FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Hip to Ridge Connection

| Posted in Construction Techniques on November 30, 2007 03:15am

Could someone recommend how to connect a hip to a ridge in my situation?

I’m stick building a shed roof addition to my garage that has half a hip on each end.  The slope is 5/12 and intersects the existing home about a third the way up the 2nd story.  The ridge is nailed to the 2×4 wall of the 2nd story.  The king common rafter of the hip end will also be nailed to the 2×4 wall of the 2nd/1st stories.

I’m attaching two bird’s eye view drawings of this connection.  The first one, typical_hip_connection, shows the norm.  The problem is I can’t nail from within the existing house, so my hip connection will be lacking.  The second drawing, lag_hip_connection, shows what I think I should do.  The arrow in lag_hip_connection shows where I want to put 3 (size?) lag screws.  And, yes, I do realize that my solution would require a slight shaving of the ridge to complete the king common rafter nailed to the wall.

Hope this makes sense.  Thanks for the help.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Jim_Allen | Nov 30, 2007 03:43am | #1

    A couple of spikes is plenty, so your lags will be more than sufficient.

    FKA Blue (eyeddevil)

  2. User avater
    Timuhler | Nov 30, 2007 04:18am | #2

    What are the dimensions? Spans?

     

    We usually frame it the way you drew it, but nail through the king commons into each hip.  We had one last year where we hat to strap the hips to the ridge.  That was called out by the engineer.  It was this house http://picasaweb.google.com/TimothyUhler/Lot46Gleneagle/photo#5098704653741580530

  3. Framer | Nov 30, 2007 05:08am | #3

    The first drawing is  a normal situation, you nail the first hip into the king common on the house. Next you nail the second hip into that one and then nail the second king common into the second hip. Plenty of nailing.

    No way do you need to use lag bolt in the second drawing if you choose to do that. Nail one at  time.

    Also, the center of the two hips will be where the end of the ridge is, not the way you have it drawn.

    Joe Carola



    Edited 11/29/2007 9:11 pm ET by Framer

    1. dovetail97128 | Nov 30, 2007 05:26am | #4

      I couldn't say that any clearer if I pondered how to do so for days.
      They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

    2. Jim_Allen | Nov 30, 2007 08:45am | #5

      "Also, the center of the two hips will be where the end of the ridge is, not the way you have it drawn."I'm not so sure that he doesn't already know that.

      It appears that he's decided to offset the hip from it's usual centerline but I suspect that he's misdrawn the ridge and has ommitted the line that would indicate where the ridge normally ends. I think he referenced something about that stating "I'll need to shave...." If he were to draw a line at the center of the hip, and also show the line on the hip where he has it drawn now, the drawing would be a bit more precise. The drawing that he is showing would either be a dropped ridge (I've done those often for various reasons) or a ridge that has not been "nipped" yet. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)

      1. Framer | Nov 30, 2007 04:05pm | #6

         And, yes, I do realize that my solution would require a slight shaving of the ridge to complete the king common rafter nailed to the wall.

        Jim,

        I don't know why he said that because no matter what way he does it, the center of the hip should be at the end of the ridge just like he has it in the first drawing. The king common stays the same and nothing has to be shaved. I don't know why he thinks anything has to be shaved. Nothing changes either way he puts those two hips in.

        I just drew in the blue line in drawing #1 continuing the hip cut all the way through like drawing #2. Nothing changes.

        Drawing #2, I drew the line where the ridge is supposed to be without changing anything with the common rafter run.Joe Carola

      2. Framer | Nov 30, 2007 04:16pm | #7

        Jim,

         

        Here's the cross section showing the double hip in blue with the center in line with the end of the ridge and where the edge of each side of the hip hits flush at the top of the ridge and flush at the top of the king common.

         

         Joe Carola

        1. Jim_Allen | Nov 30, 2007 06:43pm | #8

          I think this shows how he might be doing it. I've used this method myself in some situations. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)

          1. Framer | Nov 30, 2007 07:08pm | #9

            Jim,

            It doesn't make any sense to do that because the way you have it drawn, that king common has a different run than the front commons. The hip runs at 45° and the center of the hip has to be at the end of the ridge and that keeps the end king common and the front common the same run.

            Why would he change something so simple?

            Joe Carola

            Edited 11/30/2007 11:12 am ET by Framer

          2. Jim_Allen | Dec 01, 2007 01:42am | #13

            It might make sense. It all depends on the goal. Obviously your goal is to have all your commons be the same length, but that is not necessarily a given. That odd common might be terminated before it hits a wall plate. It could be a layon, a dutch hip, a different run or there could be a wide variety of reasons why something like that is done. I know I've done it a few times in my career but I cant really remember where or why. Mostly, it happens when I'm up there carving (blending conventional framing with trusses) a roof in like most of my career. I don't know why he would change that. Maybe he's thinking that there is better holding power for his lag bolts because there more meat to the end of the ridge. Personally, I wouldn't be bolting it no how, no way, but that's his call. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)

          3. Framer | Dec 01, 2007 02:06am | #14

            I'm stick building a shed roof addition to my garage that has half a hip on each end. 

            the spans for the king commons are 13'.

            Jim,

            This is what he said. So that means he has the same common run for both front and wall king common and the hip running at 45°. He saying 13' spans, but I take it as 13' for the run for both.

            I don't know why he would change that. Maybe he's thinking that there is better holding power for his lag bolts because there more meat to the end of the ridge. Personally, I wouldn't be bolting it no how, no way, but that's his call.

            I don't know why he would bolt it either. Definitely do not have too. Even if he did you do not need to cut the ridge like that.Joe Carola

          4. Jim_Allen | Dec 01, 2007 03:25am | #15

            "ven if he did you do not need to cut the ridge like that."Agreed and I don't know if he intends to cut it like that. I was merely showing how that particular detail view might work if another dotted line was made. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)

          5. Framer | Nov 30, 2007 07:39pm | #10

            Jim,

            Here's a drawing in plan view showing both king commons at the end of the ridge, but I also drew the double hips where you can see if you kept the front king common there how the double 45° cheek cuts are made.

            I also show the hip on the left if you just cut the 45° and continued it through like we're discussing and that would eliminate putting the front king common there, but the point is that the commons should all stay the same and the ridge should be in the center of the hips no matter what way you do it.Joe Carola

          6. tyruss | Nov 30, 2007 09:17pm | #11

            Thank you all very much. I'm an electrical engineer so my lack of framing knowledge usually means I over think it, hence the use of lag screws.

            By the way, the spans for the king commons are 13'.

            Framer's first response about nailing everything individually pretty much clears up the problem. I had planned to nail the double hip together on the ground first and this created my dilemma.

            You all did a great job of interpreting my drawings and description. Jim_Allen's drawing was the exact interpretation of "shaving off the ridge" and I'm glad to know that someone has done this before and I wasn't crazy. I came up with this idea because I wanted as much of the ridge to screw into as possible. I figured the king common attached to the house didn't really span anything because it could be nailed to each 2x4 of the existing wall. In other words, it's really just blocking for attaching the roof deck.

            Thanks for the help.

          7. Framer | Nov 30, 2007 10:24pm | #12

            By the way, the spans for the king commons are 13'

            Is that deducting for the thickness of the ridge? You have to be careful with that. If you measure 13' from the outside plate of the front common to the existing 2x4 wall and it's 13', then your common span is really 12' 10-1/2" not 13'.Joe Carola

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data