Hips & Valleys
The point at which sections of your roof join together is called a hip or a valley. The difference is that a hip forms at the highest point of the roof, while the valley is generally at a lower point. These adjoined sections are key targets for water or wind invasion. So it’s important to reinforce the hip or the valley in order to protect the roof from leakage.
Hips:
The hip is the point at which all four sides of the roof slope. In most instances, each side is equal in length and the angle of the slope. This design creates strength and stability for the roof structure. Hips are resistant to high winds, snow and ice, and heavy rains. Because water drains quickly off of a hip, it makes almost 100% leak-proof.
The hip is the point at which all four sides of the roof slope. In most instances, each side is equal in length and the angle of the slope. This design creates strength and stability for the roof structure. Hips are resistant to high winds, snow and ice, and heavy rains. Because water drains quickly off of a hip, it makes almost 100% leak-proof.
Hips require precise measurements and construction in order to maintain stability over a long period. Specialized materials such as specialty cap shingles are utilized in order to reinforce the hip. The shingles provide an overlay for the ridge.
Valleys:
When a roof is sectioned due to more complex floor plans, the valley is the point where each section meets. It is basically the seam from top to bottom. Valleys are reinforced with lead or fiberglass material and pointed with mortar. Although mortar is effective at sealing the joint, it has to be maintained on a regular basis.
When a roof is sectioned due to more complex floor plans, the valley is the point where each section meets. It is basically the seam from top to bottom. Valleys are reinforced with lead or fiberglass material and pointed with mortar. Although mortar is effective at sealing the joint, it has to be maintained on a regular basis.
Closed and Opened Valleys
There are two main types of valleys: opened and closed. Which one is used largely depends on the type of roofing system installed on your house.
Closed Valleys
In a closed valley shingles are placed across the valley joint in order to give it complete coverage. The main reason for this is to shield the underlayment from sunlight and high temperatures. This is an effective method that causes the water to run off the roof and into the gutters without ever penetrating the valley.
There are two main types of valleys: opened and closed. Which one is used largely depends on the type of roofing system installed on your house.
Closed Valleys
In a closed valley shingles are placed across the valley joint in order to give it complete coverage. The main reason for this is to shield the underlayment from sunlight and high temperatures. This is an effective method that causes the water to run off the roof and into the gutters without ever penetrating the valley.
No additional lining is need in a closed valley. The result is a smooth transition of shingles across the valley that gives your roof an aesthetic value. Closed valleys are more cost-effective than open valleys. They do not last as long, however, as the material used in open valleys.
Open Valleys
In an open valley a tough metal lining is installed along the valley in order to catch water as it flows down the roof. Once the underlayment is installed, a v-shaped or w-shaped metal valley is then placed over the underlayment. Shingles are then cut evenly over the edge of the lining so that water drains into the lining.
In an open valley a tough metal lining is installed along the valley in order to catch water as it flows down the roof. Once the underlayment is installed, a v-shaped or w-shaped metal valley is then placed over the underlayment. Shingles are then cut evenly over the edge of the lining so that water drains into the lining.
You will pay more for an open valley draining system due to added materials and more labor. The benefit, however, is that open valleys last longer and require less maintenance. With improved construction and technology, open valleys do not easily rust.
Routine Preventative Maintenance
Just like mortar, valley maintenance and replacements are frequent. You'll experience this on a regular basis if you have a tile roof. When rust develops on a valley, gradual leaks (which turn into significant leaks) will soon follow. It is a good idea to have the valleys on your roof inspected annually to check for rust and leaks.
Another issue is route blockage. Leaves, twigs, and other debris will collect on the valley, which disrupts water flow. It is a good idea to have your valleys cleaned when you schedule your routine gutter cleaning. Failure to clean the valleys can lead to water run-off across the roofing and accelerated rust for open valleys.
