Construction of a pitched roof. Rafter system hipped roof. Details of a pitched roof

Building a frame for a roof with four slopes is a difficult process with characteristic technological features. During the construction, their own structural components are used, the sequence of work is different. But the result will amaze with its spectacular shape and durability when repelling atmospheric attacks. And the home master will be able to be proud of his personal achievements in the field of the roofer.

However, before deciding on a device of a similar design, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the algorithm according to which the truss system of a hipped roof is being built and with the specifics of its device.

The hipped roof class combines two types of structures that resemble a square and rectangular envelope in plan. The first variety is called tent, the second - hip. Against the background of their pitched counterparts, they are distinguished by the absence of gables, called tongs in roofing. In the construction of both variants of four-pitched structures, layered and hanging rafters are used, the installation of which is carried out in accordance with standard technologies for the construction of pitched truss systems.

Characteristic differences within the four-slope class:

  • At the hipped roof, all four slopes are in the form of isosceles triangles, the tops of which converge at one highest point. There is no ridge as such in the tent construction; its function is performed by the central support in layered systems or the top of the hanging truss.
  • At the hip roof, a pair of main slopes has a trapezoidal configuration, and the second pair is triangular. The hip design differs from the tented counterpart in the obligatory presence of a ridge, to which the trapezoid adjoins the upper bases. Triangular slopes, they are also hips, adjoin the ridge top, and their sides are docked with the inclined sides of the trapezoid.

Based on the configuration of the roofs in the plan, it is clear that it is customary to erect tent structures over square buildings, and hip structures over rectangular houses. Both soft and soft are suitable as a coating. The characteristic square or rectangular shape is repeated by the drawings of the hipped roof truss system with a clearly marked arrangement of elements in the plan and vertical projections of the slopes.

Often, hip and hip systems are used together in the construction of one object or effectively complement gable, single-pitched, broken and other roofs.

Structures with four slopes can be based directly on the upper crown of a wooden house or on a mauerlat, which serves as the upper strapping of brick or concrete walls. If you can find upper and lower supports for each rafter, the roof frame is constructed using layered technology.

Installing rafter legs is easier and more affordable for the inexperienced home roofer who needs to consider that:

  • With a rigid fastening of the upper and lower heels of the rafters with metal corners or with the help of a wooden support plate, a reinforced Mauerlat fastening will be required, because the spacer will be transferred to it.
  • With a rigid fixation of the upper heel and a hinged fastening of the bottom of the rafter, it is not necessary to strengthen the fastening of the Mauerlate, because. when the load on the roof is exceeded, the hinged mount, for example, on sliders, will allow the rafter to move slightly without creating pressure on the Mauerlat.
  • With a hinged fastening of the top of the rafters and a rigid fixation of the bottom, the spacer and pressure on the Mauerlat are also excluded.

The issues of fastening the Mauerlat and the method of installing the rafter legs, which are closely related to it, according to the rules, are resolved at the design stage of the house. If the building does not have an internal load-bearing wall or it is not possible to build reliable supports under the central part of the roof, nothing will work except for the hanging assembly scheme of the truss system. True, in most cases, a layered method of construction is used, for the implementation of which it is necessary to foresee the bearing support inside the building in advance.

In the construction of truss systems for tent and hip hipped roofs, specific structural elements are used, these are:

  • Diagonal rafter legs forming the ridge joints of the slopes. In hip structures, diagonals, they are also rafters, connect the consoles of the ridge run to the corners of the roof. In tent systems, slanted legs connect the top to the corners.
  • Narozhniki, or truss semi-legs, installed perpendicular to the cornices. They rely on diagonal rafters, are located parallel to each other, therefore they differ in different lengths. Narozhniki form the planes of tent and hip slopes.

Diagonal rafters and joists are also used for the construction of valleys, only then concave roof corners are arranged, and not convex like hip ones.

The whole complexity of building frames for roofs with four slopes lies in the installation of diagonal rafters, which determine the result of the formation of the structure. In addition, the slopes are required to steadfastly hold a load one and a half times greater than ordinary truss legs of pitched roofs. Because they work part-time as a hobby, i.e. support for the upper heel of the sprigs.

