Hip vs. Gable Roof: Learn the Difference (With Photos)

Last updated: 2026-11-04 by Ted Sellers, Owner

Hip vs. Gable Roof: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: A gable roof has two sloping sides and usually provides more attic space, while a hip roof slopes on all four sides and generally performs better in high winds. Gable roofs are typically simpler and less expensive to build; hip roofs cost more but offer added stability.

The sections below explain how to identify each roof type, compare their tradeoffs, and plan materials and installation details.

Sellers Roofing Company works on roofs of many shapes and sizes across the Twin Cities. This guide is designed to help homeowners and roofing professionals understand the practical differences between hip and gable roof designs.

Hip vs Gable Roof

Below are clear descriptions of hip and gable roofs, followed by practical roofing tips for each design.

Gable Roof Description

Hip vs Gable Roof

If you want a very easy way to remember what a gable roof is, a gable roof is the common roof design with two main sloping sides. A gable roof is the kind of roof that you see kids typically drawing when they draw a house. (Or a front-gabled home) Gable roofs are a very popular roof style, and they come in different styles such as a side gable roof, a crossed gable roof, a front gable roof, and a Dutch gable roof, just to name a few.

Gable roofs have two main sides that angle downward in opposite directions away from a peak that comes together in the middle to form the roof ridge. (To your left) Gable roofs are inexpensive, simple, and tend to be more waterproof than other types of roofs due to the common slope of the pitch compared to other pitched roof styles. Gable roofs also are simpler to build and offer more attic space than hip roofs.

Hip Roof Definition

Hip vs Gable Roof

A hip roof or “hipped roof” can be identified by the shapes of the sides. A hip roof has two sides that are triangular, and two sides that are trapezoidal. The trapezoidal sides come together to form the roof’s ridge, like you see in the picture. (to your right)

Hip roofs are better suited for hurricane prone regions due to the fact that they have less diagonal bracing, self bracing with their own weight because of the sloped ends. Hip roofs also offer more resistance against high winds, because their four sloping sides improve structural stability. Hip roofs are nice during the winter, because the snow doesn’t build up on them. They are however more complex to build, and they leave less room for an attic. This reduces your living space, but when you add up all of the benefits, that’s not too much to deal with…

Gable Roof Tips

Hip vs Gable Roof

• Without ample supports, high winds can cause gable roofs to collapse
• Winds can cause the roof to detach from the walls if the overhang is too far on edges
• Roof gable roofs with almost any shingle, including asphalt shingles, metal, clay, cedar shakes, or concrete tiles.
• Use metal shingles or standing seam to help prevent roof leaks if there are hips and valleys on your gable roof
• For snowy regions use at least a 10/12 pitch or 40° angle to keep snow buildup down

Hip Roof Tips

Hip vs Gable Roof

• Use the recommended pitch of 4/12-6/12 for high wind areas, or areas prone to strong storms
• On hip roofs with the addition of a dormer, the extra seams can allow water leaks to form in the valleys, use extra precaution to roof those areas correctly
• Hip roofs can be covered with just about any roofing material, including shingles, metal, or tiles.
• Proper construction and maintenance are very important on hip roofs to prevent problems in the long run

Hip vs Gable Roof – Final Thoughts

We hope that you have found this information useful. Sellers Roofing Company is available for roof installations, roof replacements, roof restorations, and major and minor roof repairs. We service the entire greater Minneapolis area, and we offer free inspections, competitive prices, and some of the best and most professional roofers in the business! If you are in need of commercial or residential roofing services, or need the opinion of an expert roofer. Click the button below to get a free no hassle roof inspection and estimate.

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