5 Simple Steps to Measure a Hip Roof for Shingles

Hip Roof Measurement Guide

Measuring a hip roof for shingles is a crucial step in ensuring an accurate and successful installation. Unlike gable roofs with two sloping sides, hip roofs feature four sloping sides that meet at a central ridge. This unique design requires careful measurement techniques to determine the necessary materials and avoid costly mistakes. Measuring a hip roof can appear daunting, but by following a systematic approach, you can obtain precise measurements that will guide your project from start to finish.

Before you begin measuring, gather the necessary tools: a measuring tape, a ladder, a pencil, and a notepad. Start by measuring the length of the eaves, which are the horizontal edges of the roof that extend beyond the walls. Measure from the outside edge of one eave to the outside edge of the opposite eave. Note this measurement as the eave length. Next, measure the height of the roof from the eaves to the peak, where the four roof sides meet. This measurement is known as the roof height. Finally, measure the length of the hips, which are the diagonal lines formed by the intersection of two roof sides. Measure from the bottom edge of the hip to the peak.

Once you have these measurements, you can calculate the total roof area and the number of shingles required. To calculate the area of each hip section, multiply the hip length by half the eave length. Add the areas of all four hip sections together to get the total hip area. To determine the total roof area, multiply the eave length by the roof height and add the total hip area. Divide the total roof area by the area covered by each shingle to obtain the number of shingles needed. By following these steps and ensuring accurate measurements, you can ensure a successful hip roof shingling project that will protect your home for years to come.

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Understanding Hip Roof Terminology

A hip roof is a type of roof that has four sloping sides that meet at a central ridge. The sides of the roof are called hips, and they extend from the ridge to the eaves. The eaves are the edges of the roof that extend beyond the walls of the house. Hip roofs are often used on homes in areas with high winds, as they are more resistant to damage than other types of roofs.

To properly measure a hip roof for shingles, it is important to understand the different parts of the roof and how they are measured. The following are some of the key terms that you will need to know:

Hip

The hips are the sloping sides of the roof that extend from the ridge to the eaves. Hips are typically measured in feet, and the measurement is taken from the outside edge of the roof to the inside edge of the roof.

Ridge

The ridge is the highest point of the roof, where the two hips meet. The ridge is typically measured in feet, and the measurement is taken from one end of the roof to the other.

Eaves

The eaves are the edges of the roof that extend beyond the walls of the house. The eaves are typically measured in feet, and the measurement is taken from the outside edge of the roof to the inside edge of the roof.

Run

The run is the length of the roof from the eaves to the ridge. The run is typically measured in feet, and the measurement is taken from one end of the roof to the other.

Rise

The rise is the height of the roof from the eaves to the ridge. The rise is typically measured in feet, and the measurement is taken from the lowest point of the roof to the highest point of the roof.

Measuring Ridge Lengths

To determine the length of a ridge, measure from the inside edge of a rafter tail to the center point of the ridge. Multiply this measurement by two and you’ll have the length of the ridge. For example, if the measurement from the rafter tail to the ridge is 10 feet, the ridge length is 20 feet.

If the ridge is not accessible, you can measure it indirectly using the Pythagorean theorem. To do this, measure the horizontal distance between the two rafter tails and the vertical distance from the rafter tail to the ridge. Square both of these measurements and add them together. Then, take the square root of the sum to get the length of the ridge.

For example, if the horizontal distance between the rafter tails is 20 feet and the vertical distance from the rafter tail to the ridge is 10 feet, the ridge length is approximately 22.36 feet.

Once you have measured all of the ridge lengths, add them together to get the total ridge length. This measurement will be used to calculate the number of shingles you need.

Ridge Type

Measurement Method

Accessible Ridge

Measure from the inside edge of a rafter tail to the center point of the ridge. Multiply this measurement by two to get the ridge length.

Inaccessible Ridge

Use the Pythagorean theorem:

Measure the horizontal distance between the two rafter tails.

Measure the vertical distance from the rafter tail to the ridge.

Square both of these measurements and add them together.

Take the square root of the sum to get the length of the ridge.

Calculating Hip Rafter Lengths

Calculating the length of hip rafters is crucial for accurate hip roof shingle installation. Hip rafters form the diagonal edges of a hip roof, connecting the ridge to the corners of the roof.

Step 1: Identify the Hip and Ridge Angles

Determine the angle between the hip rafter and the ridge (the hip angle) and the angle between the hip rafter and the eave (the ridge angle). Use a protractor or trigonometry to measure these angles.

Step 2: Determine the Horizontal Projection

Measure the horizontal distance (run) from the corner of the building to the ridge along the eave. This represents the horizontal projection of the hip rafter.

Step 3: Calculate the Hip Rafter Length

To calculate the hip rafter length, use the following formula:

“`
Hip Rafter Length = √(Run^2 + (Rise/2)^2)
“`

where:

* Run is the horizontal projection
* Rise is the vertical distance from the eave to the ridge

Table: Example Hip Rafter Length Calculation


Hip Angle	45 degrees
Ridge Angle	30 degrees
Horizontal Projection (Run)	10 feet
Rise (Vertical Distance)	8 feet
Hip Rafter Length	12.65 feet

Determining Common Rafter Lengths

Common rafters are the angled roof members that extend from the ridge board down to the eaves. To measure the length of a common rafter, you will need to use the following formula:
Rafter Length = √(Run² + Rise²) where:
– Run is the horizontal distance from the outside wall to the center of the ridge board.
– Rise is the vertical distance from the top of the wall to the ridge board.