If you briefly describe the procedure for building a layered frame for a hipped roof, then you can meet the following steps:

  • Mauerlat device on brick or concrete walls. The process of installing a Mauerlat on walls made of logs or timber can be abolished, because. it can be successfully replaced by the upper crown.
  • Installation of a central support for a hipped structure or a supporting frame for the main part of a hip roof.
  • Installation of ordinary layered rafters: a pair for a hipped roof and a row defined by the design solution for a hip structure.
  • Installation of diagonal rafter legs connecting the corners of the systems with the top of the support or the extreme points of the ridge.
  • Production by size and fastening of sprigs.

In the case of using a hanging frame scheme, the start of the construction of the hipped frame will be the installation of a triangular truss truss in the center. The installation of a series of truss trusses will be the beginning of the installation of a four-pitched hip truss system.

Construction of a hip truss system

Let's take a look at one of the common examples of a hip roof device with layered rafter legs. They will have to rely on floor beams laid on top of the Mauerlat. Rigid fastening with a notch will only be used to fix the top of the rafter legs on the ridge run, so there is no need to strengthen the Mauerlat fasteners. The dimensions of the box of the house shown in the example are 8.4 × 10.8 m. The actual dimensions of the roof in the plan will increase on each side by the amount of the cornice overhang, by 40-50 cm.


Mauerlat base device

Mauerlat is a purely individual element, the method of its installation depends on the material of the walls and the architectural features of the building. The method of laying the Mauerlat is planned according to the rules during the design period, because for reliable fixation of the Mauerlat it is recommended:

  • Lightweight foam concrete, gas silicate and similar walls should be equipped with a reinforced reinforced concrete belt, poured around the perimeter, with anchors installed during the pouring period for attaching the Mauerlat.
  • Brick walls should be edged with a side in one or two bricks along the outer edge so that a ledge is formed along the inner edge for laying a wooden frame. During masonry, wooden plugs are laid between the bricks for attaching the mauerlat with brackets to the wall.

A Mauerlat is made from a bar measuring 150 × 150 or 100 × 150 mm. If the operation of the under-roof space is supposed, it is advisable to take the bars thicker. The timber is connected into a single frame with oblique cuts. Then the joints are reinforced with self-tapping screws, ordinary nails or capercaillie, and the corners are reinforced with brackets.

On top of the Mauerlat aligned to the horizon, constructed in the best way for a particular building, floor beams are laid. A bar with a section of 100 × 200 mm is used. First of all, a beam is laid, passing exactly along the central axis of the building. In the example, the length of the beam for the construction of solid beams is not enough, because they are assembled from two beams. The docking point should be located above a reliable support. In the example, the support is an internal load-bearing wall.

The step between the floor beams is 60 cm. If the equipped box does not have ideal parameters, as it happens in most situations, the distance between the beams can be slightly changed. Such an adjustment allows you to slightly "make up" the flaws in the construction. Between the extreme beams on both sides and the walls of the house there should be a gap of 90 cm wide, necessary for the installation of extensions.


Because floor beams can independently form only two cornice overhangs, short half-beams of floor - extension are attached to their ends. They are first installed only in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe main part of the hip roof, exactly where the rafter legs are to be mounted. They are nailed to the mauerlat with nails, fastened to the beam with screws, large-caliber nails, dowels, reinforce the fasteners with corners.

The construction of the ridge

The central part of the hip roof is an ordinary gable structure. The rafter system for her is arranged according to the rules that dictate. In the example, there are some deviations from the classical interpretation of the pitched principle: the bed is not used, on which, traditionally, supports for the ridge run are installed. The work of the bed will have to be performed by the central floor beam.

In order to build the ridge part of the hip roof truss system, you need:

  • Build a support frame for the rafter legs, the top of which will rest on the ridge run. The run will be based on three supports, the central of which is installed directly on the central floor beam. To install the two extreme supports, first two transverse bars are laid, overlapping at least five floor beams. Stability is enhanced with two struts. For the manufacture of horizontal and vertical parts of the support frame, a bar with a section of 100 × 150 mm was used, the struts were made from a board of 50 × 150 mm.
  • Make rafter legs, for which you must first make a template. A board of suitable dimensions is applied to the installation site, lines of future cuts are drawn on it. She will be the template for the in-line production of rafters.
  • Install the rafter legs, resting them with a notch on the ridge run, and with the lower heel on the take-out located opposite.

If the floor beams were laid across the box, then the rafters of the main part of the roof would rest on the floor beams, which is much more reliable. However, in the example, they rely on the removal, therefore, additional mini-supports must be arranged under them. These supports should be positioned so that the load from them and the rafters located above is transferred to the walls.

