Yes, it costs more to frame a hip roof, more to sheath it, and more to install the roofing. The additional cost is mostly in labor, due to the hip ridges that run to the corners of the roof. The surfaces of a gable roof are simple rectangles, but a hip roof is triangles and trapezoids. More cutting and fitting is required.

    The primary benefit of a hip roof in Florida is hurricane resistance. The two ends of a gable are vertical triangles that a prone to collapse in high winds if not braced properly. A hip roof, with all sides sloped inwards, does not have a surface for the wind to push against. Windstorm insurance rates for a home with a hip roof are significantly cheaper than a similar home with a gable roof because of the storm-resistant feature.

    Also, see our blog post Why are most roofs slanted instead of flat?

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code? 

• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?

• Why is premature curl of roof shingles a problem?

• How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles? 

• What are the common problems with attic insulation? 

• What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof? 

• What's the average lifespan of a roof?

• Why is it a mistake to replace a roof and not replace its flashings? 

• Why is there no attic access hatch in the house?

• What is the building code requirement for an attic access hatch, scuttle, or door? 

• Does a roof with multiple layers of shingles last longer?

• What can I do to prevent roof leaks?

• Are roof trusses better than roof rafters (stick framing)? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.