Model and Measure Part Two: Hip Roof Framing Demystified by Modeling in SketchUp

Previously in Model and Measure:

In Part One of this 3-part Model and Measure series I gave an overview of some important aspects of hip roof framing geometry. To explore that geometry I created a SketchUp model that includes every rafter needed for a complete 7:12 pitch framed hip roof. The challenge of modeling all those pieces and parts in SketchUp is not unlike the challenge of cutting and building a hip roof on a real world jobsite. In either case a handful of tricks will make the process manageable and a whole lot quicker. Here in Part Two I demonstrate the tricks I use to create a hip roof framing model.

First Things First:

This first of two videos shows the process I use to model a hip rafter. It’s important to keep in mind that this is modeling on a “Digital Job Site” where we’re not restricted to the physics of working with real-world job site materials. Adapting this mindset speeds up the modeling process by allowing non-conventional techniques for drawing. You’ll (hopefully) see what I mean as you watch a hip rafter materialize by watching this:

Modeling your first hip rafter will take longer than your second one, and with a little practice you’ll be amazed at how quickly it goes.

Exponential Effort:

Now that we have a hip rafter to work with, modeling jack rafters is the next step. With so many lines and faces for each jack rafter (34ea. x 8 jacks = 272 jacks x 8 sets = 2,176 lines and faces total) it would be a daunting task indeed to build this model line by line… UGH!! By using the Move/Copy and Rotate/Copy tools however, we can create 8 jacks with less effort than creating one common rafter and 64 jacks with less effort than creating the first 8. I think it’s fair to say that the effort expended yields exponential results when modeling this way:

To Be Continued…

Model and Measure Part Three: Hip Roof Framing De-Mystified by Measuring in SketchUp will cover the aspect of this process I find most beneficial: measuring modeled parts for layout angles and dimensions. I’ll attempt to show how to gather dimensions from the modeled parts and apply them for actual rafter pattern layout.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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

All New Bathroom Ideas that Work

Everyone wants their bathrooms to be beautiful, but few know the challenge of arranging all the fixtures, storage, and convenience of a great bathroom into one of the smallest space in our homes. This book has hundreds of ideas to inspire you.

Buy at Amazon

Pretty Good House

For anyone interested in a sensible and cost-effective approach to designing and building a home that is comfortable, healthy, efficient, and durable, this book is a fantastic starting point (really, it may be all you need!).

Buy at Amazon

Not So Big House

This book earned author Sarah Susanka a reputation as a small house guru, yet, that wasn’t exactly her goal. This book isn’t about building a small house, it’s about building a smart house, one that matches how we live, and prioritizing beauty and comfort over size.

Buy at Amazon