Then three rows of extensions are mounted on each of the four sides. For the convenience of implementing further actions, the contour of the roof is drawn up with a cornice board. It must be nailed to the floor beams and extensions strictly horizontally.

Installation of corner offsets

In the space limited by the cornice board, there were corner sections left unfilled with details of the truss system. Here you will need corner offsets, for the installation of which is carried out as follows:

  • In order to indicate the direction of installation, we pull the cord. We stretch from the point of conditional intersection of the extreme support of the frame with the floor beam to the corner.
  • From above, along the lace, we apply a bar to its place. Holding the bar, from below we outline the lines of saw cuts at the point where the bar intersects the floor beam and the corner connection of the cornice boards.
  • We attach the finished takeaway with sawn off excess to the Mauerlat and to the floor beam with corners.

The remaining three corner extensions are manufactured and mounted in the same way.

Installation of diagonal rafters

Diagonal, they are also slanting, rafter legs are made of two boards sewn together with a cross section equal to the size of ordinary rafters. In the example, one of the boards will be slightly higher than the second due to the difference in the angles of the hips and trapezoidal slopes.

The sequence of works for the manufacture and installation of the braids:

  • From the highest point of the ridge, we stretch the lace to the corners and to the central point of the slope. These are auxiliary lines along which we will mark the upcoming cuts.
  • With a carpenter's goniometer - we measure the angle between the lace and the upper side of the angular offset with a small one. This determines the angle of the lower cut. Suppose it is equal to α. The angle of the upper cut is calculated by the formula β = 90º - α.
  • At an angle β, we cut down one edge of an arbitrary trimming of the board. We apply it to the place of the upper attachment, aligning the edge of this blank with the cord. We outline the excess that interferes with a tight installation. You need to cut again along the marked lines.
  • At an angle α, we saw off the lower heel on another piece of board.
  • We make the first half of the diagonal rafter using the patterns of the upper and lower support. If a solid board is not enough in length, two pieces can be spliced. You can splice them with a meter-long piece of an inch planted on self-tapping screws; it should be placed on the outside of the oblique leg being constructed. We install the finished first part.
  • We do the second part of the rafter in the same way, but we take into account that it should be slightly lower than its first half. The area where the boards are connected into one element should not coincide with the area where the boards are joined in the first half of the sloping.
  • We sew two boards with nails in a run-up with a step of 40-50 cm.
  • On a lace stretched to the center of the slope, we draw a line along which it will be necessary to adjust the cut to join it with the adjacent rafter.

Following the described algorithm, it is necessary to install three more diagonal legs. Under each of them, supports should be installed at the point of attachment of the corner offsets to the beams. If the span is more than 7.5 m, another support is installed diagonally closer to the ridge.

Manufacturing and installation of hip rafters

The lace between the top of the skate and the center of the slope is already stretched. It served as an axis for outlining the cuts, and now you need to measure the angle γ along it and calculate the angle δ \u003d 90º - γ. Without deviating from the proven path, we prepare templates for the upper and lower support. We apply the upper trim to the place intended for it and mark the cut lines on it for a tight fit between the diagonal rafters. According to the blanks, we make the central leg of the hip and fix it where it is supposed to.

In the space between the corner outriggers and the cornice board, we install short extensions to stiffen the structure and to ensure a strong fixation of the shortest, shortest outriggers. Next, you should start making templates for the sparrows themselves:

  • We cut the board cut at an angle δ and attach it to the place of attachment to the diagonal rafter.
  • In fact, we outline the surplus that needs to be cut down again. The resulting template is used in the manufacture of all sprigs, for example, the right side of the hip. For the left side, the upper template will be filed from the opposite side.
  • As a template for the lower heel of the sprigs, we use a piece of board sawn off at an angle γ. If all the previous steps were performed correctly, then this template is used to make the lower attachment points for all other sprigs.

In accordance with the actual length and "indications" of the templates, the sprigs are made, which are necessary for the formation of the hip planes and the parts of the main slopes that are not filled with ordinary rafter legs. They are installed so that the upper attachment points of the sprigs to the diagonal rafters are located in a run, i.e. the upper connecting nodes of adjacent slopes should not converge in one place. The sprigs are attached to the sloping rafter leg with corners, to floor beams and extensions in the way that is more reasonable and convenient: corners or metal gear plates.


