What Is A Roof Hip And Ridge?
What Is A Roof Hip And Ridge?
A roof hip is a triangular protrusion on the roof of a building that is designed by the intersection of two roof slopes. A roof “ridge” is the highest point formed by the intersection of two roof slopes facing opposing directions. The two hip rafters connect the ridge to both sides of the roof, meeting at two T’s.
Hip rafters are sometimes referred to as “top plates” because they connect both sides of the roof. A common mistake occurs when people say “front end” and “back end.” The front end is a hip rafter, and the back end is a ridge.
The rule of thumb for locating a hip is to measure from the line that runs through your eyes to the bottom of the hip if you would stand up while looking at the top plate. If it’s more than 1/2″ too short, change it until its right.
Attach hips to a ridge board using the “diagonal rule.” This rule states that if you lay out a hip rafter on the ridge and hold both ends of the rafter at a 90º angle to the ridge, you should be able to lay the hip on top of its corresponding end.
Therefore, if you hold your hip up with one end against your shoulder, one on the floor, and measure from the end of the rafter to the shoulder, this measurement should equal half of that needed for your side cut.
Ridges are attached similarly. The lengthwise measurements can vary because they have no corresponding ends.
Can A Hip Roof Have Different Pitches?
They nearly always have the same pitch or slope, making them symmetrical about the centerlines. Hip roofs frequently have a constant level fascia, allowing a gutter to be installed all around.
Dormers with sloped sides are common on hip roofs. The hip slope can be a simple two-story pitch. It may also be a 3:12 pitch.
If you’re installing hip rafters on a slope, this is another place where the diagonal rule comes in handy. If you hold the end of one hip rafter against your shoulder and the other across your chest and align the hip with its corresponding ridge, you will again have a 50% measurement.
Now you can use this measurement to determine which end is which by measuring from that end to the shoulder of the hip rafter across your chest.
Can You Put A Metal Roof On A Hip Roof?
Metal roofing may be on any roof form, including gable and hip roofs. Metal is a common roofing material for both types of roofs. It also commonly comes in many colors.
If you’re using metal and want to install it over a hip roof, you must finish the hip wall first. Then take down the hip rafters and complete the entire roof with metal.
Roofs with hip slopes can also come in two other styles: gambrel and hipped. Gambrel roofs are gable roofs on an angle, while hipped roofs are measured from the eave to the eaves without regard for the roof’s slope.
What Is The Standard Pitch For A Hip Roof?
The most frequent hip roof pitch ratios are 4:12 and 6:12, with variations depending on elements such as snow, rain, and wind conditions, because steeper hip roof pitch ratios allow for less snow and rain buildup on the roof.
In comparison, lower ratios give less wind resistance. It is important to know the correct pitch ratio of your roof to install your roofing materials properly.
The 4:12 pitch is measured from the inside edge of a building to the centerline of a rafter. The 6:12 pitch is measured to the outside edge of a building. These pitches are usually achieved by altering the rafter length.
Still, they can also be achieved by using different lengths for each side depending on processing methods and environmental conditions, such as snow loads, wind, and local codes.
A standard angle for hip roofs is approximately 26-28 degrees from horizontal; this works well for dry climates with low snow loads. However, 12-14 degree pitches should be used in more severe environments.
Are Hip Roofs Stronger Than Gables?
Hip roofs are structurally stronger and more stable than gables because they require less diagonal bracing, which is filled by the hip frame, and require less support.
They are also better in high winds because their steeper pitch allows for less wind uplift, making the roof stronger.
A hip roof’s main drawback is that the connections are exposed, making them vulnerable to leaks. Be sure to use flashing and seal all joints around the ridge, hips, valleys, and chimney and fireplace flues with silicone or caulk.
Hip roofs last as long as gables if constructed properly and in a dry climate. Metal roofing helps increase longevity because it lasts longer than asphalt shingle roofs. Newer metal roofs can last up to 50 years before they need repairs or replacement.
