Pyramid Hip Roof

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Popular Roofing and Gutters Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References

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More Information

Known for their striking and aesthetically pleasing appearance, pyramid hip roofs are commonly found on log cabins, Italian and classic American bungalows. While they may be harder and more expensive to install than other styles of roofing, many homeowners feel the costs are more than worth it. Here is some more information to get you started.

Costs

Because the pyramid hip roof requires more materials to cover a larger surface area, the cost of extra shingles and labor will drive the price up. You should get a few price quotes for a better idea.

Pros

Pyramid hip roofs have an aerodynamic shape, which means they won’t be easily damaged by high winds.

They have overhanging eaves that provide shade for the building.

Pyramid hip roofs have a very distinctive and beautiful look.

Cons

Pyramid hip roofs tend to be more expensive to install and repair than other types of roofs.

They don’t allow for substantial attic space in a home.

Pyramid hip roofs don’t always encourage as much water run-off as a gable roof.

Durability

Just like regular hip roofs, pyramid hip roofs are very durable and excellent for withstanding high winds and hurricane-like conditions.

Maintenance

Pyramid hip roofs are considered a special type of roof and do require extra materials for both installation and repair. Labor may be expensive should you need to replace parts of your pyramid hip roof.

Common Questions and Answers

What is the difference between a regular hip roof and a pyramid hip roof?

A normal hipped roof is built over a rectangular structure and features a ridge across the uppermost portion of the roof. If there is no ridge, such that all four sloping surfaces meet at a single point, then the roof is a pyramid hip.

Are there other conditions that must be met for a roof to be considered a pyramid hip?

Yes, there are three other conditions for a typical pyramid hip: four triangular surfaces, eaves of the same length and a square base. Pyramid roofs may also have three or more triangular surfaces. A particularly interesting pyramid hipped roof is octagonal with eight sides.

History

Pyramid hip roofs came onto the scene with the American Foursquare house style popular from 1890-1930. It is now typically used on smaller buildings such as a garage or pool house.