The hipped roof technology is based on already familiar hip principles. True, there is no ridge part of the truss system in their design. The construction begins with the installation of a central support, to which the sloping rafters are attached, and then the slats. If hanging technology is used in the construction of the roof with an envelope, then the finished truss truss is installed first.

We suggest you use our free online calculator for calculating building materials when installing a hip roof - and follow the instructions.

Helpful Video Instructions

Briefly with the sequence and rules for installing the truss system of a hipped roof of hip and hip categories, the video will acquaint you:

Having familiarized yourself with the specifics of the device and having mastered the intricacies of installing roofs with four slopes, you can safely proceed to the implementation of plans for its construction.

Many are attracted by the spectacular and non-standard look of the hipped roof. Therefore, the question of how to properly build a hipped roof is constantly in the center of attention of those who are planning to build a roof or repair it. But we must admit that in order to build such a roof, you will have to make a little effort.

Everything in construction begins with the planning of the necessary actions, therefore, their outlines on how to make a hipped roof are first betrayed to paper.

Hip roof project: calculation of all parameters

Before creating a project for such a roof, you will need to determine its shape, take measurements and calculate all the necessary parameters. They start building directly, already having in their hands a drawing of the design of the future roof, on which all the required information will be noted in detail - the angle of inclination of the hipped roof, design, length, pitch, assembly order of the rafters, location and number of additional supporting parts and more.

The key to the success of the construction of a hipped roof is in an accurate and detailed plan, so this stage can most likely be considered one of the most important.

The calculation of a hipped roof can be carried out using special programs posted on the Internet. But if you have not forgotten the basics of school geometry, you can do it differently - draw a prototype of your future roof on paper and use the simplest geometric shapes to calculate rafters, beams, the amount of material to cover and much more.

We start with the angle of inclination of the hipped roof

The theoretical first determine the angle of inclination of the hipped roof, taking into account the climate of the given zone, especially since the height of the hipped roof also depends on its value. According to the rules, for areas with heavy rainfall, the slope is increased (the consumption of all materials will increase accordingly).

Having determined the slope, the next step is to mathematically derive the height of the ridge by multiplying half the width of the span of the structure by the relative value (I take its value from special tables according to the angle of inclination). For example, for a 30° slope, the value of the relative value is 0.59, at 25° - 0.47.


A four-slope roof rafter is a system consisting of two types of truss trusses: typical trusses with slopes connected at the ridge, and side triangular rafters resting at the top point on the ridge. Thus, at the end points of the ridge, three rafters are joined: one central and two from the main slopes.

Quite simply, you can calculate the central location of the hipped roof ridge in the center: measure the length of the ridge, the length of the walls parallel to which it will be located, and calculate their difference. Dividing the difference in half, postpone the result obtained from the edges of parallel walls.

It is important that a right angle is provided between the ridge and the slats, which automatically ensures that the corner ridges are correctly installed.

location of the skate in the center

The calculation of these parameters of the hip roof can be made easier if you first mark the joints of the walls and rafters. The attachment points of the side rafter triangles can be determined by dividing the length of the transverse wall in half.

Mounting a pitched roof: precision and strength

The installation of the roof begins with the installation of rafters and trusses, according to preliminary calculations and marks. Farms are assembled according to a template. Various additional elements help to achieve the rigidity of each of them, as well as the entire structure as a whole: headstocks, struts, crossbars, trusses with a rack, racks.

How to make a pitched roof will not be too difficult if you follow the finished project and follow the correct order of work.

Work begins with the laying of a block or log Mauerlat structure (in the case of timber rafters) - a more common option in private construction. If it is supposed to use metal rafters, the Mauerlat is made of metal profile material. Mauerlat is securely attached to the walls using appropriate anchors.

It is important that high-quality waterproofing is provided between the base and the wall.

If necessary, a transverse beam is also installed, which will become a support for the uprights and, accordingly, the ridge run attached to them. When installing the ridge, it is necessary to strictly maintain its “horizon” and height, therefore, when installing it, it is imperative to use a plumb line and a rail. Racks under the skate are fixed with jibs.

By installing diagonal rafters, the planes of the slopes of the future roof are formed. The main requirement in this case is the exact same length of the rafters and the perfectly flat plane of each slope obtained. At the same time, the size of the overhang is also laid. Its average value is about half a meter.

