A hip iron is a metal bracket attached to the bottom of a hip rafter. It stops the lowest hip tiles from sliding off the roof, acting as a physical barrier to keep the tiles securely in place.
Galvanised Steel Roof Hip Irons
Hip irons are metal retaining brackets designed to secure the lowest tiles on a hipped roof, stopping them from slipping down the roofline. These components are essential in modern roofing, providing necessary structural support and a traditional decorative finish at the foot of the hip rafter. They sit right at the eaves, acting as a reliable mechanical stop when securing ridge and hip tiles in place.
During installation, a hip iron is attached directly to the roof structure before laying the tiles. Installers typically screw or nail the bracket into the underlying timber using galvanised fixings to ensure a firm hold. Once the iron is attached to the hip rafter, slates & tiles are bedded onto the roof, with the lowest hip tile resting firmly against the scrolled bracket. This setup takes the weight of the tiles, particularly when mortar beds weaken over time, providing a fail-safe against falling masonry.
These brackets are formed out of 3mm thick mild steel, complete with a hot-dip galvanised finish to provide reliable rust resistance against the British weather. Ensuring tiles are mechanically fixed at the eaves helps comply with current BS 5534 standards, making them essential building materials for any pitched roof project. The pre-drilled holes mean installation is straightforward, while the curved scroll design offers versatility, blending neatly with both contemporary and heritage property exteriors.
Hip Irons FAQ's
Yes, modern building regulations and BS 5534 standards require hip tiles to be mechanically fixed. Using a hip iron ensures the lowest eaves tile cannot slip, even if the mortar bed fails.
You should screw or nail the bracket directly into the hip rafter before the mortar and tiles are applied. Make sure the curved scroll section sits neatly against the position where the final eaves tile will rest.
It is best to use galvanised or stainless steel nails or screws to attach the bracket. This matches the rust resistance of the hip iron itself and prevents the fixings from corroding over time.
It is possible to fit one to an existing roof, but you will need to carefully remove the bottom hip tile and old mortar. Once the rafter is exposed, you can attach the bracket and re-bed the tile securely.