Alternative Name: slope roof, hipped roof or sloped roof. Alternative name suggests a roof system that resembles a roof row, the rows of sloped roofs running parallel to each other and slanting toward the building, but without the pitch. A sloped roof is usually pitched with one of the walls at right angles to the other wall, forming a U shape. The hip roof is the external end of a roof structure, where ller heads meet opposite each other and slope toward the building. The roof is pitched from three to eight degrees, with the degree of pitch depending upon the property characteristics and local climate.
Hip roofing systems can be built to withstand high winds, providing maximum protection to the structure during severe weather. The hip roof is often found on flat top houses that are built along a sloping site, as it offers the best protection from high winds. The low slope of the roof allows rainwater and snow to run off easily, preventing the accumulation of water-snow within the gutter system. In addition to offering excellent protection from high winds, the hipped roof is also able to withstand strong solar gusts.
Sloping roofs are a relatively simple way to create additional attic space. The slope of the roof allows for better ventilation through the attic space, improving the energy efficiency of the home. Another advantage of the slopping design is that it creates more usable floor space in the attic. More attic space means you have more floor space available to you for other uses, such as extra bedrooms or offices.
When the property has a high wind area, such as coastal areas, sloped roofs may help to reduce damage due to high winds. The sloping roof design will also allow for better attic access. In homes located in coastal areas, the presence of the sloped roof may allow for easier maintenance and construction of the home. The increased functionality of the home may allow for more flexibility in terms of design and style. In some cases, the addition of an attached garage or walk-through sunroom may provide additional living space, even if the amount of living space available is limited.
Hip roofs are designed in a manner that they follow the contour of the site, unlike the flat top residential roof. Most residential hipped roof designs have three to four sides with the slope being accentuated on the topmost sides. In some cases, the roof may be constructed with additional side slabs to provide for additional slope variation. The accentuated top sides are typically made from materials that have higher thermal conductivity levels. In most cases, the extra slopes provide insulation benefits, as heat dissipates over longer distances in the house.
The increased slopes allow for equal length roof sections, as well as different slope heights. This feature provides increased energy efficiency, as heat can travel through the same length of material at differing temperatures. In residential hipped roof applications, the four sides of the hipped roof are typically constructed from materials with higher thermal conductivity properties. The added length and difference in thermal conductivity between the top and bottom half may reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the home.
