A popular roofing design feature for many Texas homes, hip roofs are attractive and functional.
Different than the typical pitched style roofing, hip roofs offer a number of benefits that make them desirable.
If you are just putting up a home or other building and find this type appealing, or even if you want to change an existing roofline, talk to an experienced roofer about adding a hip installation to the design.
What Is A Hip Roof?
A hip roof is one that all four sides of the structure slope upward toward the ridge, which is the highest point on any pitched or sloped roof.
This is different from a standard pitched roof, which has two sloped angles and two completely vertical sections that appear at either end of the slopes.
It is a fairly simple change in design that can greatly improve the aesthetics of any home or building, but it does require a skilled roofer to get those angles correct so they are stable.
What Are Some Advantages to This Type Of Roofing Installation?
Although the most striking aspect of a hip style roofing installation is its looks, there are many other features that make it a good choice for homes and smaller buildings alike:
- Sophisticated Appearance - More attractive than plain pitched design and increases curb appeal.
- More Stable In Extreme Weather - Self-bracing and sturdy, making it stronger against heavy winds or heavy snow loads.
- Increased Wall Protection All Around - All four walls are protected by overhangs, fascia, and gutters, unlike the unprotected vertical ends on plain pitched installations.
- Allows For More Creative Building Design - Hip roofs look great on the inside, too, making way for beautiful vaulted ceilings. The downside is that there are no attic spaces in these areas, unlike the large attic spaces beneath the angles on pitched designs.
How Are Hip Roofs Constructed?
Hip roofs are built based on the standard sloping structure, but with some additional rafters and beams installed to support additional two angled sides.
While pitched designs utilize mainly common trusses and rafters to support the two sloping sides and connect them to the ridge, a hip roofing installation uses those, plus others.
To build these second sloping sections that come to a point at the ends of the ridge, roofers must utilize hip rafters at the corners, which serve the same purpose as the main ridge rafter board does, and then brace using jack rafters.
It is a more complex design on the underside to ensure all four sides of the structure are well-supported, but the end result is strong, useful, and beautiful.
Like The Looks Of A Hip Roof?
Whether you need a sturdy roof that can withstand Texas winds and rains well, or you just like the looks of it, a hip roof is a great alternative to the common pitched and sloped design.
This roofing does involve a financial investment that is higher than that of a standard roof, but it can also increase the value of the home or building.
The most important factor when choosing this architectural design is that you find skilled, qualified roofers that have experience doing this type of installation.