In open areas where a strong gusty side wind is possible, it is advisable to increase the size of the overhang (up to 1 m).

Particular attention is required to insert elements in complex nodes. Let's say that three elements are joined at once with the end of the ridge: diagonal rafters (2 pcs.), Central rafters (2 pcs.) And central (ordinary) hip rafters (1 pc.). To perform this knot, a special undercut (double bevel) is made on the ridge beam.

At a further stage, strictly parallel to the ordinary rafters, corner (spiders) are mounted. At the same time, the sprigs of the neighboring, main and hip, slopes must be joined to the rafters in different places. For the joints of the "diagonals" with the sprigs, an ordinary cut or a support beam is used, which is sewn to the diagonal rafters on both sides.

The installation of a four-slope roof also includes the installation of a sheathing under the roofing. Whether it will be solid or sparse from boards, bars or poles depends on the chosen material for the roof.

A four-slope truss roof is considered a rather complex structure. The construction of such a structure is recommended to be entrusted to experienced professionals who will help to correctly calculate the angle of inclination of the supporting beams and select the optimal weight of roofing materials.

This design has both advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing a similar roof for your home, it is recommended that you carefully consider the positive and negative sides of a hipped roof.

The main advantage of such a structure lies in the aesthetic appearance of a residential building. Thanks to this, the house acquires smooth and streamlined shapes.

Varieties of a hipped roof

There are several types of such a design. The standard structure is isosceles triangles that connect at a central point.

Beginning builders often confuse a hipped roof with an ordinary hipped roof. It consists of triangles, which in the top view form a regular square.

If the plan shows a rectangle, then we are dealing with a hip structure. She received this name as a result of the use of special slopes, which have the appearance of a tong - a hip.


The four-pitched roof is divided into the following types:

  • Dutch;
  • half hip Dutch;
  • half hip Danish;
  • tent.

The Dutch roof is distinguished by its resistance to climatic disasters. Two trapezoidal slopes are used here. The upper parts have long regular triangles, and the side ones are presented in the form of shortened corners.

In this case, a rafter system is used, in which four inclined beams are used with the required slope angle. The calculation of the hipped roof is based on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe building.

Thanks to this, it is possible to correctly position the inclined beams and the distance between them.

A half-hip Dutch roof can be made as a gable or four-pitched roof truss. For the construction of such a structure, it is recommended to carefully select building materials.

Bearing supports should be made of dense wood species of trees. This variety is distinguished by its durability and endurance in relation to natural disasters.


Advantages and disadvantages

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hipped roof? Experienced specialists highlight the following positive qualities of such a structure. These include:

  • lack of gables. Thanks to this, it is possible to improve the aerodynamic performance of the roof;
  • minimum angle of inclination of roof slopes. In this case, the hipped roof system allows you to adjust the length of the hanging logs. These elements help to make them an additional canopy for the veranda;
  • aesthetic appearance of a residential building. The house acquires smooth and streamlined lines.

The disadvantages include the following reasons:

  • complex installation. You can make such a roof yourself, if you have special skills;
  • high consumption of building materials. To create a hip roof, it is necessary to make four slopes, which require additional marking and deformation of the roofing;
  • construction of an attic space is required. If this requirement is neglected, then the risk of partial collapse of the erected structure increases.

Do-it-yourself four-pitched roof

How to make a hipped roof with your own hands? We bring to your attention detailed instructions that will help you properly build this design.

It includes:

Calculation of a hipped roof. This manipulation allows you to correctly calculate the amount of building material, the distance between the bearing lags and the angle of inclination of the roofing. The roof area will be slightly larger than the width of the ceiling span.

Drawings of a hipped roof. Here are detailed calculations and additional elements for attaching load-bearing logs.

Ceiling construction. To do this, use dense wood, which is fixed at a distance of 50 cm from each other. Next, lay a layer of waterproofing, which will prevent the appearance of mold and excessive humidity in the room.


Metal reinforcement is installed on concrete walls. Bearing beams will be attached to it in the future.

Now proceed to the construction of beam spans. They are fixed with metal corners and embedded anchors. When installing, it is important to observe the angle of inclination. For a classic Dutch roof, 45-50 degrees must be observed.

