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TOPIC: Roof Pitch

Hip-to-ridge

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What is the proper way to finish-off the hip/ridge section. I have a 12 x 16 shed, 8:12 pitch. I am installing metal for the roof but cannot find any clean way to transition from the hips to the ridge. I could fabricate something from a ridge cap, but thought there might be a better way? I'm pretty good with tools and know a bit about construction, but this is my first metal roof. Thanks.
Guest User

11/21/2002
There are many types of metal roofing systems and accessories so we are at a bit of a handicap without more details. My first response is to always contact the manufacturer of the product and ask for their advice. Having said that you may have purchased a vertical rib panel from the local retail yard who may or may not be using generic flashings and trims. In therory if the trims for the ridge and hips are installed corrrectly they will theoretically intersect perfectly. For the beginner, I recommend installing the first hip trim temporarily such that it will be out of the site line, typically at the back and let it run slightly past the lower line of the ridge trim. Then fit the second hip over by coping the inside intersection which should end up as a vertical line from eave to peak (splitting the hips) and again temporarily fasten it. Then you need to hold the rodge trim behind the two hips. Possibly you need to cope the end a little to get it in close. Then draw a line with a marker on the back where they intersect. Trim off the excess hip material 1" minimum above this line. Then cut the hip trims at each transition down to this line and fold back parrellel to the ridge. Then bring the ridge trim over the hips now and draw and cope it to follow the fold along the intersecting line. Once you are pleased then fasten the first hip permenantly. Then install some butyl caulking tape under and along the intersection of the second hip and permenantly fasten the hip. do the same now with the ridge now using tape again in the joint. Then stich screw the joint together and seal the cuts with touch up paint. The pro sheet metal mechanic will fold the intersections and hook them together if you have the patience. Hope this is clear enough.
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.

11/22/2002