Why the Hipped Roof Is Hip

When it comes to roof styles, the hipped roof brings to mind one word: revival. From colonial to classic, Italianate to Greek, the hipped roof is a unique fusion of solidness and practicality with the right touch of décor. Here's more on this dynamic architecture, including roof styles and roof prices to help you make an informed decision.

Roof Styles 411: The Hipped Roof

Check out any ranch home or cottage built in the last century or so and you'll see the hipped roof in all its glory. Here are some common characteristics of the hipped roof that separate it from other more common roofing styles:

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• All sides slope down to the eaves
• No vertical sides and no flat sides
• Creates a single point from which the sides of the roof slope
• Rectangular versions create an edge for the added length.
• Helps to accentuate a more horizontal house design

You'll not only appreciate the clean, structured look, but the hipped roof also holds a variety of unique benefits over other roof styles. Hipped roofs feature an aerodynamic shape that performs better in windstorms and reduces the risk of structural damage. The hipped roof also drains reasonably well as compared to other roof styles. Dutch hipped roofs feature a gabled top that provides ventilation while maintaining wind resistance.

Replacing a Roof with a Hipped Roof

You may find that roof prices for a new hipped roof run higher than other roof styles simply because the roofer must consider four symmetrical planes as opposed to two. The work involved with building up the levels can be painstaking and slow. Other factors that can influence costs include pitch and overhang. As both increase, so will the project price.

Atlanta roofing contractor Ben Heinz reveals that the material is still the determining factor in the actual cost of your roof. He estimates the ratio of most expensive material to least expensive can be as great as 5 to 1. Heinz suggests you get several estimates for the job, as roof contractors' pricing scales vary by company and geographic locale.