What Is A Shed Roof?
T
he shed roof is one of the simplest designs with single-sloping sides, which is easy to install, cost-effective, and creates extra space on the roof. The shed roof on house protects the shed from extreme weather, so it has to be durable, waterproof, attractive, and budget-friendly. Unlike its name, it is not limited to sheds; instead can be used for any structure.
Different types of shed roofs designs add to the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor house and a visual impact. If you prefer the DIY, shed roof type, the most challenging part of installation is framing a shed roof. Hire a professional carpenter to fix it to ease the process.
Ways Of Framing A Shed Roof
Traditional methods of framing
In the traditional method, you have to cut and install all the parts(rafters, ridge board, collar ties, and ceiling joists) one by one. It has its pros and cons.
Pros
- You can easily lift and nail the board without external support.
Cons
- The installation is quite tiring because you have to climb up and down several times.
Build the roof on the ground
In this method, a roof frame is made on the ground to form individual roof trusses with a pair of angled rafters and a horizontal bottom chord, which forms the ceiling joist. The pros and cons are as follows:
Pros
- The trusses can be easily lifted and attached to the tops of the walls.
Cons
- Though it’s easy and less time-consuming to install it, you may require help lifting the trusses into place.
Factors To Consider While Selecting A Material For Types Of Shed Roofs
Types of shed roofs design selection is an exciting process; however, there are certain factors you should consider.
It should be waterproof
Roofs for sheds should be waterproof to store things under it. If you are staying in an extremely cold weather zone, make sure the types of shed roofs are sturdy enough to withstand snow and ice. The installation should be perfect to rule out any error leading to water leakage from the shed. Check for any holes to avoid leakage.
Look of the roofing shed
The visual appeal of the types of shed roofs styles plays a vital role in the outdoor area. Selecting the correct type of shed roof from different options is challenging, so choose it wisely after thorough research.
It should add value to the property
The types of shed roofs style should add to the property value apart from adding aesthetics. Should you decide to sell it, you can expect a decent selling price.
Longevity
Though durability depends on the types of shed roofs material you choose, it mainly depends on your area’s location and weather conditions. The material should withstand heavy wind and water for durability. The tried and tested materials used for shed roof covering are asphalt shingles, metal wood, or cedar sheds.
Easy installation process
The ease of installation is significant as it saves a fair amount of time, money, and energy. There are roofing materials like shingles that take less time to install, whereas steel shed roofs require special fasteners that add to the cost of the roof.
Maintenance
The roofing material should have little to no maintenance because maintenance depends on which material you choose and how you install it. Be informed and attentive while selecting the types of shed roofs material.
The pitch of the shed roof
The roof pitch determines which types of shed roofs materials you should use, which depends on the weather conditions of the place where you live.
Budget
The size of your budget is crucial. However, you must remember that buying cheap roofing materials might cost you more in the long run due to frequent repair and replacement.
Types Of Shed Roofs
Gable types of shed roofs
The gable style roof is standard roofing sheds with two sloped roofs that meet at a peak above the end walls forming a symmetrical roof line. It can be made with rafters running from the wall meeting at a raised center ridge. It is a costly and complicated roof to build. Shingles or ribbed steel sheet is the best roofing material.
Pros
- Has extra storage above the ceiling
- Can shed snow and rain
- Even a beginner can build it
Cons
- Cannot withstand strong wind, so use a hurricane bracket
- Snow load can be a problem if the slope is low
Barn roof styles
This style reflects the Dutch colonial influence. The use of gussets to connect provides loft space. It is slightly more complex than the gable roof. Ribbed steel sheets or shingles are best suited for barn-style shed roofs.
Pros
- It sheds water and snow easily
- It’s easy to add a loft
Cons
- If not properly braced, the roof can collapse due to high wind
- Ridges need extra waterproofing
- Due to its high profile, neighbors may dislike it
Skillion types of shed roofs
It looks like a half-gable roof with one wall higher than the other creating a single-slope roof. It is easy and budget friendly to install.
