where are hip roofs found

Full Answer

What is the difference between a hip and gable roof?

Hip roofs are most common in North America and are considered to be the second most popular roof styles after gable roofs. While a gable roof consists of two sloping sides that join together at the top of gable ends, a hip roof has four sloping sides with no gable ends.

What is the most common type of hip roof?

Simple Hip Roof A regular hip roof is the most common style involving a polygon-shaped slope on two sides and a triangular-shaped slope on the remaining two sides. All four sides come together at the top to create a ridge.

What is a hipped roof house?

A hip roof, hip-roof [1] or hipped roof, is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope (although a tented roof by definition is a hipped roof with steeply pitched slopes rising to a peak). Thus, a hipped roof house has no gables or other vertical sides to the roof.

What is an East Asian hip and gable roof?

The East Asian hip-and-gable roof is similar in concept to the gablet roof. A half-hip, clipped-gable or jerkin head roof has a gable, but the upper point of the gable is replaced by a small hip, squaring off the top of the gable. The lower edge of the half-hip may have a gutter which leads back on to the remainder of the roof on one or both sides.

Where does the hip roof come from?

Hip roofs are very popular in American architecture due to their aesthetic appeal as well as durability. They date back to the 18th century, where they were spotted in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Hip roofs were a common feature in 1950s American houses too.

What type of roof is hip?

A hip roof, hip-roof or hipped roof, is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope (although a tented roof by definition is a hipped roof with steeply pitched slopes rising to a peak). Thus, a hipped roof house has no gables or other vertical sides to the roof.

How do you tell if a roof is a hip roof?

A hip roof has no vertical ends. It is sloped on all sides, with the slopes meeting in a peak (if the structure is square). Or with the ends sloped inward toward a ridge formed by the adjacent sides (if the structure is rectangular).

Why have a hip roof?

It has an inward slope on all four sides, which makes it more sturdy and durable. Hip roofs are an excellent pick for both places where it snows and high winds. The slant of the roof makes snow slide off easily without worrying about stagnant water.

What are the 4 types of roofs?

4 Types of RoofsGable Roof. This roof type is known for its distinguishable triangular shape feature. ... Mansard Roof. This roof type was adapted from the French and has a much steeper lower slope. ... Flat Roof. This roof type may not be entirely flat but have a low-sloped pitch that makes them appear flat. ... Hip Roof.

Are hip roofs more expensive?

As noted earlier, hip roofs cost more to build than gable-end and other common roofing structural styles due to the increased labor, materials and overall complexity of roof design.

Is my roof gable or hip?

The main difference between a gable roof and a hip roof is that a gable roof has vertical sides and a hip roof has no vertical sides.

Are hip roofs better?

Hip roofs are typically more stable than gable roofs because they consist of four slopes rather than two. Since they are a bit sturdier, these roofs are a better choice for areas that experience high wind.

Does a hip roof need gutters?

A hip roof requires gutters all the way around. While the initial investment will be greater, the return will be less problems with water damage.

What are 3 advantages of a hip and valley roof?

The most significant benefit to hip and valley roofs is they're wind-resistant. They also allow for better water drainage and superior gutter systems. While hip and valley roofs are aesthetically pleasing, their multiple seams increase the likelihood of leaks.

What is the best roof design for hurricanes?

Roofs with multiple slopes such as a hip roof (4 slopes) perform better under wind forces than gable roofs (2 slopes). Gable roofs are generally more common because they are cheaper to build. A 30-degree roof slope has the best results. Wind forces on a roof tend to be uplift forces.

What is the purpose of a hip and valley roof?

Hip & valley roof functions are to clear rainwater or snow quickly from the top of the house because on a flat surface, it is hard to clean snow, and due to heavy rainfall, the chances of leakage in the roof will be high.

What is a hip valley roof?

A hip roof has four sloped sides that come together at a ridge or peak. A hip and valley roof has more than one hipped section that meets at an area called a valley. View in gallery. Hip and valley roofs are intricate but practical for homes with additions, split levels, and unique layouts.

What's the difference between a hip roof and a gable roof?

