Although hip roofs may look trendy, they are not the most popular type of roofing. The design of the roof that they are named after is the slope on each side. These slopes converge at the top to create a ridge.
They are also very hip! Hip roofing is a popular roofing option in America due to its modern design and durability. Because the roof slope allows snow and rain to slide off, it is a great choice for homeowners living in areas with high snowfall and extreme winds.
What is a HIP ROOF?
Hip roofs refer to how the roof is built rather than the materials used. This roof has four sides with slopes that meet at the top to create a point. This allows condensation to easily slide off in rain, snow, or thunderstorms and protects your home from heavy winds.
When building a roof for your home, you will need to decide between a hip or gable roof. A hip roof has four sides, while a roof with a gable roof has two. Hip roof design are shaped so that all sides of the roof can slope down over your walls. Gable roofs have two sides, or peaks, that slope toward your home.
PROS
Why choose a hip roof to cover your home? Let’s look at some of the benefits this architectural style offers:
- Hip roofs provide homes with a strong and stable option. Because of their inward slope, the structure has an inward slope on all four sides. This provides extra resistance to heavy wind and rain.
- They allow precipitation to slide off and drain easily. The roof’s slope will effectively channel precipitation away from the rest of the structure. This is ideal for areas that are subject to snow accumulation. It helps the roof prevent standing water from accumulating and reduces pressure.
- These roofs allow you to create extra space – Hip roofs are great for adding extra space to your home if you have a dormer, crow’s nest or another type of structure. This is a simple addition you can make to your home. Contractors can also supply electricity and plumbing through it.
- They offer various design options – After you decide on a hip roof, you’ll find a variety of aesthetically-appealing design options. These include pavilion, mansard and tented. They can also support many materials, from asphalt shingles to metal roofing and many other types.
CONS
Why would homeowners choose to skip a hip roof? Hip roofs have the following disadvantages:
- Hip roofs are more costly to construct – Because hip roofs have a more complex design and require more tools and materials, they can be more expensive than gable roofs. Gable roofs are a better choice than hip roofs if you are more concerned about the cost of construction.
- You must have a specific pitch if you live near windy areas – It’s best to choose a pitch with a particular angle. This can be anywhere from 18.5 to 26.5 degrees. Your design may have problems in extremely windy conditions if it has more or less than this.
- Proper ventilation can be difficult – Because each side slopes equally, it is often more difficult to install adequate ventilation under a hipped roof. The aerodynamic profile of one side can cause an imbalance in the rest. This could lead to water accumulating in the roof and causing mould or mildew that can impact the health of those living in the home.
