Hip
What is Hip?
A hip is the raised external angle formed where two sloping roof planes meet, creating a ridge that runs from the main ridge down to the eave. Hips are the opposite of valleys—where valleys create internal channels that collect water, hips create external ridges that shed water to either side. Hip roofs (roofs where all sides slope down to the walls) are valued for their stability in high winds because they have no vertical gable ends to catch wind. Hip ridges require coverage with hip cap shingles, similar to ridge cap shingles, to protect this vulnerable joint. During inspections, check hip caps for lifting, cracking, or missing sections, as these areas experience high wind stress. Hip cap failures often occur at the same time as ridge cap damage during high-wind events.
How to Identify Hip
Understanding hip geometry and components:
Visual Characteristics:
- External angle - Raised ridge running diagonally from main ridge to eave corner
- Water shedding - Sheds water to both sides (opposite of valley)
- Hip caps - Overlapping cap shingles covering the hip ridge
- Triangular slopes - Hip creates triangular roof sections on either side
- Corner location - Hips meet eave corners where roof turns
Hip vs. Valley:
- Hip - External angle, water flows away from line, covered with caps
- Valley - Internal angle, water collects and flows down, flashed metal
Hip Roof Types:
Hip Cap Components:
- Same material as ridge caps
- Overlapping from bottom to top
- Nails hidden under next cap
- Final cap at peak sealed with cement
- May be pre-bent or bent during installation
Inspection Points:
- Cap condition and security
- Crack or separation at cap bends
- Wind damage to cap edges
- Flashing at hip-to-wall transitions
- Cap overlap direction and adequacy
Why Inspectors Look for Hip
Hips require same attention as ridges for wind resistance:
Hip caps experience similar wind forces to ridge caps and require the same quality installation. Hip roofs are valued for wind resistance, but only when properly maintained. Hip cap failures can allow water entry and lead to progressive damage.
Documentation Requirements:
Common Issues Found:
Hip roofs perform better in wind than gable roofs because all sides slope away from wind, reducing uplift. This makes hip cap condition even more important—a well-designed roof can still fail if caps are compromised.
Common Misidentifications
Hip inspection requires checking all hip lines:
Inspector Errors:
Installation Errors:
- Installing overlap facing uphill (water gets under)
- Insufficient bending for proper cap profile
- Not sealing final cap at top of hip
- Using field shingles cut too narrow
- Nailing in wrong location (not covered by next cap)
- Cold weather installation without hand-sealing
Assessment Errors:
- Confusing hip with valley (opposite conditions)
- Not recognizing wind damage patterns on hips
- Missing damage at hip-ridge intersection
- Underestimating cap condition because they haven't blown off yet
What Hip Indicates
Hip cap failures compromise roof weather protection:
If Not Addressed:
Damage Progression:
Wind damage to hip caps is covered by homeowner's insurance. Hip caps often show damage alongside ridge caps after wind events. Document the number of damaged or missing caps on each hip line. Age-related deterioration is not covered, but storm acceleration of wear may be.
Repair and Treatment Options
Hip cap repair follows same approach as ridge caps:
Repair Methods:
1. Remove damaged caps carefully (bottom to top)
2. Inspect hip ridge line for underlying damage
3. Install new caps from bottom to top
4. Overlap in proper direction (away from prevailing wind)
5. Nail through center, covered by next cap
6. Seal final cap at ridge intersection
7. Hand-seal all caps if cold weather
Cost Considerations:
Material Selection:
- Match existing cap profile and color
- Use pre-bent hip caps when available
- Same manufacturer for warranty compliance
- Consider wind-rated caps for high-wind areas
Prevention and Maintenance
Proper installation ensures long hip cap life:
Installation Best Practices:
Maintenance Tips:
Quality Indicators:
- Consistent cap width and exposure
- Proper bend matching roof angle
- No visible nails (covered by overlapping cap)
- Sealed cap at ridge intersection
- No gaps or lifted edges
What to Avoid:
- Cutting caps too narrow for proper coverage
- Wrong overlap direction (facing uphill)
- Inadequate bend (cap doesn't conform to hip angle)
- Skipping hand-sealing in cool weather
- Reusing old caps during reroofing
How Roof Report Pro Detects Hip
Roof Report Pro's AI evaluates hip lines alongside ridges:
Image Analysis Capabilities:
- Hip identification - Recognizes hip lines in roof geometry
- Cap assessment - Evaluates hip cap condition (lifted, cracked, missing)
- Wind damage patterns - Identifies damage consistent with wind events
- Coverage evaluation - Notes cap coverage adequacy on hip lines
- Comparison analysis - Compares hip cap condition to ridge caps
Condition Categories:
- Intact - Caps properly sealed and aligned
- Lifted - Caps unsealed but present
- Damaged - Cracked, creased, or deteriorated caps
- Missing - Gaps in hip cap coverage
- Installation issues - Visible errors in cap application
The AI-generated report documents condition of all visible hip lines, noting which hips may be more exposed to prevailing winds. For insurance claims, hip damage is documented alongside ridge damage as both are wind-vulnerable areas.
When a roof has hip design, the AI recognizes this design advantage for wind resistance and assesses whether hip cap condition supports or undermines that advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Terms
Ridge
The horizontal line where two sloping roof planes meet at the highest point, typically covered with ridge cap shingles.
Valley
The internal angle where two sloping roof planes meet, creating a channel that directs water runoff toward gutters.
Ridge Cap
Specially designed shingles that cover the roof ridge, providing a finished appearance and protecting the vulnerable joint where two roof planes meet.