What Is a Hip Roof? A Complete Guide for Homeowners

A hip roof, also known as a hipped roof, is a popular roofing style where all sides of the roof slope downwards to the walls, typically with a gentle pitch. Unlike a gable roof that has two sloping sides and two vertical ends (gables), a hip roof has no gables, giving it a more compact and solid appearance. This design is inherently more stable and aerodynamic, making it an excellent choice for homes in high-wind and hurricane-prone regions.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the hip roof, from its core advantages and design variations to cost comparisons and structural essentials.

What Is a Hip Roof?

A hip roof is defined by its four sloping sides that come together at the top to form a ridge. On a square-plan house, this creates a pyramid shape. On a rectangular house, the four sides meet at a central ridge line.

The primary components of a hip roof frame include:

• Ridge Board: The horizontal beam at the very peak of the roof.
• Common Rafters: Run perpendicular from the wall plates to the ridge board.
• Hip Rafters: The diagonal rafters that extend from the corners of the building up to the ridge.
• Jack Rafters: Shorter rafters that run from the wall plate to a hip rafter.

This complex arrangement of rafters provides superior bracing against wind forces compared to other common roof types.

Hip Roof Pros and Cons at a Glance

Deciding if a hip roof is right for your home involves weighing its unique benefits against its drawbacks.

Types of Hip Roof Designs

While the basic hip roof is common, several variations offer different aesthetic and functional benefits.

Pyramid Hip Roof

Also called a pavilion roof, this design is used on a square structure. The four equal-sized triangular sides meet at a single point at the top, forming a pyramid. It's a popular choice for smaller structures like gazebos, pool houses, and garages.

Cross-Hipped Roof

For homes with a more complex layout, like an L-shape or T-shape, a cross-hipped roof is used. This design consists of two intersecting hip roof sections that meet to form a valley. It adds architectural interest but also increases complexity and the potential for leaks in the valley.

Dutch Gable or Half-Hip Roof

This is a hybrid design that combines elements of both a hip and a gable roof. It's essentially a hip roof with a small gable section, called a gablet, at the top. This design provides more attic space and makes it easier to install a window for natural light and ventilation.

Hip Roof vs. Gable Roof: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The most common decision homeowners face is choosing between a hip and a gable roof. While they can look similar from the ground, their performance and cost are quite different.

How Much Does a Hip Roof Cost?

A new hip roof typically costs $7 to $12 per square foot installed, or between $14,000 and $24,000 for a typical 2,000 sq. ft. roof. In contrast, a gable roof of the same size might cost $5 to $9 per square foot.

Key cost factors include:

• Complexity: The intricate cuts for hip and jack rafters require more skilled labor and time, increasing labor costs.
• Material Waste: The angled cuts result in more material waste (up to 15%) compared to a simple gable roof.
• Roofing Material: The choice of material—asphalt shingles, metal, tiles—significantly impacts the final price.
• Location: Labor and permit costs vary widely by region.

While the upfront cost is higher, a hip roof can sometimes lead to significant savings on homeowner's insurance, especially in coastal areas.

Best Roofing Materials for Hip Roofs

The structural integrity of a hip roof allows it to support a wide variety of materials.

• Asphalt Shingles: The most common and cost-effective choice. Modern architectural shingles offer excellent wind ratings that complement the hip design.
• Metal Roofing: Standing seam or metal shingles are outstanding for hip roofs. They are lightweight, durable, and offer superior wind and fire resistance.
• Clay or Concrete Tiles: These heavy materials are well-supported by a hip roof's frame. They offer a premium look and exceptional longevity but are also the most expensive option.

When selecting materials, it's crucial to consult with your contractor to ensure the total weight is within your home's structural load limits. For more details, see our guide on choosing the right roofing materials.

Hip Roof Framing: The Structural Basics

The strength of a hip roof comes from its complex frame. While this is a job for professionals, understanding the basics can help you during the hiring process.

A simplified overview of the framing process:

1. Establish the Ridge and Walls: The process starts with a level ridge board supported by temporary posts and squared exterior walls.
2. Install Common Rafters: Full-length common rafters are installed first, running from the walls to the ridge board to establish the roof's main structure and pitch.
3. Cut and Fit Hip Rafters: This is the most complex step. Hip rafters must be cut with compound angles to fit perfectly between the building's corners and the ridge board.
4. Fill in with Jack Rafters: Shorter jack rafters are then cut and installed, running from the wall plates up to the hip rafters, filling in the "hip" sections of the roof.
5. Reinforce Connections: In high-wind zones, all connections (rafter-to-ridge, rafter-to-wall) are reinforced with metal hurricane straps or ties, as recommended by FEMA's guide to wind-resistant construction (link opens in new tab).

Solving the Hip Roof Ventilation Challenge

Proper attic ventilation is critical for managing heat and moisture, extending the life of your roof, and improving energy efficiency. However, the design of a hip roof makes ventilation tricky.

Because there is little to no high ridge line, a standard ridge vent may not be sufficient. A balanced system is key:

• Intake Vents: Soffit vents installed under the eaves draw cool, fresh air into the attic.
• Exhaust Vents: Since a full-length ridge vent isn't always possible, solutions include hip vents (vents designed to be installed on the hip ridges), box vents placed near the top, or a powered attic fan.

Consult a roofing expert to design a system that provides adequate airflow for your specific roof size and climate. For more information, check out our complete guide to understanding roof ventilation.

Key Takeaways