Roofing 101: What are Hips and Ridges?

Roofing Tips From Odyssey Roofing

What are Hips and Ridges in Roofing?

The ridge is the highest point of the roof where two sloping sides meet. A hip is the intersection of two sloping sides of your roof that meet at an angle, forming a triangle, and the slope represents the downward incline of the roof. By understanding where hips and ridges fit into the anatomy of a roof, you can better understand how these components work together to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing roofing system.

Benefits of Installing Hips and Ridges During a Roof Replacement

Hips and Ridges serve as the structural backbone of your roof, providing stability and support to the rest of the roofing system. They also help to protect your home from the elements by directing water and snow away from the roof. A couple major benefits of Hip and Ridges include:

  1. Aesthetics: Hips and ridges add a decorative touch to your roof, giving it a more refined and sophisticated appearance. They can also enhance the overall look of your home, making it stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

  2. Functionality: By directing water and snow away from the roof, hips and ridges help to prevent water damage and ensure the longevity of your roof. They also help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by providing extra insulation.

  3. Increased Property Value: Installing hips and ridges during a roof replacement can increase the value of your property. A well-designed roof not only adds curb appeal, but it also shows potential buyers that you’ve made investments in the upkeep and maintenance of your home.

Different Types of Hip and Ridge Shingles and Styles

Your hips and ridges will be installed differently depending on the type of shingle you choose for your roof replacement. While hip and ridge shingles tend to be the same as the shingles you will use for the rest of your roof, there are quite a few options available. Some more common types of shingles used in hip and ridges for roof replacement projects are:

  • Asphalt
  • Metal
  • Slate
  • Cedar

Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for roofing due to their affordability and durability. They’re also available in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find a match for your home. A roof replacement with asphalt shingles should always come with specific types of shingles that match the profile and color of your asphalt shingles for ridges and hips.

Metal Shingles 

Metal roofing is a durable and low-maintenance option for your ridges and hips. It’s also fire-resistant and can last for decades with proper care. Tile shingles may be more expensive but can protect your home for a much longer period if done right. Hip and ridge metal tiles come in different patterns, but are most commonly rounded or triangular and lay side by side.

Slate Tile and Shingles 

Slate roofing is mined from the earth. Slate tiles will be more expensive than other types of shingles and are largely installed for aesthetic reasons. Slate ridges and hips generally use the same shape as the roof shingle.

You can also find Asphalt Shingles designed in the same fashion to look like real slate. On the composite side, DaVinci Multi-width and Single-width slate tiles mimic the look of real slate almost perfectly. On the Asphalt side, CertainTeed offers the Belmont shingle which will carry a 50-year warranty on shingles installed by a certified SELECT Shingle Master.

Cedar Shake and Shingles 

Cedar shingles are sawn from cedar trees and are the most expensive roof replacement option on the market. They can also be made into shakes that are very similar, with the only difference being in the way they are cut.

Wood is very workable and can be shaped in many different ways, and there are also synthetic and asphalt options for the hips and ridges on cedar shake roofs. A professional roofing company can help guide you through the right choices for your roof.

Why You Should Choose Odyssey Roofing

At Odyssey Home Remodeling, 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. Headquartered in Naperville, IL, we are proud to provide high quality roofing services to the states of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. 

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

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