The main difference between a gable roof and a hip roof is that a gable roof has vertical sides and a hip roof has no vertical sides.

Which is better hip or gable roof?

Hip roofs are typically more stable than gable roofs because they consist of four slopes rather than two. Since they are a bit sturdier, these roofs are a better choice for areas that experience high wind.

What is a hip rafter?

Definition of hip rafter : the rafter extending from the wall plate to the ridge and forming the angle of a hip roof.

When were hip roofs popularized?

Hip roofs were originally popularized in America during the early 18th century. Many Georgian-style homes in the mid-Atlantic and Southern regions of the US featured rectangular hip roofs with brick structures. These roofs continued to be a common feature of American homes in the 50s and were mostly seen on ranch-style and the traditional American Foursquare style homes .

How long does a hip roof last?

Hip roofs can last up to 5 decades if not more, provided they are constructed properly. The lifespan of a hip roof depends on the quality of the materials and the maintenance they receive. To make your hip roof last longer, use metal roofing or clay shingles and carry out regular maintenance to prevent water leaks.

What is the Lifespan of a Hip Roof?

Hip roofs can last up to 5 decades if not more, provided they are constructed properly. The lifespan of a hip roof depends on the quality of the materials and the maintenance they receive. To make your hip roof last longer, use metal roofing or clay shingles and carry out regular maintenance to prevent water leaks.

What is a half hip roof?

2. Half Hip or Jerkinhead. Also referred to as jerkinhead or clipped gables, the half-hipped roofs have two short sides that form eaves. They are usually characterized by their upper points of gable rather than a small hip. One advantage of a half hip roof is the ease of drainage from the gutters. 3. Dutch Gable Hip.

What is the difference between a gable roof and a hip roof?

While a gable roof consists of two sloping sides that join together at the top of gable ends, a hip roof has four sloping sides with no gable ends. All the four sides of the hip roof slant downwards towards the walls at a consistent angle. The adjoining sides that meet the external angle are known as the ‘hip’ of the roof. The hip roof shape is usually rectangular.

What is a Dutch gable roof?

A dormer can also be installed in the center of the hip roof for additional living space. This provides a beautiful decorative touch to the hip roof as well as transforming the attic into a functional living space.

Why are vaulted ceilings more durable than gable roofs?

Durable: these types of roofs are more durable and stable than gable roofs because of their four sloping sides.

Where are cross hip roofs common?

These kinds of roofs are very common in Europe, especially Austria, Slovenia, Denmark, Germany and the Wealden area in South East England. 3. Cross-Hip Roof. The cross-hip roof is one of the more popular variants of the hip roof.

What is a hip roof?

A hip roof or a hipped roof is a style of roofing that slopes downwards from all sides to the walls and hence has no vertical sides. The hip roof is the most commonly used roof style in North America, after the gabled roof.

How many types of hip roofs are there?

Discover 5 types of hip roofs plus 22 examples of many houses that incorporate all the different hipped roof styles. From simple, to very complex, computer generated hip roof designs.

What color is the house with the hip and valley roof?

This house has almost the same color combination as the house before it, with its shining white walls and silver hipped roofs. However, it consists of the hip-and-valley roof structure because of its larger and more irregular structure. The house has a quaint cottage feel, thanks to the variety of lush green plants and fuchsia flowers outside it.

What is a broken back roof called?

This type of roof is also called broken-back hip-and-valley roof because the main hips are interconnected by the rafter of gables on one side and the rafter of the valley on the other.

What are the disadvantages of a hip roof?

One of the disadvantages of a hip roof is that it leaves very little area in the attic and is prone to leaks. 2. Half-Hip Roof. A half-hip, jerkinhead or clipped gable roof is usually characterized by a gable, but the upper points of the gable are instead replaced by a small hip.

How many hips are there in a roof?

A hip and valley roof may be part of an irregular structure. Such buildings may have more than four hips in the roofs, and they form valleys at the inside corners.

Advantages of a Hip Roof

When you’re evaluating roof styles for a custom home or a semi-custom home, you’re likely to start with aesthetics. Consult your architect or builder for individualized advice on the best roof style for the home you’re building.

