Degrees of Pyramid and Hip Roof Construction
A hip roof or hipped roof is a roof that is lacking vertical sides, often with dormer slanted sides has different degrees depending on the type of hip roof that is being built. A hip roof generally starts at 35 degrees, but there are different degrees of pyramid and hip roof construction that builders will utilize.
Hip roofs on houses and other buildings have their advantages and builders will consider the overall building structure and even the location of a home when deciding what degree of a pyramid or hip roof construction they will use when adding a roof. There are different types of hip roofs with different degrees of slanting.
Pyramid Roof
A pyramid roof is often referred to as a square hip roof as it is typically at 45 degrees with two rectangular sides and two trapezoidal sides, all which rise at the same pitch. A pyramid roof resembles a pyramid with four equal sized triangles that meet in the middle. Pyramid roofs are often used on upper levels in large homes and in small portions or on garages, mother in law quarters and on pool homes.
Dutch Hip Roof
The Dutch hip roof is a combination of a gable and a hip roof. Pitches in a Dutch hip roof will run anywhere from around 15 degrees to 30 degrees. A full or partial gable is utilized and set at the end of a ridge of the roof.
Jerkin Head or Half-Hip
The clipped-gable, half-hip or jerkin head style of roof is constructed with a slant that’s built anywhere from between 15 to 35 degrees. This hipped roof actually has a gable but the upper point of the gable is replaced by a small hip, which squares off the top of the gable. Homes and buildings in Germany, Denmark and Austria use this type of hip roof construction.
Mansard Roof
The mansard roof originated in France and is different from the pyramid roof having two different sized roof angles, with one being steeper than the other, versus equal sized sides. The mansard roof is pitched anywhere between 20 and 70 degrees. This roof can actually add space to a home, and many homeowners take advantage of its features and convert the roof into extra space.