Model and Measure Part One: Hip Rafters Demystified by Visualizing in SketchUp

A Novel Approach:

There are plenty of textbooks that cover the topic of hip rafter geometry and are the typical material for teaching the subject. Many (most?) carpenters learned roof framing from such textbooks which use static drawings, photos and images. With features available at the Digital Job Site we can take advantage of current technologies for a novel approach to learning the geometry involved for layout and assembly of hip rafter systems. Using the Orbit, Pan and Zoom tools we can dynamically manipulate the model to explore its details. I think this novel “dynamic digital” approach will help de-mystify the framing process when compared to the typical static image approach.

Hip Rafter Revealed:

In this video I open up a hip roof framing model with a 7:12 pitch and peel back some Layers to reveal a perfectly cut, fit and installed hip rafter with its related hip jack rafters. Then, using a few digital “tools”, we will explore hip rafter geometry in general and reasons “dropping the hip” is necessary. By whipping up a simple roof plane overlay I’ll show how the roof planes intersect and reveal how the hip and jack rafters are used to achieve flat intersecting roof planes.

Are You Hip, Jack?

The most glaring contrast between the various pieces in the SketchUp model here at The Digital Jobsite and a real-world jobsite is between the perfectly straight, square and consistent nature of the modeled rafters compared to the variable nature of jobsite materials and conditions. Variables like inconsistent width and thickness of lumber and out of level/ out of square wall conditions, however minor, need to be taken into account to apply exact calculated dimensions and achieve acceptable results. Nevertheless, accurate calculations are always the best starting point and serve as a guide for minor adjustments and allowances required to complete a project. I hope this Model and Measure Method helps de-mystify this aspect of carpentry for you.

Model & Measure Part Two and Part Three:

The Model & Measure series continues in two further parts:

In Model & Measure Part Two: Hip Rafters De-mystified by Modeling in SketchUp I’ll cover the steps I developed to model the hip rafter its jack rafters for the model used in Part One. BTW, if you download the model with the link above and drill down with the Entity Info function you’ll see there are 260 entities in just one set of jack rafters! This means there is a total of 2,080 individual lines and faces for just the 8 sets of jack rafters. Although that is an intimidating number I think you’ll be encouraged by how quick it is to model such complex components with the power of SketchUp’s tools.

Model and Measure Part Three: Hip Rafters De-mystified by Measuring in SketchUp where I cover getting and applying layout dimensions for both hip and jack rafters, will be the meat of this series. It will (should?) bring together the whole picture so viewers will:

• Understand hip framing geometry,
• Have the capability to efficiently model all hip framing components,
• Gather all necessary dimensions and
• Apply them with confidence

to accurately layout and cut a complete hip roof of any slope and size.

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.

Flashing Boot Repair

Prolonged exposure to the sun and weather can compromise the rubber gasket on standard vent flashing. Use this to quickly and permanently fix failed seals or to help protect the gasket in new-construction applications.

Buy at Amazon

QuikDrive PRO300s

Whether you're installing floor sheathing or decking, this tool will keep the installer upright, putting less stress on workers while saving time and energy.

Buy at Amazon

A Field Guide to American Houses

If you want to plan, design, or remodel based on the vast tradition of American architectural styles you first have to understand their history, geography, architectural significance, and relationship to one another. This book can help with that.

Buy at Amazon