Drawbacks of a Hip Roof

Despite their popularity, there are some disadvantages to choosing a hip roof rather than a gable roof or another style, such as:

Material Options for a Hip Roof

While the durability of a hip roof is a prime attraction of this style, its life span depends in part of weather conditions in your area, proper installation, maintenance, and the materials you choose. Hip roofs can last as long as 50 years if checked at least annually and after storms for debris and damage.

Hip Roof Architectural Variations

Hip. A basic hip roof has four sloping sides with triangles on two sides and polygons on the other two sides that meet in the middle at a horizontal ridge.

Where are half hip roofs found?

Half-hipped roofs are very common in England, Denmark, Germany and especially in Austria and Slovenia. They are also typical of traditional timber frame buildings in the Wealden area of South East England. Half hip roofs are sometimes referred to as "Dutch hip", but this term is easily confused with "Dutch gable".

Where are hip roofs used?

Use. In modern domestic architecture, hip roofs are commonly seen in bungalows and cottages, and have been integral to styles such as the American Foursquare. However, they have been used in many styles of architecture and in a wide array of structures.

What are the disadvantages of a hip roof?

A disadvantage of a hip roof, compared with a gable roof on the same plan, is that there is less room inside the roof space; access is more difficult for maintenance; hip roofs are harder to ventilate; and there is not a gable with a window for natural light.

How steep should a roof be for a hurricane?

However, for a hurricane region, the roof also has to be steep-sloped; at least 35 degrees from horizontal or steeper in slope is preferred. When wind flows over a shallow sloped hip roof, the roof can behave like an airplane wing. Lift is then created on the leeward side.

What is a hip roof?

A hip roof type house in Khammam city, India. A hip roof, hip-roof or hipped roof, is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope (although a tented roof by definition is a hipped roof with steeply pitched slopes rising to a peak). Thus, a hipped roof house has no gables or other vertical sides ...

How many faces does a hip roof have?

A hip roof on a rectangular plan has four faces. They are almost always at the same pitch or slope, which makes them symmetrical about the centerlines. Hip roofs often have a consistent level fascia, meaning that a gutter can be fitted all around. Hip roofs often have dormer slanted sides.

What is a mansard roof?

A mansard roof is a variation on a hip roof, with two different roof angles, the lower one much steeper than the upper.

Where are cross hip roofs common?from homestratosphere.com

These kinds of roofs are very common in Europe, especially Austria, Slovenia, Denmark, Germany and the Wealden area in South East England. 3. Cross-Hip Roof. The cross-hip roof is one of the more popular variants of the hip roof.

What is a hip roof?from homenish.com

A hip roof or a hipped roof is a style of roofing that slopes downwards from all sides to the walls and hence has no vertical sides. The hip roof is the most commonly used roof style in North America, after the gabled roof.

What is the Lifespan of a Hip Roof?from homenish.com

Hip roofs can last up to 5 decades if not more, provided they are constructed properly. The lifespan of a hip roof depends on the quality of the materials and the maintenance they receive. To make your hip roof last longer, use metal roofing or clay shingles and carry out regular maintenance to prevent water leaks.

Why are vaulted ceilings more durable than gable roofs?from homenish.com

Durable: these types of roofs are more durable and stable than gable roofs because of their four sloping sides.

How many types of hip roofs are there?from homestratosphere.com

Discover 5 types of hip roofs plus 22 examples of many houses that incorporate all the different hipped roof styles. From simple, to very complex, computer generated hip roof designs.

What color is the house with the hip and valley roof?from homestratosphere.com

This house has almost the same color combination as the house before it, with its shining white walls and silver hipped roofs. However, it consists of the hip-and-valley roof structure because of its larger and more irregular structure. The house has a quaint cottage feel, thanks to the variety of lush green plants and fuchsia flowers outside it.

What type of roofs did Georgian homes have?from homenish.com

Many Georgian-style homes in the mid-Atlantic and Southern regions of the US featured rectangular hip roofs with brick structures. These roofs continued to be a common feature of American homes in the 50s and were mostly seen on ranch-style and the traditional American Foursquare style homes .

