The majority of modern roof designs nowadays include pre-made trusses. However, extending an existing hip roof typically requires a handcrafted frame due to its complex nature.
If you look forward to a hip roof addition project, then the steps of extending a hip roof below will inform you about what to expect during the process.
Having personally overseen multiple roof extension projects, I’ve learned that planning is crucial. Before beginning any extension, it’s vital to consider the existing structure’s load-bearing capacity and how the new addition will distribute weight.
In one of my projects, the extension required additional support beams to ensure structural integrity, a step that could have been overlooked without thorough planning.
| Feature | Hip Roof | Gable Roof | Flat Roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Resistance | High (Even distribution of force) | Moderate (Susceptible to lift) | Low (Poor drainage) |
| Water Drainage | Excellent (Sloped on all sides) | Good (Sloped on two sides) | Poor (Potential pooling) |
| Complexity of Design | High (More materials and labor) | Moderate (Simpler structure) | Low (Minimal materials) |
| Cost | Higher (More materials and labor) | Moderate (Less complexity) | Lower (Less material usage) |
How Do I Extend a Hip Roof
A hip roof, also called a hipped roof, is a roofing style with a characteristic of downward slopes from all wall sides, causing it to not have any vertical side. It is easily found in North American buildings and gable roof styles.
Read also: How to Build a Gable Porch Roof
There are many hipped roof extension designs and styles out there, but regardless, here are essential steps :
- Measuring the house’s ridge board length: In this step, measure the building’s width and reduce the figure with the building’s length. For instance, if the building has 25 ft. of width and 40 ft. of length, the ridge board must be 15 ft.
- Trimming the length of the common rafters: This step is pretty much identical to trimming gable roof rafters. Determine what length you need to cut based on the size of the building and the pitch of its roof. To let the rafter fit comfortably above the wall, which results in a properly sturdy and well-fitted rafter, you need to create a seat cut in the roof rafters.
- Nailing the common rafters into the ridge board on every side of the roof: Secure the ridge to its place by elevating the ridge board and nailing it to the common rafters on its side. After all the common rafters are secured to the ridge, they will be locked firmly in place and unable to move.
- Measuring the hip rafters’ length: This step involves working out the hip rafter that extends from the ridge board to the building’s corner, which has to perform at a 45º angle.
- Make sure that the hip rafters are secured in place: While the jack rafters are fitted, you need to use a piece of string to ensure the hip rafters don’t move. They need to be maintained at a 45º angle.
- Measuring the jack rafters’ length: You can look up the table of rafter length online. Then, you need to cut them according to the size and install them similarly to the regular rafter. Ensure that the hip rafters are locked securely to their place while performing these steps and stay at a 45º angle while the rest of the project is finished.
In my experience, hip roofs offer superior stability, especially in areas prone to high winds. The inward-sloping sides help distribute the wind’s force more evenly across the structure, reducing the likelihood of damage.
Personal Experience
During a renovation project in a coastal area, the homeowner chose a hip roof extension specifically for this reason. We observed that during a subsequent storm, while neighboring houses with gable roofs sustained damage, the hip roof remained intact, demonstrating its effectiveness in severe weather conditions.
This guide is also applicable when adding a gable roof addition to a hip roof. However, this project is unsuitable for amateurs and may require a structural engineer to design the rafters and trusses.
Therefore, it is recommended that you seek professional help to ensure that the extension blends seamlessly with the rest of the house.
