What Is a Shed Roof and Its Different Types Explained

A shed roof is a type of roof that slopes downward on one side and is typically less steep than a pitched roof.

This style of roof is often used for outbuildings like sheds, garages, and barns, as it's easy to construct and provides good water runoff.

The simplicity of a shed roof is one reason it's a popular choice for many homeowners.

It's also relatively inexpensive to build and maintain, making it a practical option for those on a budget.

A hip roof is a sturdy option for sheds, especially in areas prone to high winds and snow. It's built to withstand these conditions due to its four sloping sides.

Hip roofs can be pricey to construct, but they offer a unique design opportunity. You can combine them with other roof types to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Here are some key benefits of hip roofs:

A gambrel roof is a classic choice for shed owners, offering plenty of storage space and great water drainage. The distinctive double-sloping profile is easily recognizable, and it's perfect for creating a spacious interior with a storage loft.

For more insights, see: How to Build a Lean to Roof Storage Shed

The gambrel roof is slightly more difficult to frame than other roof styles, but it's still a great option for those who want to utilize their shed's vertical space. You can build trusses on the ground and lift them into place, or frame it piecemeal one board at a time.

One of the advantages of a gambrel roof is its ability to provide plenty of headroom above the ceiling joists, making it ideal for a storage loft. However, it's not very beginner-friendly to build, so it's best to have some experience with framing before tackling this project.

If you do decide to build a gambrel roof shed, it's best to place the doors on the end wall, as the sidewalls are typically too short to provide adequate headroom. This will ensure that you have plenty of space to move around inside the shed.

Here are some key benefits and drawbacks to consider when deciding on a gambrel roof for your shed:

Hip roofs are a popular choice for sheds due to their ability to withstand windy and snowy weather conditions. They're built to be sturdy and can handle harsh weather.

One of the benefits of hip roofs is that they can be combined with other roof types to create unique designs. This makes them a versatile option for shed owners who want to add some personality to their roof.

Hip roofs feature four sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge board. This design provides ample headroom, making them ideal for larger sheds that need extra storage space.

A hip roof can be a good idea for sheds in areas prone to high winds and snow. However, they can be more difficult to build due to the complex roof framing involved.

Here are some benefits of hip roofs:

A flat or shed style roof is typically a single, sloping roof surface, often not attached to another roof surface.

This type of roof is often seen on actual sheds, porches, and home additions. It's a straightforward and simple design to construct, requiring the least amount of materials, making it a cost-effective choice.

Despite its name, a flat roof isn't usually completely flat as it needs a slight pitch or slope to allow water runoff. This minimal slope can be a disadvantage in areas with heavy snow loads, requiring more maintenance than roofs with a steeper slope.

However, a flat or shed style roof can be an efficient, practical choice for a simple storage shed.

Worth a look: Simple Roof Truss for Shed

A shed style roof is a simple and cost-effective design that has become popular in modern homes. It's a flat roof with a steep slope that's easier and faster for roofers to build.

This design style complements modern architectural styles, creating a bold design statement. A shed roof on a Victorian home would look out of place, but it's a great fit for homes with a more modern aesthetic.

The flat surface of a shed roof can get very hot or cold with the different seasons, so it's essential to properly insulate it.

You might like: Gambrel Roof Designs

A shed style roof is a great choice for homeowners who want a simple and cost-effective design. It's also a popular choice for mid-century modern homes, which focus on natural materials and blending in with the environment.

The shed style roof has a single sloping plane, making it the simplest roof frame to build. This design is perfect for sheds built up against another structure, such as a house or garage.

A steeply pitched roof comes down lower into the doorway than a slightly less-steep roof, so consider the position of the doors when deciding on the slope of your shed roof.

Shed roofs are not just for sheds, though - they're also a great choice for houses with a minimalist aesthetic. They offer clean lines and a minimalist appearance, which can create lots of interior space and natural light.

Here are some pros and cons of shed roofs:

In terms of maintenance, shed roofs do require some routine upkeep to ensure they remain in good condition. However, the benefits of this design make it a popular choice for many homeowners.

The gable style shed roof is a classic choice for many reasons. It's the easiest to build, but don't expect a lot of storage in the attic unless you have a very steep pitch on your trusses or rafters.

Gable roofs are by far the most common style of shed roof, easily identified by their A-shaped profile with two sloping planes of equal length. They're formed by pairs of common rafters that run at an angle from the tops of the walls up to the roof peak.

A gable roof offers extra space above the ceiling for a loft, storage, or headroom, making it ideal for storage. Sheds rain and snow easily, especially with a higher slope, and it's an easy build for a beginner with relatively low costs of building.

However, gable shed roofs are prone to damage by very high winds, so you may need to add additional support. To get the best look, aim for a roof slope of either 11-in-12 (40º) or 12-in-12 (45º).

The saltbox roof is a unique and traditional style of roof with a steep slope on one side of the roof and a shorter, less steep slope on the other.

To build a saltbox roof, it's essential to follow two simple guidelines: run the rafters at 45º to create a 12-in-12 roof slope, and position the peak of the roof one-third of the way back from the front wall.

This design is suited for cold weather conditions, heavy snow, and rain, making it a great option for areas with harsh climates.

The saltbox roof is strong and relatively easy to maintain, which is a big plus for homeowners who want a low-maintenance shed.

Here are some key benefits of a saltbox roof:

By following these guidelines, you can create a beautiful and functional saltbox roof that adds character and charm to your backyard.

The barn style roof is a classic choice for storage sheds, offering an incredible amount of storage space in the loft area. This style of roof features two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steep and the upper slope less steep.

