In construction, a “hip” refers to the external angle formed by the intersection of two adjacent sloping sides of a roof, typically at the end of a ridge. Hips are an essential part of the framing of a building, providing strength, stability, and support to the structure, as well as a finished appearance. Hips are typically found on the ends of gable roofs and are often covered with hip shingles or metal flashing to protect them from the weather and to provide a watertight seal.
Composition and Structure
Hips are typically made of strong, durable materials, such as wood, steel, or engineered wood products. The most common types of hips in residential construction are:
- Wood: Hips made of wood are typically constructed from several pieces of lumber, such as 2x4s, 2x6s, or 2x8s, that are stacked and fastened together to form a solid beam. The number and size of the pieces used depend on the size of the roof and the load it carries.
- Steel: Hips made of steel are typically constructed from a single steel beam that is sized to carry the load of the structure above the intersection. Steel hips are often used in commercial and industrial construction, where larger spans or heavier loads are common.
- Engineered Wood Products: Hips made of engineered wood products, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or laminated strand lumber (LSL), are manufactured to precise standards and can be custom-sized to meet the specific requirements of the roof and the load it carries. Engineered wood products offer greater strength and stability than traditional lumber and are often used in high-load applications or in areas with limited space.
Functionality
Hips serve several important functions:
- Support: Hips provide support to the structure, distributing the weight of the roof and transferring it down to the walls of the building.
- Stability: Hips provide stability to the structure, preventing sagging, settling, or shifting over time.
- Protection: Hips are covered with hip shingles or metal flashing to protect them from the weather and to provide a watertight seal, preventing water from leaking into the structure and causing damage.
Installation
The process of installing a hip typically involves the following steps:
- Planning: The size and type of hip required are determined based on the specific requirements of the project, including the size, layout, and pitch of the roof, as well as the local building codes and climate conditions.
- Preparation: The area where the hip will be installed is prepared by clearing, cleaning, and leveling the surface and by installing any necessary infrastructure, such as rafters, ridge beams, or support columns.
- Installation: The hip is installed at the intersection of the sloping sides of the roof, with the components connected together and fastened securely to the structure using nails, screws, or other appropriate fasteners.
Maintenance
Hips generally require minimal maintenance once installed. However, regular inspections for signs of damage, wear, or deterioration are recommended. If any issues are found, repairs or replacements should be carried out promptly to ensure the continued support, stability, and protection of the roof structure.
Conclusion
Hips are an essential part of the framing of a building, providing strength, stability, and support to the structure, as well as a finished appearance. By properly selecting, installing, and maintaining hips, construction professionals can ensure the integrity and safety of the buildings they construct.