Pros
- Walls are protected from snow and water with the roof overhang
- The slope sheds water and snow easily
- Extra loft space is created due to higher wall height
- Beginners can build it
- Solar panels can be installed
Cons
- High winds might damage the slope
- It can have a low ceiling on one side due to the low height of the wall
- Ventilation can be affected in the attic area
Slanted roof design
Slanted types of shed roofs have a short and a tall wall opposite each other, joined by rafters. It is best suited for against the fence. Ribbed steel sheets or shingles are ideal for slanted roofs.
Pros
- It is simple to install
- A steep slope allows snow and water to shed easily
- Neighbors might like it due to its low profile
- If oriented westwards, suitable for solar panels
- Even first-timers can build it
Cons
- It is expensive to install because it requires waterproofing due to the lower slope
- High winds can damage it
- It has less attic storage
Hip style shed roof
It is built with compound cuts where jack rafters tie to hip rafters, making it challenging to build. It has a standard slope with no gable peak. If being insulated, it needs a separate ventilation system. Like other shed roofs, shingles, and ribbed sheet metal are best suited to build it.
Pros
- It is more stable than the other shed roof style
- It can withstand heavy wind
- Can quickly shed snow and water
- It has additional storage above the ceiling
Cons
- More expensive to build because of the complex roof framing
- It has a chance of leakage as it has more seams
- Requires more time and precision to build
- Difficult for beginners to build
Saltbox roof style
It has almost the same slope for two parallel roof sections, one narrower than the other one. It looks like a gable roof and can be built with rafters that meet at a raised ridge to form a peak. Shingle or ribbed steel sheet is best suited for this roofing style.
Pros
- It can withstand winds as compared to a gable roof in a better way
- Rain and snow slide off easily
- Extra storage space is created in the attic area
- It’s easy for beginners to build it
Cons
- It’s more complex to build
- High winds may sometimes damage the roof
Pyramid shape roof
Roofy design is similar to the hip, with all four sides meeting a single point with no hip. There’s no gable peak because all the slopes are inwards with a common slope.
Pros
- It’s stable even in high winds
- It has extra attic space
- Snow and rainwater shed easily
Cons
- Slope and ridge make it difficult to work
- It is expensive to make because multiple-angle cuts
- The layout requires expertise, so beginners can’t build it
Octagon roof design
As the name octagon suggests, it has eight structure sides, eight triangular sloped roofs, and eight hips running from the corners of the wall to the common point. The best roofing material is shingles.
Pros
- Can withstand strong winds
- The roof provides shade and protection because it overhangs the walls
- It is unique
Cons
- It is expensive to build due to its complexity
- Ventilation is a bit difficult
- Not easy for beginners to build it.
Flat shed roof design
It looks flat with a pitch for runoff and is made like a regular shed-style roof. Neighbors like it more because of its low profile. Rubber, PVC membrane, tar, and gravel are the best roofing materials.
Pros
- Easy to build
- Less expensive
- Even a beginner can build it
Cons
- If insulating, need an alternate ventilation arrangement
- Requires regular maintenance
Dormer roofing style
Dormer types of shed roofs has a window in the roofed box for more natural light and air. It can easily be made if there’s ample space on the roof.
Pros
- It creates extra attic space
- It keeps snow melts and water from the door
- Beginners can install it
Cons
- Seams need more waterproofing leading to leakage
- Require regular maintenance
Conclusion
There are multiple types of shed roofs style options, creating confusion as to which one to go with. In such a situation, proper planning about the roof types, time spared for the project, complexity to install, frequency of repair, budget, and many other factors should be considered before buying. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, select the style that suits your requirement and reflects your style and persona.
FAQs
What Is The Cheapest Way To Roof A Shed?
MSR is the cheapest material to build a shed that looks similar to conventional asphalt. It is thinner and easier to install.
How Long Does A Roof On A Shed Last?
Types of shed roofs built with precision and quality can last between 25-60 years, depending on the material used and how you maintain it. Slate shed roofing is durable, with a lifespan of up to 125 years, followed by rubber shed roofing, clay tiles, metal shed, and woodshed roofing.
What Is The Disadvantage of a shed roof?
If you are staying in a hurricane zone or area with a higher frequency of wind, there are better options than a shed roof. Types of Shed roofs only look good on some home styles rather more with modern and rustic ones.
