A hipped roof is a type of roof design that slopes downwards from all sides of the structure, with the ends of the roof meeting at the ridge line.
Unlike a gable roof, which has two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, a hipped roof has four sloping sides that come together at the top.
The slopes of these roofs are usually fairly gentle and the roof typically has a low pitch.
Components of a hipped roof
- Ridge board
- Hip rafter
- Common rafter
- Jack rafter
- Valley rafter
- Collar beam
- Purlin
- Fascia board
- Soffit board
- Eaves
- Roof decking
- Sheathing
- Roofing material
- Flashing
- Ridge cap
Types of hipped roof
- Simple Hip
A simple hip roof is a common type of roof, where all sides slope downwards from the central ridge line. It is relatively easy to construct and provides good stability and resistance against wind.
- Double hipped roof
A double-hipped is a type of roof that has two hips or sloping sides on each end of the roof. This design creates a ridge at the center of the roof and a more symmetrical appearance.
- Half Hipped
A half-hipped is a combination of a gable roof and a hipped roof, where a small hipped roof section replaces one or both ends of the roof.
It is commonly used in residential architecture and provides additional space for an attic or living area.
- Cross Hipped
A cross-hipped is formed when two hipped roofs intersect at a right angle, creating a cross shape.
It is commonly used in L-shaped or T-shaped buildings and provides good stability against wind and other environmental factors.
- Pyramidal Hip
A pyramidal hip roof is a roof where all four sides slope upwards and converge at a point at the top of the roof, creating a pyramid-like shape.
It is commonly used in smaller residential or commercial buildings and provides good stability against wind and other environmental factors.
- Pavilion Hip
A pavilion hip roof is a type of roof that has a rectangular or square base with four hipped roof sections that slope up to a central point.
It is commonly used in pavilions, gazebos, and other outdoor structures and provides good protection against environmental factors.
- Mansard Hip
A mansard hip roof is a variation of a mansard roof that has two slopes on all four sides, creating a hipped appearance.
It is commonly used in French-inspired architecture and provides additional living space on the upper level of the building.
- Dutch Hip
A Dutch hip roof, also known as a gambrel hip roof, is a type of hipped roof with two slopes on each side, with the lower slope steeper than the upper slope.
It is commonly used in residential architecture and provides good stability against wind and other environmental factors.
The steeper lower slope also provides additional living space on the upper level of the building.
Purpose of hipped roof
- Stability
These roofs provide good stability and resistance against wind and other environmental factors due to the sloping design and the fact that all sides of the roof are angled downwards.
- Durability
These roofs are designed to be durable and long-lasting, which means they require less maintenance and repair over time.
- Energy efficiency
These roofs can help to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss during the winter and keeping the building cooler in the summer.
- Additional living space
Some types of these roofs, such as mansard roofs, provide additional living space on the upper level of the building.
This can be a cost-effective way to add more living space without having to build an extension or addition.
- Protection against moisture
These are designed to provide good protection against moisture and leaks, which can help to prevent damage to the building and its contents.
- Flexibility
These roofs can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different building designs and requirements. This makes them a versatile option for a wide range of building types and styles.
Disadvantages of hipped roof
- It tends to be more expensive to construct than some other roof types, due to their more complex design and additional materials required.
- These roofs generally have less attic space compared to other roof types, due to the sloping sides of the roof.
- Some features, such as skylights, may be more difficult to install on a hipped roof due to the complex design and structure.
- These roofs may be more difficult to maintain and repair, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as corners and valleys.
- While these roofs can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes, they may be less flexible in terms of design compared to other roof types.
- While these roofs can provide good natural ventilation, the design of the roof may limit the installation of certain ventilation systems.
- The sloping sides of these roofs may limit the amount of direct sunlight that enters the building, which could impact natural lighting and heating.
