What are Hips and Ridges?

What are Hips and Ridges on a Roof?

Think of hips and ridges like hats for your roof. Ridge shingles and hip shingles are essentially the same but can be found in different locations on the house’s roof.

The Ridge

Roofing terminology is somewhat flexible when you are trying to define certain parts of your roof. The Ridge is the highest point on your roof where two planes meet. There can be multiple ridges. Think of it like two cards leaning on each other. Where they meet is the Ridge of the home.

The Hips

The hips are almost the same concept as the ridge but lower. Hips lead up to the ridge. The hips create the convex structure of your roof. If you use the previous card analogy, it would be the lines on the way up to where the two cards meet.

Types of Shingles & Styles for Ridges and Hips

Depending on the type of shingle you choose to buy, your hips and ridges may be covered differently. These Shingles tend to be the same as the ones you’ll buy for covering the rest of your roof. Give rooftop designs a call today and we can help you find the right match!

The types of shingles are:

  • Asphalt
  • Tile
  • Slate
  • Cedar

Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt Shingles will tend to be the same shingles used for the larger roofing application. These can also be doubled up to be given different looks. There are also specific types of shingles that are made exclusively for ridges and hips as well

Tile Shingles 

Tiles are a very strong and very heavy way of protecting your home. Tile shingles may be more expensive but can protect your home for a much longer period if done right. Hip and ridge tiles come in different patterns, but are most commonly rounded or triangular and lay side by side.

Slate Shingles 

True slate roofing is mined from the earth. True Slate shingles will be more expensive than other types of shingles but do last very long. Slate ridges and hips generally use the same shape as the roof shingle.

However, you can also find Asphalt Shingles designed in the same fashion to look like real slates. CertainTeed will carry a 50-year warranty on SELECT CertainTeed Shingles

Cedar Shingles 

Cedar Shingles are sawn from real Cedar trees. They can also be made into shakes which are very similar. The only difference is the way they are cut.

Wood is very workable and can be shaped in many different ways. There are also Asphalt and Synthetic options for Cedar ridges and hips. Designer Rooftops can help guide you through the right choices for your roof.

Ridge and Hip Repair 

If one of your shingles has been damaged from wind or age you could buy a replacement shingle, however, these types of jobs are typically done by professionals, as you want to have the proper gear to ensure your safety.

If caught early Ridge and Hip repair can help preserve your roof for longer. Have a Rooftop Designs professional inspect your roof today!

Why You Should Choose Rooftop Designs 

At Rooftop Designs, we are devoted to the needs of our customers. Because we offer a broad selection of products and services, we can customize your order and offer a solution to fit your individual needs. We have four locations nationwide and offer our services in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey

Receive industry-leading roofing service with Rooftop Designs. To get started, contact our experienced team in your area online today!