Who this guide is for
- Homeowners planning a new roof or re-roof
- People with a hipped roof and questions about the corners
- Renovators adding ridge ventilation
- Anyone briefing a roofer on ridge and hip detailing
Ridge and hip explained
The ridge runs horizontally along the top where two slopes meet, while a hip runs diagonally where two slopes meet at an external corner. Both are high lines exposed to wind and rain and both are capped to seal the junction. Knowing the difference helps you plan and brief the detailing.
- Ridge: the horizontal top line of the roof
- Hip: the sloping external corner where slopes meet
- Both are capped to seal and finish the junction
- Ridge often doubles as a ventilation line
Capping and weather-tightness
The capping over a ridge or hip seals the gap where the slopes meet and resists wind uplift, so it has to be both well-fixed and weather-tight. Loose or aged capping is a common entry point for wind-driven rain. Plan the capping as a weather detail, not a finishing flourish.
Ridge ventilation
A ridge vent can exhaust attic air along the top of the roof, but only as part of a balanced system with soffit intake. Combining ridge capping with ventilation needs care so it sheds water while letting air out. Coordinate ridge venting with the attic airflow plan.
Where lines meet and end
Ridges, hips and slopes intersect at points that need deliberate detailing so water is led away cleanly, and the ends of ridges and hips have to be closed against wind and pests. These junctions are where sloppy work shows. Plan how every line starts, ends and meets.
Roof work and professionals
Ridge and hip capping, fixing against uplift and any ventilation are weather-critical and at height, so they belong to qualified roofers. Aged ridge capping should be assessed rather than ignored. Requirements vary by location and project, and this is not DIY territory.
Ridge and hip planning checklist
- 1Identify the ridge and any hip lines on the roof
- 2Plan capping that seals and resists wind uplift
- 3Consider ridge ventilation within a balanced system
- 4Detail how slopes, hips and ridges intersect
- 5Close the ends of ridges and hips against wind and pests
- 6Coordinate ridge venting with the attic airflow plan
- 7Have aged or loose capping assessed by a roofer
- 8Use a qualified roofer for the weather-critical lines
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating ridge capping as decorative rather than weather-critical
- Adding a ridge vent with no balancing soffit intake
- Leaving the ends of ridges and hips open to wind and pests
- Ignoring messy intersections where lines meet
- Letting aged capping stay until it leaks
- Climbing the roof to inspect the ridge yourself
When to involve a professional
- Have a roofer detail and fix ridge and hip capping
- Coordinate ridge ventilation with the wider attic airflow plan
- Treat ridge and hip work as height-access, professional tasks
- Have aged capping assessed before it leaks
- Requirements vary by location and project; verify with your professionals
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What is the difference between a ridge and a hip?
The ridge is the horizontal line at the top where two roof slopes meet, while a hip is the sloping line where two slopes meet at an external corner. Both are high, exposed junctions that are capped to seal them, and both can take wind and rain.
What does ridge capping do?
Capping seals the gap where the slopes meet at the ridge or hip and resists wind uplift, so it must be well-fixed and weather-tight. Loose or aged capping is a common entry point for wind-driven rain, so it is a weather detail, not just a finish.
Can a ridge be used for ventilation?
Yes, a ridge vent can exhaust attic air along the top of the roof, but only as part of a balanced system with soffit intake. Combining capping with ventilation needs care so it sheds water while letting air out, coordinated with the attic airflow plan.
Is ridge and hip work suitable for DIY?
No. The capping, fixing against uplift and any ventilation are weather-critical and at height, so they belong to qualified roofers. Aged capping should be assessed rather than ignored, and requirements vary by location and project.
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