Composite Plastic Roof Cost and Homeowners Guide (2023)
By Faith Wakefield /
We’ll cover everything you should know about replacing your hip roof in this cost and homeowners guide. We’ll discuss:
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A hip roof is a style of roof that has four symmetrical sides that slope downwards. This simple design is very popular thanks to its durability and practicality.
A simple hip roof has four equal-length roof sections that meet at the top of the roof in a triangular shape. Hip roofs can also have a rectangular base, with two of the roof sections shaped like trapezoids and the other two shaped like triangles.
However, hip roof designs can get far more complex. Hip roofs can be incorporated into countless home styles and be combined with other roof shapes to create the desired home profile.
The cost of replacing your hip roof will depend on what roofing materials you choose for the installation. In general, any type of roofing material can be installed on a hip roof. Here’s the average material cost per square foot for some of the most popular roofing materials:
It’s important to remember that the location, size, slope and features of your roof will largely determine the total cost of your roof replacement project.
To get the most accurate estimate of what your new roof will cost, select one of our recommended roofing providers below to get a free, personalized quote.
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Hip roofs are quite common, so if you have a house with a hip roof, you can expect to pay average prices for a new roof installation. Outlined below are the factors that go into hip roof pricing.
The material pricing for your hip roof installation will depend on which roofing material you choose. Hip roofs are compatible with almost any roofing type, so your roof replacement cost can vary greatly depending on which one you choose.
The construction costs of building a new hip roof are higher than for a standard gable roof due to the complexity of the roof style and the necessary building materials.
However, installing a new roof on an existing hip roof shape is a common project for roofers. The national average hourly rate to hire roofing contractors is $75 an hour, but this will vary depending on where you live.
If you are hoping to replace your existing roof, depending on how many layers of roofing you currently have you’ll need to remove and dispose of the old roof before you can install the new one. If you choose to install a metal roof, it can usually be installed directly on top of your old shingles.
Most roofing materials (even asphalt) can be recycled, so call your local recycling or solid waste management center to see if recycling facilities exist near you.
Although most roofing companies will dispose of your old roofing for you (for an additional cost), you should discuss who will be responsible for this task before the roofing project begins.
On average, it costs between $30 and $50 to drop off a truckload of old roofing shingles at your local solid waste management center. You may also have to rent a dumpster to collect the materials and trucks to transport it.
The larger your roof, the more you’ll pay in labor and material expenses. Additionally, If you have a steeply pitched roof, your roofer will have to use more safety equipment and take more precautions to complete your roof installation.
Roof features like a chimney, skylight windows, multiple tiers, and ventilation systems increase the complexity of your roof and can also lead to higher labor costs.
If you’d like to know how much your roofing project is going to cost, you can select one of our top roofing providers below to get a free, personalized quote.
When replacing your roof, you’ll want to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each type of roofing material and style. If your home already has a hip roof, you’re in luck. Hip roofs are resilient and very popular. Here are the major pros and cons of hip roofs:
Hip roofs are so popular because they are durable, versatile and practical. The advantages of hip roofs include:
Like any type of roof, hip roofs have their disadvantages as well:
If you’re replacing your roof, we can help you get connected with the best companies for roof installations. Select one of our recommended roof installation companies below to get started with a free, personalized quote.
Although a standard hip roof has four sloped edges, there are some variations of this style:
Hip roofs are designed specifically to endure harsh weather conditions. Because they have four sloped sides (rather than just two), they are more stable than standard gable roofs. That means they’re suitable for climates that get heavy rain, snow or high winds.
How frequently you have to replace your hip roof depends on the type and quality of roofing materials you use. Hip roofs are suitable for almost any roofing material, so you have freedom to choose the best roofing materials for longevity and durability.
Asphalt shingles typically only last 10 to 35 years, whereas metal roofing can last 40 to 75 years.
