A hip roof is a type of roof with a sloped, irregularly shaped surface that sits upon the main beams.
It’s typically used for homes and other structures with steep-slope roofs, but it can also be used on flat roofs.
What is a hip roof?
A hip roof is a type of roof that has four sloped sides. The sloped sides are called “hips” and meet at the ridge of the roof. The ridge is the highest point of a hip roof, which makes it easy to tell where one end starts and another ends.
The term “hip” may be misleading for some people because it can also refer to an area in which two objects meet (like when you’re standing on your toes). But since this article is about hip roofs specifically, we’ll stick with using their proper name here on out!
Why is a hip roof called a hip roof?
The “hip” is the external angle formed where two adjacent roof slopes meet, running from the ridge down to a corner of the house.
The roof is named after those angled edges. Where two slopes meet at an internal corner, such as on an L-shaped home, the join is called a valley.
When you think about it, this design makes sense because it looks like an upside down triangle with its bases touching each other and pointed outward at an angle (see diagram).
Hip Roofs can be installed for a new build as well as a reconstruction project.
Check out our Homebuyers Guide to Knockdown and Rebuild.
Types of hip roofs
- Simple hip: four slopes meeting at a central ridge, the most common type.
- Pyramid (pavilion) hip: a square plan with four triangular sides meeting at one point.
- Cross-hipped (hip and valley): intersecting hip roofs on L- or T-shaped homes, with valleys where they meet.
- Half-hip (jerkinhead): a gable with its upper point clipped by a small hip.
- Dutch gable (gablet): a hip roof with a small gable at the top, which adds ceiling height and visual interest.
- Less common: mansard and tented roofs.
Pros of a Hip Roof
- Wind performance: the roof is self-bracing and needs less wind bracing than a gable, and it’s often preferred in high-wind and cyclone-prone regions.
- Even eaves: eaves all round give the walls and windows shade and protection from the rain.
- Compact, symmetrical look: it suits many home styles.
- Fewer exposed vertical walls: there are no large gable ends to catch the wind.
Cons of a Hip Roof
- Cost: more framing, materials and labour than a simple gable, so it typically costs more.
- Smaller roof space: the inward slopes give less storage or room to convert than a gable roof.
- More junctions: hips and valleys need quality flashing and capping to stay watertight.
- Ventilation: there are no gable-end vents, so ventilation relies on roof and eave vents.
Are hip roofs more expensive?
Generally, yes compared with a simple gable, because of the extra framing and materials. A skillion roof is typically faster and cheaper to build than either. Cross-hipped and Dutch gable designs add complexity, so ask your builder for a quote based on your plan.
Do hip roofs need gutters?
Yes. Gutters carry rainwater away from the walls, and on a hip roof they run around the whole perimeter, so keep them clear of leaves and debris. In bushfire-prone areas, check the requirements for your block.
If you do have gutters, it’s a good idea to clean them regularly (at least once per year) and make sure that they’re not leaking because this could cause mold growth inside your home.
If you don’t have any gutters yet and there’s no sign of water coming through your roof then this might mean that something else has gone wrong with your roofing system such as an incorrect flashing design or missing shingles/tiles which could lead to leaks over time if left untreated.
Is a hip roof strong?
A hip roof is a strong and durable option for homes in windy areas. A hip roof can also provide good insulation, which makes it a great choice for areas with heavy snowfall or ice storms.
HHip roofs perform well in wind because all four sides slope inward and the shape is self-bracing. Correct engineering, tie-downs and construction still matter, so your builder should design to your block’s wind rating.
And since there are no eaves along the sides of your house (as you would find on an English cottage), you won’t have to worry about any damage caused by water streaming into your house through gaps between walls and floors!
Parts of a hip roof
- Ridge: the horizontal line along the top where the main slopes meet.
- Hips (hip ridges): the sloping lines from the ridge down to each outside corner, usually covered with ridge capping.
- Hip ends: the shorter, triangular slopes at each end.
- Valleys: internal corners where two sections meet, common on L- or T-shaped plans.
- Rafters or trusses: the frame beneath the roof. Traditional roofs use rafters, including diagonal hip rafters, and modern homes commonly use prefabricated trusses.
- Eaves, fascia and gutters: on a hip roof, the eaves run around the whole house.
Does a hip roof have rafters?
Rafters: yes, either site-cut rafters (with diagonal hip rafters) or, more commonly on new homes, prefabricated trusses.
Leaks: any roof can leak if the flashing, capping or sheets fail. A hip roof has more ridges and junctions than a simple gable, so quality installation and regular inspection matter.
Do hip roofs leak?
Hip roofs are less prone to leaks than gable roofs, but they can still experience some water damage. This is particularly common in areas with heavy snowfall and high winds. The most common causes of hip roof leaks are:
- Rainwater hitting the upper surface of the shingles
- Gutters clogged with leaves and debris
Conclusion
This allows for more space but also requires extra maintenance and care from the homeowner in order to keep it in good condition.
A hip roof is a strong, symmetrical choice, especially where wind is a concern, and its even eaves give good shade and protection. The trade-offs are cost and roof space.
The biggest advantage of these types of structures over other types? They are easier to install than traditional roofs do because they don’t require any additional support structures underneath them!
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