What is the hip on a roof?

• A. The vertical edge along the gable end.
• B. The horizontal ridge cap at peak.
• C. The inner joist for reinforcement.
• D. The inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Answer: (D)

The hip on a roof is the inclined external angle formed where two sloping roof planes meet. It runs along the outside corner of the building, from the ridge down to the eave, creating a diagonal edge that defines the roof’s shape. This is different from the vertical edge at a gable end or the horizontal ridge cap at the peak, and it isn’t an internal joist. The hip is the visible outer intersection of two roof slopes, forming that characteristic diagonal line.