Next, we proceed to the manufacture of the attic space. It will be located in the center of the roof structure. To do this, make rectangles from a dense bar. For a roof with an area of ​​​​50 m2, 4-5 elements will be needed;

The frame of beams will rest on the upper boundaries of the rectangular structures. The beams should form a 45 degree angle at the top. All elements are fixed with anchors with plastic nozzles.

When the frame is completed, go to the roofing deck. Here you can use a metal profile, or soft tiles. The photo of the hipped roof shows the workflow.

Photo hipped roof

If it is necessary to create a durable and reliable roofing system for a private house, a hipped roof can be made by hand. It is important to carefully consider the development of the project of the truss system and strictly observe the technology of installation of structures.

Designing a hipped roof

A hipped or hipped four-pitched roof differs from a gable roof by the absence of gables - instead of them, additional triangular slopes are mounted on the ends. This design is more laborious during construction, but is characterized by increased strength and reliability. At the design stage, it is required to correctly calculate the parameters and location of the elements; during the installation process, they must be precisely adjusted to the installation sites.

It should be noted that building a roof with your own hands may require the use of non-standard solutions if the builders do not have suitable building materials at their disposal.

The hipped roof project is developed taking into account all types of loads that it will experience. At the first stage, the angle of inclination of the roof slopes should be determined. This parameter primarily depends on factors such as:

  • the purpose of the attic;
  • choice of roofing material;
  • nature of atmospheric loads in the construction area.

Typically, the angle of inclination of the roof slopes is 5 - 60 degrees. If the region is characterized by low rainfall and strong winds, you can build a roof with a small angle of inclination. In areas with heavy snowfalls and frequent rains, it is recommended to build roofs with a slope angle of 45 to 60 degrees.

When choosing a roofing material, you should consider the features of its installation.:

  • on slopes with an angle of inclination of less than 18 degrees, flat or wavy slate, roll materials can be mounted;
  • if the angle of inclination is less than 30 degrees, various types of tiles can be used;
  • if the slopes are at an angle of 14 to 60 degrees, roofing metal is among the suitable materials.

The scheme of the roof structure should contain detailed information about the location and size of the elements of the system. After determining the optimal angle of inclination of the slopes, it is required to calculate the height of the roof ridge (based on the formula of a right triangle).

truss system

The design of a hipped roof includes the determination of the required section of the elements of the truss system. It is performed on the basis of an analysis of the loads that the truss system will experience during operation. It is necessary to take into account the wind load, the maximum mass of snow in winter, the angle of inclination of the slopes.

It is recommended to choose a safety margin of rafters of at least 1.4, as well as to evaluate their bearing capacity and take it into account when calculating the pitch of the rafters. The type of truss system is selected based on the parameters of the building: if there is an internal load-bearing wall or columnar supports, it is more convenient to use a system with layered rafters, if it is not possible to create a supporting structure, installation of hanging rafters is provided. In some cases, both types of rafters can be used.


During the design process, it is important not only to determine the type of truss system, but also to find out the need for additional fasteners, such as braces and puffs. They provide rigidity to the entire structure, prevent it from loosening over time, and reduce the load on the rafters.

Load calculation

Considering in detail how to make a hipped roof, it is worth paying special attention to the principles of calculating loads. There are two types of loads:

  • constant (weight of the crate, insulation, insulating materials, roofing);
  • temporary (weight of snow accumulated on the roof, wind exposure, etc.);
  • additional (any structures attached to the rafters).

According to SNiP, when designing a roof, one should proceed from the average snow load, which is 180 kg / m 2, but in the event of a snow bag, in this area the load increases to 400 kg / m 2. In this case, the snow load is not taken into account if the angle of inclination of the roof slopes exceeds 60 degrees. It is also required to take into account wind loads, but their value is noticeably less - up to 35 kg / m 2. If the slope angle is less than 30 degrees, the wind correction can be neglected.

The above average load parameters are recommended to be corrected using correction factors corresponding to the climate in the construction area.

An additional load is any suspended objects attached to the roof rafters. These can be ventilation chambers, a water tank, or other devices installed in the attic. The possibility of their installation should be taken into account at the design stage of a hipped roof.


When designing a rafter system, two calculations must be performed. The first calculation is aimed at assessing the structural strength parameters - it is necessary to make sure that the system does not break under loads. The second calculation makes it possible to estimate the degree of deformation of structural elements. For example, the deflection of a mansard roof rafter should not exceed 1/250 of its length.

