Different Shed Roof Types That You Aren’t Aware of
Sheds are an excellent way to utilize the idle space on your property. People use sheds to place their belongings, store extra goods, or even a place to keep their pets.
Getting a shed on your property is not rocket science. It’s just a wooden structure with a roof above it, right? Well, it’s not that simple. Do you know that there are more than ten shed roof types that you can get?
All these have their pros and cons. You need to know all these types to decide the best shed for yourself. Also, there are multiple materials that you can choose from for your shed’s roof.
Now before it gets more complex, we will start simplifying it for you. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common types of shed roofs, their functionalities, and their uses. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the subject.
7 Important Shed Roof Types
1. Gable roof
One of the most common shed roofs and residential roofs in the US. It is what you see everywhere around you. This roof is made up of two slopes that meet at the very top. This creates an inverted “V” shape.
These roofs are excellent for water drainage and thus are the favorites in rainy areas. These are also simple to construct and have ample space in the attic for storage purposes.
2. Hip roof
It will look like a Gable roof when looking from the front but is very different. Instead of two slopes, there are four slopes that meet at the top of the roof. These roofs are also very good for water drainage and storage space. An added advantage is that they can withstand strong winds due to their stronger and more complex wooden structure.
However, the same structure makes it more difficult to construct because of the complex wood framing inside.
3. Dutch roof
Take a Hip roof and install a small Gable roof on the side. You have got yourself a Dutch roof. It combines the strength and ventilation capabilities of both of the previously discussed roofs.
It is great at water drainage and has ample space. The small Hip roof style addition usually has a window which makes the attic more ventilated and lightened. These are a bit more difficult to construct than the above-discussed roofs.
4. Mansard roof
A French roof designed specifically to provide the most storage space. It consists of two layers of slopes. There are four slopes on each layer. The top layer is like a hip roof with almost no depth. It sits there like a cap which allows the water to run down efficiently.
Below it comes the second layer of the roof which is very steep and is high enough to provide a room-like feeling inside the attic. It provides a spacious attic which is ideal for placing multiple things at once. It also doesn’t have that overly confined attic like the ones that you have in Gable roofs.
The water drainage is not that fast but enough to keep the roof dry. The structure is way more complex and requires more time to build. These types of roofs can be expensive but come with the benefits of extra strength and space.
5. Flat roof
These are simply a piece of sloped panels placed on four walls. The simplest, easiest, and cost-effective roofs that you can get. These also take the least time to construct.
Flat roofs are not 100% flat. They are slightly angled to make sure that water is properly drained. If you live in a snowy area then this flat roof can get you in trouble. The snow will start to pile up on the roof and you will need to remove it manually. Or you can increase the slope to make sure it doesn’t collect in the first place, but you will have to compromise some of the storage space.
6. Butterfly roof
These are retro-style roofs which are not very common nowadays. The roof is like a “V”. These types of roofs can be very difficult to construct and often require internal support. They also require more manhours and resources resulting in being expensive options.
The V-shaped design can be a plus or a negative. If sloped properly, it will be very effective to drain all the water. This water can be collected and reused just by attaching a collection pipe at the end of the roof. However, if it’s not properly sloped, then it can result in water being collected on the roof. You won’t be able to see any damage without climbing and inspecting the roof from above. This can result in water damage.
7. M shaped roof
These are essentially two Gable roofs combined. It forms a butterfly roof in between. It has all the capabilities of the Gable roof while also providing a unique look. Proper sloping is again important otherwise water will not be drained from the middle of the roof.
However, it is not as susceptible to damage as you will be able to inspect and clean a roof easily with windows on the inside of the M structure.
Conclusion:
These are some of the most common roofs that you will find in the US. There are more roof types out there that you can choose for your shed. You might also find some very unique designs in your local area. Make sure that you compare these while keeping in mind their functionality, cost, and storage space. Also, consult with your local roofers to select the perfect roof for your needs.