This design provides the best option for storage, making it a popular choice for sheds that need to hold a lot of equipment or supplies. The barn style roof is also a great option for shed houses with bedrooms in the loft.

The barn style roof is often compared to a gambrel roof, which also features two slopes but is more commonly associated with traditional architecture. The barn style roof is more modern and functional, making it a great choice for practical storage needs.

A barn style roof can be a great option for those who need extra storage space, but it's also worth considering the potential for converting the loft area into a living space. This can add a whole new level of functionality to the shed.

A shed roof can be a bold design statement on a home with a modern aesthetic.

Shed roofs complement homes with a more minimalist look, creating a clean and simple appearance.

In contrast, a shed roof on a Victorian home would look out of place and disrupt the classic charm of the style.

A modern home's sleek lines and minimal ornamentation make it an ideal canvas for a shed roof's unique design.

Additional reading: Roof Truss Design

The gambrel roof style is a great choice for storage sheds, offering the most storage space provided the side walls are 6 foot or more.

This design allows for easy building of a loft in the roof cavity, which provides much more storage space than gable or saltbox sheds.

The gambrel style has two slopes, making it a standout feature compared to other shed roof designs.

Building a loft in the roof cavity is a great way to maximize storage space, and it's surprisingly easy to do.

A shed roof's pitch is a crucial factor in its installation and functionality. You'll want to ensure it's at least 3-12, meaning for every 12" of horizontal run, there's at least 3" of rise.

If you're designing your shed roof, be aware that a pitch lower than 3-12 can lead to water penetration issues. This is especially true if you're planning to use asphalt shingles, as they require a certain pitch to function properly.

For more insights, see: Pitched Roof Slope

To give you a better idea, here's a rough guide to shed roof pitches:

If you're unsure about your shed roof's pitch or installation, it's always best to consult with a professional roofer or your local building inspector.

A pitch on a shed roof indicates how steep the roof is, and there's no one answer to what pitch is the best, as it depends on your preferences and the style of the shed roof.

Generally, a higher pitch will ensure a better snow and rain run-off.

The minimum recommended pitch for a shed roof is 3:12, which means for every 12 inches of horizontal run, a roof rises 3 inches, equivalent to a 14-degree angle.

A pitch lower than 3:12 can be problematic, and building inspectors won't pass construction if it's not brought up to acceptable standards if it's going to be shingled.

One of the most common roof pitches for a shed is 7:12, which is about 30 degrees, typical for lean-to-shed roofs.

Keep in mind that steeper roofs can be more difficult to install shingles on.

Installing a roof for your shed can be a manageable task if you break it down into steps. The first step is to build the rafters, which will hold up the roof material.

Evenly spacing the rafters is crucial to ensure structural integrity. Roof rafter spacing significantly impacts the roof weight distribution and overall strength of the roof.

Notching and securing the rafters is the next step. Cut the rafters at an angle to create a notch for the shed's walls, and secure them using hurricane ties.

A layer of roof felt should be attached over the rafters to act as an additional barrier to water. Ensure that everything is securely fastened.

Installing asphalt shingles is the next step. Begin installing your roofing shingles, but be mindful of the roof overhang to prevent water damage to the fascia boards.

Adding a vent to the upper sides of the shed is also important. You can either add a vent or install a roof vent, whichever is easier for you.

Here are the steps to install a slanted or sloped roof for your shed:

A shed roof is a fantastic option for outdoor structures, and understanding its materials and construction is key to building a sturdy and long-lasting roof.

The most common materials used for shed roof construction are wood, metal, and asphalt shingles, which are all durable and resistant to weather conditions.

A well-constructed shed roof can last for decades with minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

For your interest: Different Type of Roof Materials

Drip edge should be installed over the felt paper on the rake edges or side roof edges, and under the felt paper on the bottom or horizontal edges.

Adding drip edge and felt paper to your roof is an option you shouldn't ignore, especially if you live in an area with snow and ice during winter months.

Freezing and thawing can wreak havoc on a shed roof without felt paper and drip edge installed, leading to a costly expense of replacing or repairing your roof.

The underlayment will mostly rot over time if it doesn't have felt paper and drip edge installed.

An added measure of protection is to add ice and water peelable rubber membrane along the bottom edges of your roof.

Explore further: How to Install Drip Edge on Shed Roof

When choosing the best materials for your shed roof, you have several options to consider. Three-tab shingles are a popular choice, as they're easy to install and come with a 30-year warranty.

Metal roofs are another great option, offering durability and low maintenance. They're also weather-resistant and can last for 50+ years.

Cedar shakes are a natural choice, lasting up to 35 years with proper maintenance. They're also resistant to insects and sun damage.

Asphalt shingles are a great option for those looking for a more artistic element on their shed roof. They're heavier than three-tab shingles, but come with lifetime warranties.

Here are some of the best materials for your shed roof:

Board-and-batten roofing is also a great option, offering an old-style look with modern materials. Metal battens are now used instead of wood, providing extra protection against bad weather.

Stick framed roofs use 2x4's or 2x6's as the framing material.

A ridge board runs down the middle ridge line, supporting the rafters that run down from it and rest on the top wall plates.

Sometimes, a rafter will extend past the wall, creating a soffit or overhang.

You can use 2x4's or 2x6's for stick framing, giving you flexibility in your choice of materials.

A stick framed roof is essentially a simple, straightforward design that relies on the ridge board and rafters to support the structure.

A stick framed roof is different from one built with trusses, which is a distinct construction method.

For another approach, see: How to Cut Rafters for a Shed Roof