The external angled edge where two sloping roof planes meet — a highly exposed roof component that requires cap shingles and is one of the most reliable locations for documenting wind and hail damage on Colorado roofs.
Table of Contents
- What a Hip Is
- Hip Roofs vs. Gable Roofs
- Hip Cap Shingles
- Why Hips Matter in Colorado Roof Claims
- Hip Cap in the Insurance Estimate
- Hip Termination and Flashing
- Hip Length Measurement
- Hip Roofs and Wind Resistance
- Common Hip Questions
- How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Related Glossary Terms
What a Hip Is
A hip is the external angled edge formed where two sloping roof planes meet. It runs diagonally from the ridge down to the eave and is visible as a raised edge on the roof.
Unlike a ridge, which runs horizontally across the peak, a hip runs downward along the corners of the roof.
Hips are among the most exposed areas of the roof — receiving direct wind uplift and hail impact — making them critical inspection points after storms.
Hip Roofs vs. Gable Roofs
Hip Roof
- All sides slope downward
- No vertical gable ends
- Each corner forms a hip edge
Gable Roof
- Two sloping sides with vertical ends
- No hip edges
- Edges along slopes are called rakes
Combination Roofs
Many Colorado homes combine hip and gable sections, creating additional transition points that require careful inspection and flashing.
Hip Cap Shingles
Hips are covered with hip and ridge cap shingles — specialized shingles designed to cover raised edges.
These shingles:
- Overlap along the hip edge
- Seal the joint between roof planes
- Are more exposed to wind uplift than field shingles
Because they are raised and exposed, hip cap shingles are often the first components to show storm damage.
Why Hips Matter in Colorado Roof Claims
Wind Damage Evidence
Lifted or missing hip cap shingles are clear indicators of wind damage and help support claims involving surrounding field shingles.
Hail Impact Visibility
Hail damage on hip caps is often easier to see and photograph than subtle field shingle damage.
Well-documented hip damage strengthens overall claim credibility.
Hip Cap in the Insurance Estimate
Hip cap shingles should appear as a separate line item measured in linear feet.
- Total hip length included
- Correct material specified (dimensional cap)
- Combined with ridge cap in some estimates
Common issues include:
- Missing hip cap line items
- Incorrect linear footage
- Use of cut-down shingles instead of proper cap material
Hip Termination and Flashing
Where a hip terminates above a wall, flashing may be required to direct water away from the structure.
This can include:
- Kick-out flashing
- Diverter flashing
These items are often missing on older homes and may qualify as code upgrades.
Hip Length Measurement
Hip length is measured diagonally from ridge to eave.
- Each corner of a hip roof forms one hip edge
- Complex roofs may have additional hips
Satellite measurements can understate hip length — field measurements are more accurate and should be used to verify estimates.
Hip Roofs and Wind Resistance
Hip roofs are generally more wind-resistant than gable roofs because wind is distributed across multiple sloping surfaces.
However:
- Hip edges remain highly exposed
- Cap shingles are still vulnerable
Damage to hip caps is still common in Colorado storms.
Common Hip Questions
How do I verify hip measurements in my estimate?
Have your contractor measure the diagonal length of each hip edge and compare it to the estimate.
Are cut-down shingles acceptable for hip cap?
No — dimensional pre-formed cap shingles are the current standard.
How much hip length should my roof have?
It varies by roof design — only field measurement provides an accurate number.
Is hip cap covered the same as shingles?
Yes — coverage type (RCV or ACV) applies consistently across roof materials.
How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Measurement verification — correcting linear footage
- Material specification — ensuring proper cap shingles
- Damage documentation — capturing visible storm impact
- Supplement preparation — adding missing items
Related Glossary Terms
Hip edges are one of the most visible and most defensible areas of storm damage on a roof. Ensuring they are properly measured, specified, and included in your estimate is critical to receiving a complete settlement.
📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io