Reinforcing Hip Roof Framing

Measure one of the hip rafters from eaves to peak. The hip rafters are the four diagonal rafters that define the corners of the roof. Mark the center of the rafter's length. Run a measuring tape from that point so that the tape runs perpendicular to the rafter, down to the ceiling joists beneath the framed roof. Measure the distance from the top of the rafter to the bottom of the joist. Cut a piece of 2-by-6-inch lumber to that length.

Install the piece of 2-by-6-inch lumber by screwing it to the side of the rafter and to the side of the joist using 4-inch-long screws.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other three hip rafters in the roof.

Secure the ends of the rafters to the ceiling joists by screwing a metal strap to the joist with 2-inch-long screws, wrapping it up and around the base of the rafter, then screwing the other end of the metal strap to the other side of the joist. Do this to the four hip rafters and to all of the other rafters along the eaves of the roof.