Illinois Roofing Practice Exam

Do hip roofs have any rakes?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Sometimes

4. Rakes are optional

The correct answer is: No

Hip roofs are characterized by slopes on all four sides, which meet at the top to form a ridge. Because of this design, hip roofs do not have rakes, which are the overhanging edges of a roof that typically extend beyond the walls of a structure on gable roofs. In gable roofs, the rakes are prominent and are the triangular sections formed at the ends of the roof, providing an aesthetic finish and additional stability. A hip roof's continuous slope eliminates the need for rakes, as it does not have vertical ends like a gable roof. Therefore, the nature of a hip roof inherently means that it does not possess rakes. The structure's design serves to provide better wind resistance and drainage, making rakes unnecessary in this context.