A Beginner’s Guide to How
to Roof a Shed Roof
Are you building your own wood shed and
wondering how to
roof a shed roof? There are many
different types of shed to know about before you
learn how to roof a shed roof, and a basic knowledge
of these is a good starting point.
The one that you decide upon will not only
determine the appearance of the shed, but will
affect how you will roof it. After a quick review of
the most common styles of shed you will find
information on what do to before you begin,
different kinds of roof materials and how to install
a metal shed roof.
Gambrel Shed
A gambrel roof is much like a typical American
barn roof, and consists of two panels with a break
in the middle. It is especially good for storage as
its high roof provides more space. The roof has two
sides, and there is a double slope on each.
Gable Shed
Gable is very similar to gambrel, and is another
classic style with two sloping sides meeting in the
middle. These two are considered the easiest to
build, and are very common.
Hipped Roof Shed
This is quite a complex roof, and has four sides
that look like a pyramid. The four sides slope down
from the central point, and the effect is like a
cottage.
Flat Roof Shed
These are easy to install, but can lead to
drainage problems with the rain. They also do not
look as stylish as other roofs, but could well be a
good option if you just want something simple.
Salt Box Roof Shed
This is similar to a gable roof, coming with one
short, steep side and a longer, flatter side. It is
another shed which is great for increasing storage
space.
Before You Begin
There are a number of things to consider before
you begin to roof your shed roof. For starters, are
you planning on creating a roof of the same style as
your house so that they create a matching pair?
You will also have to consider what you will be
using the shed for. If it is for storage, then it
would be better to create a gable, gambrel, or salt
box roof for the extra storage space that each of
these will provide. It is a good idea to determine
the kind of shed you want and then get a good set of
storage shed plans.
But perhaps the biggest consideration is the
weather. If it rains or snows a lot where you live,
you would be far better off going with a steep-sided
shed roof to prevent problems with drainage and snow
accumulation. Alternatively, if you live somewhere
hot then you may want to build an overhang over the
windows, which would create shade and keep the
inside cooler.
Roof Materials
As well as the different styles of roofs, there
are also different materials to construct them out
of. You could choose clay tiles, which are
attractive and weather proof, or felt, which is
cheap and easy to install. Wood shingles are very
attractive and durable, but are very expensive, and
asphalt shingles are equally durable but cheaper.
However, one of the best materials is simple
metal. This is cheap, reasonably attractive, highly
durable, and very easy to install. It is also
impervious to attacks by insects. The only problem
with metal roofs is that they can be noisy when it
rains, but if you don’t mind that then this could be
the best option for you.
How to Install A Metal Shed Roof
The instructions about installing a shed roof
below are for a metal shed roof, as this is probably
the most common and the easiest for a beginner.
Metal can also be repaired more easily than other
shed roofs, so it is a great choice to start with.
Firstly, choose the type of metal you require.
V-crimp metal is probably the best for a beginner,
because you do not need screws and it comes
prepared. Alternatively, use R-panel metal which
does require screws.
Then measure the roof to work out the amount of
metal that you will need. It is a good idea to allow
for at least half a foot to a foot extra all the way
around, just in case you go wrong somewhere. You may
also want an overhang, so take this into
consideration.
If you are repairing a roof, remove the shingles
or the material first. You should then place tar or
roofing paper down. You will then have to screw the
panels down, starting around the outside. After you
have done this, work across from one side to the
other. Lay as many as you need on the tar to reach
the other side.
After you have done this, you will need to add
edging to the edges as they will be rough, and trim
any pieces that stick out.
Then you can simply sit back and admire all your
hard work, secure in the knowledge that you have a
solid metal roof that will last for years.
For more information on building sheds please
read these articles:
Guide to
metal storage sheds
Selecting storage shed building plans
[more articles]
