ends, this is the distance from the base of the existing gable to the next apex along the ridge. |
Pitch of the new plane | The roof pitch angle for the secondary plane that will be created above the cranking line. |
💡 Before you start
You need to know two key measurements:
The horizontal distance from the base to where you want the pitch change to occur
The desired pitch angle for the new upper roof plane
🛠 Application examples
Hip ends: You can apply a lay-back gable to a hip end to create a mixed roof style with both hip and gambrel characteristics.
Gable ends: Apply lay-back to existing gable ends to create a traditional gambrel or barn-style roof profile.
⚠️ Important notes
The flashing line that appears after selecting the ridge serves as your measuring reference point. Always measure your distances from this line to ensure accurate placement of the 'cranking line'.