Special computer calculator programs make it possible to significantly simplify the calculations of the design of a hipped roof and avoid possible errors.

After performing the necessary calculations, a drawing of the truss structure of the hipped roof is drawn up. A detailed diagram contains information about the dimensions of each element and how they are attached.


Materials for the manufacture of the truss system

A do-it-yourself hipped roof is usually made using lumber from softwood - larch or pine. You should carefully consider the type of wood - lumber should not have defects that affect its strength and durability.

The moisture content of wood should be no more than 18-22%. Otherwise, the boards and timber should be dried before use in order to avoid deformation of the roof structure during operation.

To create a rafter system, it is optimal to use a rectangular beam, the cross section of which is determined by design calculations. As an alternative solution, a board with a section of 50x100 or 50x200 mm can be used. If necessary, double boards are mounted.

Steel elements that hold the rafters and keep their relative position unchanged allow to increase the strength of the multi-pitched roof structure. Supports for the most loaded ridge runs can also be made of metal. Combined structures are characterized by increased strength.

Features of the construction of a hip roof

The roof with four slopes is supported by a Mauerlat, the installation of which is described in detail in the instructions for the construction of a gable roof. A feature of the hip roof is that the mauerlat must be laid on all four external walls of the building. When figuring out how to make a hipped roof, it should be noted that the key design feature is the presence of diagonal rafters connecting the ridge and the corners of the building. It is these rafters that take on the maximum load.

It is extremely important to correctly mark the diagonal rafters, ridge run and supports for it. This makes it possible to ensure the absolute symmetry of the structure, which is the key to an even distribution of loads on the roof of the structure and prevents its deformation.

After mounting the mauerlat, supports are installed under the ridge run, which must be fixed strictly horizontally at the height provided for by the project. Diagonal rafters made of timber or double boards are attached to the ridge run.

To ensure the required length of the diagonal rafters, in some cases it is necessary to mount them in two parts. To unload the joint, it is recommended to install a support under it. The greatest rigidity of the structure can be achieved if the joint with the support is located at a distance equal to a quarter of the length of the rafter from its upper part, fixed to the ridge. In general, for the installation of diagonal rafters, it is most convenient to use prefabricated (glued) rafter legs, which are highly durable and ideal for erecting complex structures.

After installing the main structure, consisting of a ridge run and diagonal rafters, rafters are mounted for mounting the crate. The peculiarities of the hip roof include the use of not only full-sized rafter legs, which are attached to the ridge with the upper part (central rafters), but also joists - corner rafters, resting on the diagonal rafters with their upper end. The length of the sprigs decreases as it approaches the corner of a triangular or trapezoidal slope. The spacing of the rafter legs is determined at the design stage, and at least three central rafters must be mounted on each slope, regardless of its length.


To ensure the rigidity of the entire structure, supports, puffs and braces are installed in the right places. The installation of the crate completes the creation of the truss system. Mounted waterproofing, roofing material. From the inside, insulation and vapor barrier are fixed. If it is planned to use the space under the roof as a living space, special attention should be paid to thermal insulation and ventilation of the roof. In addition, it is necessary to design and then correctly mount roof windows.

Details on how to build a hipped roof on your own can be found in the thematic video.


A four-pitched roof (hip) is one of the most popular roof structures in the field of private housing construction. The roof of the four-pitched type, in contrast to the gable roof structures, has additional triangular slopes. How to make your own hipped roof? To do this, you first need to study its design features, construction technology. After creating a roof project: calculate the required amount of building material, create drawings with the exact placement of all structural elements, and indicate other points.

In this article

Types of hipped roof structures

  • A hip roof is a classic version of a four-pitched roof with two trapezoidal and two triangular slopes.
  • Half-hip roof structure - a hip roof, in which the slopes of a triangular shape are shortened. This option is used in the presence of an attic.
  • Hipped roof - the roof structure resembles a pyramid, all four slopes are triangular in shape. It is used to cover buildings of a square design, you can make a hipped roof for a gazebo.

Advantages of using a four-pitched (hip) roof

The construction of a four-pitched roof consists of a rectangular base, four inclined planes, slopes, two of which are trapezoidal in shape, and two are triangular, located in the area where the gables are located on the gable roof structure. Attic, dormers, bay windows, cuckoos are installed on the slopes. This gives the roof a special look.

