Cross Hipped Roof

Costs
Durability
History

Popular Roofing and Gutters Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers

Another variation on the regular hip roof, cross hipped roofs are commonly found on Italian or Ranch-style homes. They are great for hurricane regions that get heavy winds, and can provide a home with an extra bit of shading. Here is some more information to help you decide if a cross hipped roof is the right choice for your home.

Costs

Because cross hipped roofs are more complicated and require extra materials to construct, they are often more expensive than other basic types of roofing. You should get a few price quotes from local roofers to learn more.

Pros

Cross hipped roofs provide excellent protection from heavy winds and hurricane conditions.

Their overhangs offer shade for the home and cut down on excessive sunlight.

Cross hipped roofs are beautiful additions to many types of homes.

Cons

Cross hipped roofs can be more challenging and expensive to build than other types of roofs.

They don’t create much space for roof maintenance.

Cross hipped roofs don’t allow as much ventilation as other types of roofs.

Durability

Like all other styles of hip roofs, cross hipped roofs are considered very durable under a variety of conditions—even with extreme winds caused by hurricanes.

Common Questions and Answers

What exactly is a cross hipped roof?

A cross hipped (or hip) roof is simply two hip roofs that are installed perpendicular to each other. In case you aren’t familiar with a hip roof, this roofing style consists of four sides with a fairly gentle slope.

Is there a house shape that works well with this type of roof?

Yes, cross hipped roofs are usually used on homes with an L-shaped layout plan.

History

Cross hipped roofs were being used as early as the 1840’s, when the Italianate style of architecture began appearing in home construction. It was later used on Ranch-style homes that were popular from the mid 1930’s to the mid 1970’s.