Hip Roof Design Overview

All sides of a hip roof slope downward. On square homes, the four sides of a hip roof form a peak on top. On rectangular houses, the sides of a hip roof meet to form a ridge.

Hip Roof vs. Gable Roof

A gable roof is the most simple roof design. It has two even sides that form a peak in the middle.

Hip Roof vs. Gambrel Roof

Some people confuse hipped roofs with gambrel roofs, but they are not the same. A gambrel roof is a gable with two symmetrical slopes on both sides. The top slope is usually shallow, with the lower slope being steep.

Pros and Cons of a Hip Roof

There are many types of hip roofs, and they work with all kinds of home styles. If you’re considering a hip roof for your house, here are the pros and cons:

Hip Roof Examples

If you need some inspiration, here are some of the most popular styles of hip roofs.

Dutch Gable Roof on Rustic Home

If you’ve thought of doing a hip roof and gable roof combination, here’s one way to go about it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hipped roofs are one of the most versatile styles and work for every type of home. While you’ll generally see hipped roofs on Georgian and French Colonial-style homes, they work for any house. You readily find examples of modern, farmhouse, and rustic homes with hip roofs.

Why Are Gable Roofs So Popular

Gable roofs are very popular and with good reason. Due to the steeper slope, this roof can easily shed both water and snow, making them perfect for areas that experience heavy rainfall or brutal winters. The snow and rain will easily slide off the roof, lessening the chances of leaks and water damage.

Adding And Calculating The Ridge Length

Hipped roofs are rarely square like the example above. The picture below shows the same roof, extended length ways with the addition of a ridge. It is basically a gable roof with half of the hipped roof above stuck on each end.

How Does A Gable Roof Compare To A Hip Roof

The main difference between a gable roof and a hip roof is that all four sides of a hip roof slope downward off the structure frame. On a gable roof, there are just two main slopes. A hip roof is typically made out of two triangular roof pieces and two trapezoidal roof sections.

Learn More About Metal Roofing

The best way to maximize your metal roofs durability and longevity is to work with an engineer or qualified distributor/contractor of metal roofing systems. You can find a McElroy Metal Distributor or Contractor here.

Disadvantages Of A Gable Roof

If you live in an area where high winds or hurricanes are likely, a gable roof may not be the best choice. Gable roofs must be carefully constructed with good support or the roof may collapse in high winds. Strong winds may also peel roofing materials away from gable roofs.

Types Of Roofing Materials

In addition to the type or style of roof that you choose and your regions climate, youll want to consider what type of roofing material works best for your area, the type of roof that you desire, and your budget.

What Is A Boston Hip Roof

A hip roof, hip – roof or hipped roof, is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope . Thus, a hipped roof house has no gables or other vertical sides to the roof.

What is a hip roof?

Hip roofs are distinct from other roofs in a few ways. Primarily, they are categorized by the fact that they involve four slopes, one along each side of the home. These four slopes meet at the top of the home, creating an angle that runs lengthwise along the center of the roof. This angle is called a hip, thus giving the hip roof its name. This style was popularized in 1700s American homes and regained popularity in the 1950s. Hip roofs are distinct for their four slopes, and most variations of the style lack vertical sloping or gables at the ends. These roofs are generally rectangular and are found in homes that fit that shape. One popular application of hip roofs occurs in ranch-style homes.

Can you do a roof without a professional?

It’s important to remember to never attempt roofing projects without a professional. Roofs are more complicated than they seem, and injuries can easily occur if you try to examine or repair your roof yourself. When you need your roof redone, inspected, replaced, or built from scratch, no one can help you more thoroughly than the experts at Able Roofing. We have the expertise and experience to help you select the perfect roof style for your family’s needs. We can work with any style of roof, and we pride ourselves on our knowledge of the ins and outs of each kind. We are diligent in our work, so you can have peace of mind for years to come. Contact us today to get started.

Overview

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Advantages and disadvantages

Variants

See also

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