For example, if the run is 10 feet and the rise is 6 feet, then the rafter length would be √(10² + 6²) = 11.66 feet.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for measuring a common rafter length:

Step	Description
1	Measure the run and rise of the roof.
2	Substitute the run and rise values into the rafter length formula.
3	Calculate the square root of the sum of the squared run and rise values.

Hip Roof Shape and Measurements

Hip roofs have four sloping sides that meet at the top, forming a ridge. This shape provides excellent stability and wind resistance, making it a popular choice for homes in windy areas.
To measure a hip roof for shingles, you will need to determine the length and width of the roof, as well as the length of the hip and ridge lines.

Accounting for Vents and Skylights

When measuring a hip roof for shingles, it is important to account for vents and skylights. These features will affect the number of shingles you need to purchase. To account for a vent or skylight, measure the width and height of the opening, and then subtract this area from the total roof area.

For example, if you have a roof that is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide with 2 feet by 2 feet vent, the calculation would be as follows:

Measurement	Length	Width	Area
Vent	2 feet	2 feet	4 square feet
Roof	20 feet	15 feet	300 square feet
Total	22 feet	17 feet	376 square feet

In this example, you would need to subtract the area of the vent (4 square feet) from the total roof area (300 square feet) to get the net roof area (296 square feet). You would then use this net roof area to calculate the number of shingles you need to purchase.

Adjusting Measurements for Overhangs

To account for overhangs, you need to adjust your measurements. Overhangs extend past the edge of the roof, providing extra protection from the elements. Here’s how to adjust your measurements for overhangs:

1. Determine the overhang length: Measure the distance from the edge of the roof to the edge of the overhang.
2. Add the overhang length to the width measurement: For each edge with an overhang, add twice the overhang length to the corresponding width measurement.
3. Adjust the area measurement: Multiply the adjusted width by the length to get the adjusted area measurement.
4. Subtract the overhang area: Calculate the overhang area by multiplying the length of the overhang by its width. Subtract this area from the adjusted area measurement.
5. Calculate the number of shingles: Divide the adjusted area by the square footage coverage of each shingle to determine the number of shingles required.

Remember that overhangs vary in size, so make sure you accurately measure the overhang length for each section of the roof.

Example

Consider a hip roof with the following measurements:

Measurement	Original	Adjusted
Length	30 feet	30 feet
Width (Front and Back)	20 feet	24 feet (20 + 2 x 2)
Width (Sides)	25 feet	29 feet (25 + 2 x 2)
Area	600 square feet	690 square feet (24 x 30)
Overhang Area	0 square feet	120 square feet (2 x 2 x 30)
Adjusted Area	600 square feet	570 square feet (690 – 120)
Number of Shingles (assuming 100 square foot coverage per shingle)	6 shingles	5.7 shingles

Using a Measurement Calculator

Measurement calculators are specialized tools available online that can assist you in calculating the shingle requirements for a hip roof effortlessly. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to using a measurement calculator:

Input roof dimensions: Enter the measurements of the roof’s perimeter and the average pitch.
Specify roof type: Select the option for a hip roof from the available roof types.
Provide overhang details: Specify the overhang dimensions for the eaves and rakes.
Enter shingle size: Input the dimensions of the shingles you will be using.
Consider waste factor: Allow for a waste factor to account for cutting and installation loss.
Calculate total area: The calculator will automatically calculate the total square footage of the roof area.
Determine shingle quantity: Based on the total area and the shingle size, the calculator will provide the estimated number of shingles required.
Adjust for valleys and hips: If applicable, enter the measurements of any valleys or hips on the roof to ensure accurate calculations.
Include projection factor: Adjust the results by adding a projection factor to account for the overlaps created when installing the shingles.
Review and adjust: Carefully review the results and make necessary adjustments based on any specific features or requirements of your roof.

Measurement Calculator Features	Benefits
Ease of use	Simplifies the complex task of manual calculations
Accuracy	Provides precise estimates, reducing the risk of overage or shortage
Time-saving	Eliminates the need for manual measurements and calculations
Customization options	Allows for specific roof configurations and shingle details
Cost-effective	Reduces waste and potential labor costs associated with incorrect measurements

Remember, measurement calculators are useful tools, but it’s always recommended to consult with a roofing professional to ensure optimal results.

How To Measure A Hip Roof For Shingles

Measuring a hip roof for shingles is a critical step in ensuring that you have the correct amount of materials for your project. Here are the steps on how to measure a hip roof for shingles:

Measure the length of the eaves. The eaves are the horizontal edges of the roof that extend beyond the walls of the house. Use a measuring tape to measure the length of each eave.
Measure the length of the hips. The hips are the sloped edges of the roof that meet at the peak. Use a measuring tape to measure the length of each hip from the eave to the peak.
Measure the width of the roof. The width of the roof is the distance between the two eaves. Use a measuring tape to measure the width of the roof at its widest point.
Calculate the square footage of the roof. To calculate the square footage of the roof, multiply the length of the eaves by the width of the roof. Then, multiply that number by 2 to account for the two sides of the roof.
Add 10% for waste. When you order shingles, it’s important to add 10% for waste. This will ensure that you have enough shingles to complete your project.