St. Louis’ Expert Commercial Hip Roof Company
While construction and framing for commercial hip roofs are more involved than gable roofs, there are some added benefits. Commercial hip roof framing, for example, is self-bracing. The four sides – two trapezoidal sides and two triangular sides – balance the weight of the opposite plane. This design makes for a durable and stable structure, ideal for small commercial applications.
There are, however, several downsides as opposed to gable roofing constructions. Because there are more roofing planes, there are more seams- this means that, if the commercial hip roof construction isn’t carried out properly, there are more points at which the roof could potentially leak. An experienced roofing contractor will be well-versed in installation best practices—such as proper flashing installation techniques and how much overhang is necessary for the drip edge.
If you’re considering a commercial hip roof construction for your facility—or if you need a couple of repairs—here are several things to consider:
Types of Commercial Hipped Roofs
There are a few different types of hip roof applications that provide a wide range of solutions, depending on your business’ unique needs. Keep these roof styles in mind when considering a new roof design for your commercial building.
Standing Seam Hip Roof
A standard hip roof is where the roof sides slope downwards from a peak in the middle. These usually feature a very gentle roof slope, and can sometimes even seem like a flat roof from the ground floor.
Half Hipped
A half hip roof (also referred to as a clipped-gable or jerkin head roof) has a gable with one of its upper points replaced with a small hip. This layout – a hip above the gable – is the opposite of a Dutch gable roof, which features a gable above the hip.
Dutch Gable Roof
A gabled roof is a variation of the traditional hip roof. This style features a hip with a small gable above it, which simplifies the construction process. It doesn’t need girder trusses, but it still has level walls and consistent eaves.
Installation Techniques for Long-term Usability
Care must be taken during commercial hip roof framing and installation to ensure the effectiveness of the roofing system. Your roofing contractor will install flashing around any protrusions on the roof pitch – such as chimneys or dormers – and ridge caps or special shingles along seams, ridges, and hips.
Using the right underlayment for your material and roof deck can also go a long way toward fully insulating your facility and preventing leaks.
It is also worth noting that in areas with severe storms and high winds – such as St. Louis – that specific pitch requirements should be adhered to. We recommend that commercial hip roofs in such areas have pitches – which are expressed as a ratio of rising, height, to run, or width, of the roofing system – ranging from 4:12 to 6:12.
There are also fire and building codes, international material and installation standards, and safety concerns. An experienced and reputable roofing contractor will help you navigate these and offer you the peace of mind of knowing they practice safety best practices on the job site.
Material Selection for Durability and Weatherproofing
One of the most appealing aspects of commercial hip roofs is that you can use almost any roofing material, giving you flexibility in the price of the roofing system.
Slate or tile roofing might be the right choice, for instance, if you want a long-lasting and visually appealing roofing system and don’t mind spending a little more on it.
Asphalt shingles or architectural shingles are a slightly cheaper option that still offers protection and durability.
Metal roofs are a more unusual approach, but that isn’t to say metal roofing has no place in the hip roof world.
Your roofing contractor will talk to you about what roofing material might be best for your commercial hip roof based on your price point and your facility’s needs.
Trusted St. Louis Commercial Roofers
When it’s time for a commercial hip roof repair, replacement, or installation, schedule a consultation with Wildwood Roofing & Construction.
Wildwood Roofing & Construction has been completing commercial roof repair and commercial roofing projects for years, and we are proud of each of our roof restoration projects. We know that every St. Louis roof repair project is different, which is why we provide our clients with a free quote. Our licensed installer will provide you with an honest and accurate quote for your residential roof repair.
Wildwood Roofing & Construction has built its reputation by focusing on developing three key traits:
- Technique
- Experience
- Customer Service
We proudly service Saint Louis and the surrounding area – including Sunset Hills, Town and Country, University City, Valley Park, Webster Groves, and southern Illinois – with these three principles guiding our every move. Taken together, they create a trifecta of customer satisfaction that many St. Louis roofing companies cannot compete with.
We know what we’re doing, so you know you’ll be getting the highest quality roofing job available in St. Louis. Plus, we will quote you a fair price and stick to it. We’re trusted around St. Louis as the commercial roofing experts because we work quickly, getting your facility back to working condition in no time. And, because we hold ourselves to a higher standard, we’ve never completed a roofing project we weren’t proud to show off.