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Hip & Valley Calculator
Resolve compound roof geometry for pre-engineered metal buildings — pitches, plan runs, trim break angles, and member level/plumb cuts for detailing and shop trim.
Compound Angle & Trim Plate Utility for PEMB
Side 1 (Main Roof)
Used to establish the total vertical rise.
Side 2 (Adjacent Roof)
Independent run (e.g., offset ridge or lean-to).
Member Properties
*Note: Based on inputs, Side 1 and Side 2 have different vertical rises. Assuming stepped eave elevations. Geometry driven by Side 1 Rise.
Trim & Cut Angles
PEMB Compound Geometry Guide
Independent Sides & Stepped Eaves
In Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB), a valley often occurs between two building lines with different eave heights (e.g., a main building and a lower lean-to). This calculator allows you to input independent Plan Runs for both sides.
Note: The vertical "Rise" of the valley line is calculated based on the Side 1 (Main Roof) inputs. If Side 2's theoretical rise differs, the tool assumes the eaves are at different elevations.
The Trim Break Angle (Dihedral Angle)
The "Break Angle" provided by this tool is the angle of bend required on a standard flat sheet of steel to perfectly nest into the valley or cap the hip.
- Bend Angle (From Flat): This is how many degrees the brake press needs to fold the metal. A flat sheet is 0° of bend (180° straight).
- Inside Angle: This is the resulting inside measurement of the bent plate. A 60° bend results in a 120° inside angle.
How to use this calculator
- Enter Side 1 pitch and plan run (main roof), then Side 2 pitch and plan run (adjacent roof or lean-to).
- Review valley/hip length, plan angle, and member level/plumb cuts for the intersecting rafter or purlin geometry.
- Use the break angle outputs to program the brake for valley or hip trim plates.
FAQ
What pitch convention does the tool use?
Enter rise over 12 (for example 4 for a 4:12 roof). Mixed metric pitches should be converted to that convention before input.
Can I model unequal eave heights?
Yes via independent plan runs and pitches. Valley rise follows Side 1; if Side 2’s theoretical rise differs, the geometry implies stepped eaves — verify against the building elevations.
Is the break angle the brake die setting?
Use the bend-from-flat value for the press. Confirm with a sample bend because coating thickness and inside radius affect the finished nesting angle.
Does this replace a 3D model for complex hips?
It covers common PEMB two-plane intersections. Multi-plane turrets, curved eaves, or skewed walls still need model verification.
Related guide: PEMB Hip and Valley Trim: Break Angles That Nest
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