The main advantages of using a hipped roof structure

  • Due to the absence of gables, such a roof is more stable than a gable roof against strong wind loads, therefore it is recommended for construction in regions where strong gusty winds prevail.
  • A greater number of slopes helps more effectively in terms of the removal of melt, rainwater and snow. On such structures, snow is practically not retained.
  • Under this design, you can equip a fairly spacious attic room.
  • Another important plus of a hipped roof is the affordable cost of construction due to the use of wood building material for arranging the truss system, on which you can lay roofing at any price.

Creation of a hip roof project

How to build a hipped roof with your own hands? To do this, you must first prepare a design project with drawings and detailed details of its installation. To correctly determine the optimal angle of inclination of the slopes, you need to carefully study the recommendations of the roofing manufacturer, climatic conditions. For example, for slate, the recommended slope angle can be from 15 to 60 degrees, for a rolled soft roof - up to 18 degrees, for tiles - 30-60 degrees.

Important! Of great importance is the amount of precipitation in winter. With intense snowfall, it is better to make the slopes steeper so that the snow calmly rolls off the roof.

Having selected the optimal pitched angle of the roof for your region, it is necessary to calculate the height of the ridge and its other parameters. When calculating the rafter system, it is imperative to take into account the length of the rafters, the cross section of the wooden beam, the size of the run, the installation step.

When creating a hipped roof project, the following loads must also be taken into account:

  • the mass of the roofing material used, the coating as a whole;
  • weight of waterproofing, insulating coating;
  • the amount of annual precipitation;
  • wind, snow load;
  • arrangement of additional elements on the roof: skylights, lanterns, antennas, etc.

Important! Having calculated all possible loads on the roof structure, it is necessary to add some margin of safety, which will guarantee the stability of the roof in unforeseen circumstances.

Also, all purchased lumber for the construction of the truss system must first be treated with an antiseptic.

truss system

The design of a hipped roof involves the choice of a certain section of the components of the truss system. The cross section is selected depending on the calculation of the expected loads on the rafter system during the operational period. In this case, wind, snow loads, the used angle of inclination of roof slopes are necessarily taken into account.

It is imperative to provide for a margin of safety for the rafters, calculate the step, taking into account their bearing capacity. The design of the rafter system is selected in relation to the parameters of the building: it is recommended to use inclined rafters if there are columnar supports, an internal load-bearing wall. If there is no possibility of forming such a supporting structure, then it is necessary to equip a hanging type truss system. For some types of buildings, both options for truss systems are used.

When creating a project, it is necessary not only to choose the right rafter system, but also to determine the need for additional fastening elements, for example, puffs, braces, which give the structure greater rigidity, prevent it from loosening after long-term operation, and also reduce the percentage of load on the rafters themselves .

Load calculation

Considering in detail how to make a hipped roof on your own, it is recommended to pay special attention to the calculations of possible loads on the roof structure.

Types of possible loads on the roof:

  • loads that constantly affect the roof - this is the mass of the lathing, protective materials (waterproofing, insulation), roofing material;
  • temporary (non-permanent) loads - the mass of snow accumulated on the roof in winter, wind loads, other environmental impacts;
  • additional loads are additional elements fixed on the rafters, for example, a water tank, ventilation system chambers, etc. (additional elements should also be taken into account in the process of creating a project, calculating the truss system).

When designing a rafter system, two calculations are made, one of which is aimed at analyzing the strength (you need to make sure that the system is able to withstand the expected loads). Another calculation is aimed at analyzing the possible deformation of all elements of the roof.

After making all the provided calculations, drawings of the truss system of the hipped (mansard) roof are made. A detailed diagram should contain the dimensions of each component, as well as the method of their fastening.

Today, it is possible to significantly simplify the calculations for the truss system of a four-pitched roof structure using a computer program, which will also help prevent accidental errors.

The final stage in the arrangement of a hipped (mansard) roof is its insulation. For this, it is recommended to use expanded polystyrene or basalt wool. Insulating material is placed between the rafters. It is also necessary to put a layer of waterproofing to protect the roof from moisture.

Eventually

A four-pitched roof is a rather complicated structure for do-it-yourself construction. Therefore, before you start covering your house with roofing material on your own, you should thoroughly study the technology of erecting such a structure, consult with experts in this field. From how correctly and efficiently all stages of the construction of the roof will be carried out, the duration of its service life will depend in the future.

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