What is a hip roof? The pros and cons of this roof type explained

detached house with hip roof with rooflights
(Image credit: BC Design)

A hip roof is an excellent choice for all kinds of house styles, looking just as at home on a contemporary property as it does on something more traditional in form. For this reason, along with their many other benefits, hip roofs are incredibly popular.

When it comes to types of roof, it can be tricky to get to grips with the many different designs out there, what they can offer you and exactly what they look like. 

  • Reduced risk of water ingress thanks to sloping faces on all sides — there's nowhere for water or snow to sit.
  • Brilliant wind resistance. They are great in exposed areas as there are no flat surfaces to 'catch' the wind, which can cause damage.
  • Stable construction due to being 'self-bracing' (thanks to all four sides sloping towards the centre). 
  • Great drainage possibilities as not only do all the faces slope down and towards the ground, but gutters can also be be fitted on all four sides.  
  • Easily adapted to suit all house styles from super contemporary to classic and traditional.
Natasha Brinsmead

Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project. 

Read more
roof being lifted off house
Think you don't have the right kind of attic for a loft conversion? The key could lie in raising the roof
Victorian semi-detached house with rooflight loft conversion
Are semi-detached loft conversions a good way to add space and value? We investigate
modern house with loft conversion with glazed gable end and bi-folding doors on ground floor below
A guide to loft windows: Types and options available for your loft conversion plans
loft conversion bedroom with green floral wallpaper, wooden floor, black metal framed bed with white bedding, green and white throw with door open leading to small landing and stairwell
Considering a loft conversion? Here's what you need to know
mansard loft conversion with slate cladding and balcony with frosted glass balustrades
Find out how a loft conversion balcony could elevate your new space to the next level
Loft conversion with a bed, sideboard and armchair, and three pitched windows with blinds
11 loft conversion window ideas to add natural light to your new space
Latest in
Aerial view, Bourton on the Hill, Cotswold Hills, Cotswolds, UK
The 'Best Places to Live' in the UK in 2025 has been revealed
Sarah Beeny with her husband Gareth and their 4 sons sat un front of their white self build property and greenhouse in a large front garden
Sarah Beeny faces demolition order for £3million home after faltering in her latest planning application submission
A stone church with gated walkway to the front door and surrounding garden lawn
What kind of home could you create out of a former church? Here's your chance to find out
kitchen with sage green units, part marble effect tiled splashback, forest inspired wallpaper mural above, brass wall lights, black pendant lights, hob on worktop and kitchen accessories
Kitchen wallpaper ideas will change the way you view your walls. Here's 14 ideas to whet your appetite
A brick house with a big plastic shark sticking out the roof
The Shark House that sparked one of the most famous planning disputes in the country is now available to rent
young man struggles to pay bills
Soaring service charges leave flat owners struggling financially
Latest in Advice
Red brick detached house with double glazing and for sale sign in hedge
Selling and buying a house without a FENSA certificate — understand the rules on replacement windows and doors
A bright green septic tank emptying lorry in front of a house with solar panels on the roof
8 things to check when buying a house with a septic tank
workman working on boiler mounted on wall
Can you put a boiler in a loft? We take a look at the pros, cons, costs and more
Small grey decking area in garden on top of patio
Can you lay decking straight on concrete? When you shouldn't and when you can
A bright conservatory with sage green-framed windows and a glass roof lantern. Two striped wingback chairs with red-striped cushions face the open double doors, leading to a lush garden with purple flowers and rolling green fields.
The secret to keeping a conservatory cool — 7 simple fixes most people overlook
A white rendered detached house with a clay tiled roof and a green timber lean-to garage to the side
What is Passivhaus certification? Everything you need to know for your project