Gable vs Hip - Using Raised Heel

11 years ago

I am having a hard time rationalizing a hip roof instead of a simple gable with a intersecting gable above the garage. I intend to use the energy heel or raised heel truss system so my knee-wall can have substantial insulation. What are the pros and cons that persuade people to pick hip or gable when aesthetics is simply not an issue? As in, I want best value for my dollar spent. The main thing holding me back from the gable is the two walls that will have a high peak since the ground slopes down to the walkout basement on two sides that happen to be the gable ends. My house will be a rectangle shape, 4' garage bump out, single story in zone 5B if that makes any difference. We do get high winds during summer storms, but gable roofed homes seem to do just fine, and I have read contradicting articles about hip being significantly stronger in the wind.

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Comments (4)

cpartist
11 years ago
Are you in hurricane country? If so insurance rates will be lower with a hipped roof.
Nicoletta
Original Author
11 years ago
No, possibly 'tornado alley' but not hurricane.
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mushcreek
11 years ago
Hip roofs (properly built and tied to the walls) are supposed to be stronger in high winds. One of the problems with gable roofs is the way they build them, with the studs laid flat. In our house, I doubled them up with studs turned 90 degrees, creating a very strong L-shape. I'm not sure why gable trusses are built that way, other than being easier to ship. A gable can be built to be just as strong as the flat walls below it.

After living in coastal FL for 30 years, I'm obsessed with wind. I had my trusses built to a higher wind rating than required, used the biggest hurricane clips they make, beefed up the gable ends, and nailed my roof sheathing to FL codes. The inspectors were amused at my over-built roof.
cpartist
11 years ago
Mushcreek I wish my builder would do that so I could get my gabled roof. Having to use a hipped roof is the biggest hurdle to my getting the craftsman look I want. Sigh.