The Ultimate Guide to Roof Hips & Roofing Hips (2025)

What roof hips are and why they matter

A roof hip is the external angle formed at the junction of two roof slopes. It runs from the ridge down to the eaves and is a key part of any pitched roof design. Hips are exposed to significant weathering, making them one of the most critical lines for water management, wind resistance and long-term structural performance.

Because hips sit on the outside edge of the roof geometry, they must be finished with precise alignment, durable tiles and a well-built bedding or mechanical fixing system.

Roof hip structure & anatomy

A roofing hip typically includes:

• Hip rafters — the structural timbers forming the hip line.
• Jack rafters — fixed into the hip rafter on either side.
• Hip battens — support the covering material.
• Hip tiles or ridge tiles — the final weathering layer.
• Mechanical fixings or mortar — depending on the chosen system.

Types of hip systems

There are three main roof hip systems in UK roofing:

1. Mortar-bedded hip tiles

The traditional method, using sand/cement mortar to secure hip tiles. Effective but maintenance-heavy.

2. Dry-fix hip systems

The modern standard for durability and ventilation. These systems include:

• Hip support trays
• Ventilated hip roll
• Stainless/galvanised fixings
• Ridge/hip compatible tiles

3. Decorative / heritage hip systems

Used on period properties, often paired with reclaimed ridge tiles from The Reclaimed Company.

Hip tiles & ridge tiles

Hip tiles are shaped to follow the line of the hip. Many modern systems use standard ridge tiles along hips as well, which is why sourcing correct, matching, and weather-resistant tiles is crucial.

Slate roof hips & lead soakers

Slate roofs require more intricate hip detailing, usually with:

• Lead soakers between each course of slate
• Staggered slate cutting to form a neat hip line
• Optional decorative hip rolls for period finishes

Lead soakers are usually Code 3 or Code 4. These do not form the visible hip — they protect the internal junction under the slates.

When lead is used with hip systems

Lead may be used around roofing hips in the following scenarios:

• Where the hip meets an abutment wall — requiring stepped or cover flashing
• On slate roofs — via lead soakers under each slate course
• On heritage roofs using lead rolls or sandcast lead features
• As protective underlays beneath decorative hip tiles

How roof hips are installed

Exact installation varies depending on tile type, roof pitch and system choice. A typical process includes:

1. Setting the hip rafter and jack rafters.
2. Fixing hip battens at correct centres.
3. Preparing slate or tile cuts against the hip line.
4. Installing lead soakers or flashings if required.
5. Bedding hip tiles (mortar) or fixing them mechanically (dry-fix).
6. Ensuring ventilation and alignment along the hip.

Dry-fix hip systems

Dry-fix hip systems are now the preferred approach because they:

• Increase roof ventilation
• Eliminate mortar failure risks
• Offer high wind uplift resistance
• Are compatible with most tile types

Common roof hip problems

• Loose hip tiles from old mortar
• Misaligned hip lines
• Wind uplift on non-mechanically fixed systems
• Cracked ridge or hip tiles
• Leaks where hip meets a wall or chimney
• Perished lead soakers on slate hips

Repair vs replace

Repair when:

• Only a few hip tiles are loose
• Mortar damage is localised
• Lead soakers need spot replacement

Replace when:

• The entire hip line is unstable
• Mortar failure is widespread
• You want to upgrade to dry-fix
• Tiles are cracked or no longer match

Materials & tools for hip projects

• Hip tiles / ridge tiles
• Dry-fix hip roll
• Hip support trays
• Lead soakers (for slate roofs)
• Lead flashing (for abutments)
• Copper or stainless fixings
• Angle grinder or slate cutter
• Ventilated ridge accessories

When to hire a roofing specialist

Roof hips are a precision task — any alignment errors, tile mismatch or poor weatherproofing may result in long-term issues. For complex roofs, slate hips or full replacements, it’s best to hire a professional.

FAQs — Roof Hips & Roofing Hips

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