Roofs)?
Short Answer
Yes — in Autodesk Revit, you can create roofs using the Roof by Footprint command, which is the most common professional method for standard sloped roofs. It lets you sketch boundary lines, define slope on selected edges, and generate the roof quickly in plan view. Limitation: complex freeform roofs may require another roof creation method.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Roof sketch lines that are not fully closed or that have overlapping segments will cause the roof to fail or generate unexpected geometry. A very common issue is leaving “Defines Slope” turned on for the wrong boundary edge, which creates incorrect roof planes.
How to Create Roofs in Revit
Command: Roof by Footprint
Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut
Quick Steps:
- Go to the Architecture tab on the Build panel, then click Roof > Roof by Footprint.
- In plan view, use Pick Walls or sketch boundary lines, then check or clear Defines Slope in the Options Bar for the edges that should pitch.
- Click Finish Edit Mode on the Ribbon to create the roof, then adjust overhang and slope properties if needed.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Defines Slope
Expert Setting: This sketch-line option controls which roof boundary edges generate slope. If too many edges have Defines Slope enabled, Revit may create intersecting roof planes or an unintended roof shape.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): The footprint sketch is not a closed loop, or lines overlap/intersect improperly.
- Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Picked walls are constrained or modified in a way that causes incorrect overhang alignment or prevents clean attachment.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The wrong sketch edges have Defines Slope enabled, so Revit builds roof planes that do not resolve correctly.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Edit the roof sketch with Edit Footprint, remove overlapping lines, and turn off Defines Slope on any edge that should remain flat.
- Manager’s Verdict: Use Roof by Footprint for most building roofs because it is fast, editable, and standard in production work; avoid it for highly irregular forms where extrusion or mass-based roofs are more reliable.
FAQ
Can I create a flat roof in Revit?
Yes, just sketch the footprint and turn off Defines Slope on all boundary lines.
Can I attach walls to a roof in Revit?
Yes, use Attach Top/Base to connect wall tops to the roof.
Can I modify the roof after creating it?
Yes, select the roof and use Edit Footprint or change its properties.
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