The type of hip roof you have affects the energy efficiency of your home. For instance, if your hip roof has eaves (the edge of your roof that extends over the side of your house), the extra shade from these overhangs naturally keeps your home cooler, leading to lower energy consumption.
Like any other type of roof, the roofing material on your hip roof will have a major impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Opting for reflective materials like metal can keep your home’s temperature more regulated in both the warm and cool months. That means you’ll have lower energy bills year round.
If you’d like to speak with a professional about your roofing project, select one of our top-recommended roofing companies below to get started.
A roof replacement isn’t cheap. Thankfully, there are plenty of manageable financing options for your new roof.
Also keep in mind that a new roof installation will increase the value of your home, allowing you to reclaim some of the money you invest in your roofing project.
Most roofing companies will work with you to find a financing option that’s best for you. Your options will typically include financing directly from the company or with a third-party lender or bank.
If you are a low- or middle-income household, you may be eligible for certain home improvement loans and grants. For instance, you may be eligible for a Title 1 loan through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which helps homeowners secure a home improvement loan with a low interest rate.1
Certain demographic groups, including veterans, seniors and Native Americans can receive assistance through government programs as well. Learn more at usa.gov/repairing-home.
If you have a hip roof, you’re in luck. Hip roofs are resistant to heavy rain, snow and high winds. The hips of the roof allow water to flow off your roof, rather than settling into the valleys.
That being said, your hip roof may still occasionally need a leak repair or shingle replacement. On average, it costs between $200 and $500 to hire a professional roofer to fix a leak or replace damaged or missing shingles on your home.
It’s also possible to DIY a simple roof leak repair, but make sure you have the right tools and knowledge first. Never climb onto your roof without taking the proper safety precautions.
It’s also possible to take some preventative measures to protect your hip roof from weather damage. Gaps under the ridge caps of your roof can cause water to blow in and potentially cause the caps to come loose in the wind.
In that case, roofing expert Todd Miller recommends that you “put a lineal flashing up to the hips before the roofing is installed.” This can “channel any water that does enter down to the bottom of the roof, allowing it to exit there.”2
The cost of hiring a contractor to clean your hip roof depends on the features and slope of your roof. However, the national average cost to hire a professional to clean your roof is between $250 and $650.
Cleaning your roof annually (or as needed) is an important part of roof maintenance. Not only does it keep your roof looking new, it can remove algae and mold that damages your shingles.
If you’d like to get connected with a roofer to discuss roof maintenance or installation, select one of our top providers below to get started with a free, personalized quote.
Hip roofs are usually more expensive than gable roofs because they take longer to build. Hip roofs have four sloping sides instead of just two, so the construction process is more complex.
However, if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather, a hip roof is worth the cost. Hip roofs have fewer valleys than other types of roofs where rainwater, snow or hail can pool or pile up, weighing on your roof and causing damage. Hip roofs can also withstand heavy winds more easily than a gable roof.
If your home has a hip roof, it’s best to choose a durable roofing material that will last longer than standard asphalt shingles. Metal roofing materials like aluminum and steel panels are great alternatives because they are more durable and have a longer lifespan than asphalt shingles.
That being said, if you’re considering a new roof installation, you should speak with a roofing professional to discuss your options. If you’d like to get started, select one of our top-recommended providers below to get a free, no obligation quote.
Are hip roofs a good investment?
Higher construction costs can mean that hip roofs are more expensive than gable roofs. That being said, hip roofs are a great investment because they are very resilient against harsh weather conditions.
Are hip roofs good for solar panels?
Hip roofs can be good for solar panels, but roof space may be a concern. Hip roofs can frequently have less square footage than you’d think, limiting the number of solar panels you can install on your home. It’s best to speak with a top-ranked solar company and get a home inspection before you decide if solar panels are right for you.
Do hip roofs give you more attic space?
Due to the sloped sides of the roof, hip roofs have less usable attic space than a gable roof. However, dormers on a hip roof can work around this by maximizing the space (and natural lighting) in the your attic area.