If you’ve driven through neighborhoods like Macalester-Groveland in St. Paul or Fulton in Minneapolis, you’ve likely seen hip roofs without realizing it. A hip roof (or hipped roof) is a roofing style where all four sides slope downward toward the walls, usually with a gentle pitch.
This timeless design offers more than just visual appeal—it’s also known for its strength in Minnesota’s challenging climate. In this post, we’ll walk you through what a hip roof is, how it performs in the Twin Cities, and whether it’s the right choice for your home.
Key Takeaways
- A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, offering excellent wind and snow resistance.
- Its low profile and drainage capacity make it ideal for Minneapolis and St. Paul weather.
- Hip roofs offer design flexibility and pair well with architectural styles found across the Twin Cities.
- Regular inspection and professional installation maximize its durability and curb appeal.
- Choosing the right roof type is essential for maximizing performance and curb appeal in the Twin Cities climate.
What Is a Hip Roof?
Unlike gable roofs—which have two vertical sides—hip roofs are pyramid-shaped or ridge-topped, offering stability and symmetry. The inward slope on all four sides creates a self bracing design, making hip roofs structurally stable and ideal for severe weather.
The defining features:
- Four sloping sides, with each side consisting of two roof planes that slope downward
- Sloped sides and roof slope on all four sides contribute to overall stability
- No vertical ends
- A ridge (in most cases) at the top where the sides meet
- Where roof planes meet at the ridge or hips, forming a strong, unified structure
This structure is especially useful in regions prone to high winds, heavy snowfall, or freeze-thaw cycles—just like the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro.
Why Hip Roofs Work Well in the Twin Cities
Minnesota weather can be unforgiving. Between ice storms in Roseville and spring hail in Bloomington, a roofing system needs to do more than just look good. Here’s how a hip roof rises to the occasion:
- Wind Deflection: The aerodynamic shape holds up better during strong gusts.
- Snow Shedding: All four slopes allow snow to slide off more easily, reducing the risk of ice dams.
- Drainage: Fewer flat areas mean better water runoff during heavy rain events in places like Eagan or Maple Grove.
Hip roofs require more roofing materials than simpler designs, which adds to their strength and weather resistance, making them a durable choice for challenging climates.
These qualities make hip roofs particularly well-suited for Twin Cities homeowners concerned about long-term durability.
Related: 5 Things To Know About Your Roof Replacement In Minneapolis and St. Paul
Hip Roof Design Variations
While the basic hip roof has four equal slopes, variations add architectural interest and functionality. The type of hip roof chosen can influence both the appearance and functionality of the home, and different architectural styles may favor certain designs:
- Simple Hip Roof: The standard four-sided design.
- Cross-Hip Roof: Two hip roofs joined at right angles—ideal for larger homes.
- Pyramid Hip Roof: All four sides slope inward and meet at a single point, forming a pyramid shape. This style is commonly used on square structures and outdoor pavilions for its symmetry and simplicity.
- Pavilion Roof: A type of hip roof with four sloping sides meeting at a central peak, typically built on a square structure.
- Half Hipped Roof (Jerkinhead): A combination of gable and hip, where the roof ends are truncated. Half hipped roofs blend the features of gable and hip roofs, offering improved wind resistance and preserving some attic space.
- Dutch Hip: A variation of the traditional hip roof, often seen in historical architecture, featuring a gabled ridge for added character.
- Mansard Roof: Characterized by dual-sloped surfaces on each side, the mansard roof maximizes attic space and adds a touch of elegance, making it a favorite in French-inspired designs.
- Hip and Valley Roofs: These roofs combine multiple hip sections with valleys where roof planes meet, making them suitable for complex, multi-wing homes.
- Dutch Gable Roof: A hybrid design that places a small gable (gablet) atop a hip roof, increasing attic or loft space and enhancing curb appeal.
In Minneapolis neighborhoods like Linden Hills, these styles are often paired with stucco exteriors or wide eaves—design elements that echo the Prairie and Tudor styles popular in the region.
Comparing Hip Roofs to Gable Roofs
If you’re torn between hip and gable roofs, here’s a quick roof vs comparison to help you decide which roof type best fits your needs:
| Feature | Hip Roof | Gable Roof |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent (multi-slope design) | Moderate (open ends more exposed) |
| Cost | Slightly higher due to more roofing material and complex construction | More budget-friendly; uses less roofing material |
| Attic Space | Less, limited storage space and living space | More attic space, providing extra storage space or potential living space |
| Aesthetic | Balanced, softer profile; roof planes meet at hips and ridges | Steeper, more dramatic lines; roof planes meet at the ridge and gable ends |
| Ventilation | Requires additional vents | Often features gable vents for improved air ventilation and attic airflow |
| Maintenance | More complex, higher maintenance | Simpler roof styles, easier to maintain |
| Curb Appeal | Traditional, blends with many exterior walls | Curb appeal gable roofs: visually striking, enhances exterior walls |
| Suitability | Great for high-wind areas | Ideal for maximizing attic or storage space |
Simpler roof styles like gabled roofs are often easier to maintain, while hip roofs offer superior weather resistance.
Explore Composition Roofing for Weather Durability
Maintenance Tips for Hip Roofs
Proper maintenance tips and proper installation are essential for maximizing the lifespan and durability of a hip roof, especially when installing a new roof.
Even though hip roofs are durable, regular maintenance ensures they perform at their best:
- Check flashings around the valleys and ridges.
- Clear gutters before and after winter to prevent overflow during freeze-thaw.
- Inspect shingles after hailstorms—especially in areas like Apple Valley and Burnsville.
- Schedule regular roof inspections at least twice a year and after major storms to detect early signs of damage and prevent costly repairs.
Professional hip roof installation is crucial to prevent leaks and structural issues, so always hire experienced and licensed contractors for the job.
Learn When to Schedule a Roof Inspection
When to Consider a Hip Roof Replacement
Is your current hip roof over 20 years old? Has it seen multiple Minnesota winters without recent upgrades? It may be time to consider a full roof replacement.
Modern roofing systems—especially those using Owens Corning or GAF products—are now engineered for added energy efficiency and hail impact resistance. If you’re in Highland Park or Northeast Minneapolis, a new hip roof can boost both curb appeal and market value.
Roof Replacement Services in Minneapolis-St. Paul
FAQs
What is the main advantage of a hip roof in the Twin Cities?
Its aerodynamic shape and 4-slope structure make it ideal for handling snow, rain, and wind—key in Minnesota’s varied climate. Additionally, hip roofs are structurally stable due to their self-bracing design, which helps them evenly distribute weight and withstand severe weather conditions.
Is a hip roof more expensive than other types?
Yes, slightly. The complex framing and extra materials increase labor and cost, and hip roof construction is more involved and requires specialized skills, which also contributes to the higher cost. However, the durability and protection often outweigh the investment.
Can I install solar panels on a hip roof?
Yes, especially if you have wide south- or west-facing slopes. Professional planning ensures optimal panel placement.
What kind of materials can be used on hip roofs?
Asphalt shingles are the most common, but metal and composite options are also available for Twin Cities homes.
Do hip roofs offer attic space?
Less than gable roofs, but still enough for insulation, wiring, and limited storage space. Depending on the design, the attic space in a hip roof can sometimes be used for a small living space or additional storage space, though it is generally less than what gable roofs offer.
Ready to Upgrade Your Twin Cities Roof?
If you’re considering a hip roof in Minneapolis or St. Paul, Krech Exteriors is ready to help. With over 35 years of experience and a lifetime workmanship warranty, our team ensures every roof is installed with precision and care.
