Previously, we talked about choosing a residential flat roof design. Today, we’ll move on to another kind of roofing design. This one’s also common among Denver CO homeowners. Can you guess? That’s right, a shed roof.
Shed roofs, like any other roofing style, has its pros and cons. Why learn some shed roof advantages and disadvantages? Well, knowing them helps you make the right buying choice – if you’ll ever be thinking of building a shed roof.
Other names for a shed roof include skillion, mono-pitched, or lean-to. As you can see, a shed roof is characterized by its single slope. See the illustration below:
Here’s what a shed roof looks like. Notice its single slope.
Related: 10 Types of Roofs for Houses [The Best Shapes and Materials]
Ropa Roofing aims to guide all homeowners when it comes to roofing. So without further ado, we present to you all you need to know about shed roofs. Keep reading.
Thinking of a Shed Roof Design? First, Know These Shed Roof Advantages and Disadvantages
Shed Roof Advantages
1. Affordable roofing style
Many people consider building a shed roof for their house because they can afford it. Yes, shed roofs are cost-effective options because of their simplicity. A basic roofing design with only one slope is easier and less time-consuming to work on for contractors, and this translates into lower roofing construction costs.
In the past, people used shed roofs exclusively for their garden sheds and garages. This is no longer the case. People realize that a shed style is a great choice for any residential homeowner who wants practicality and affordability.
Who needs an expensive roof when you can still have an aesthetically-pleasing alternative at a price you can afford?
2. Various roofing materials can be used for a shed roof
Any roofing material can be installed on a shed roof but with slope considerations in mind.
When it comes to the materials that can be used on a shed roof, you can basically install anything. The reason for this is that you can decide whether to make your shed roof “flatter” or “steeper.” This versatility of sloping allows you to take advantages of various roofing materials such as:
- Metal roofing
- Asphalt shingle roofing
- Cedar shakes or shingle roofing
- Roll roofing
- Clay roof tiles
Note that if you plan to sell your home in the future, a roll roof material for a shed roof style will not increase property value. Better yet, choose a material that will last for many years to come.
3. Best for a modern house plan
Do you want a modern house architecture? If so, go for a shed roof. Ideally suited for contemporary residential structures, shed roofing even gives you the opportunity to install solar panels or even plan a living roof (green roof). That is if you want to go green, lower your utility bills, and boost energy-efficiency.
Related: 7 Things to Do to Achieve an Energy Efficient Residential Roof in Denver
Make sure that you ask the advice of a professional (an architect) in order to achieve the best aesthetic look you desire with the roof style of your choice. Also, hire a roofing contractor in Denver who’s skilled and proficient in shed roofs.
4. Prevents pooling of water
A steep slope shed roofing allows for easy water drainage.
Shed roof advantages and disadvantages… what’s another benefit to note? Earlier, we briefly mentioned that you can decide whether to make the slope of your shed roof steeper or flatter. If you want to maximize water and snow drainage, this roofing style makes a perfect choice.
You are already aware that a very low roofing slope presents drainage problems. A very low slope means that your roof doesn’t have enough gravity to let water flow away from it. Avoid lateral water movement by choosing a steep pitch.
A professional roofing contractor knows the minimum slope recommendations. Note that slope also influences your choice of materials. For example, asphalt shingles and metal roofs are suited for angled surfaces.
5. Allows for skylights installation
Brighten up dark spaces without getting too much sunlight. Save energy. The solution? Choose a shed roof. Skylights can be installed on a shed style roof. They make good solutions for the following additional benefits:
- Eliminate stale air especially if you’ve been cooking or a room doesn’t have windows. Skylights ensure natural ventilation all year round.
- With skylights, you no longer have to turn on the lights during day time.
- You get your daily dose of sunshine and vitamin D for better health.
Drawbacks of a Shed Roof
6. The need for boxed gutters
Because a shed roof has only one slope, gutters have to double time in handling water when it rains. You can expect them to manage larger volumes of water. To prevent overwhelm, boxed gutters are a better guttering option. These are made of wood framing.
Please take note that the construction of boxed gutters is not really a disadvantage in itself. What makes them a disadvantage is if they are not properly constructed and not cleaned regularly. They need more maintenance to prevent clogging.
Experts also highly recommend lining boxed gutters with PVC membrane material to waterproof them. PVC membranes are commonly used for commercial applications.
7. A basic design doesn’t appeal to everyone
Don’t choose a shed roof if you want a larger home, a two-story home, and definitely a complicated roofing structure.
What if you’re the kind of homeowner who wants a complex and detailed roof plan? While complicated designs are more likely to acquire issues, some people still opt for them to make an impression. If you belong to this camp, then a shed style roof is not for you.
8. Not for larger houses
If you are planning to build a huge home because you have a big family, a shed roof wouldn’t be ideal. When it comes to shed roof advantages and disadvantages, definitely remember this. Install a flat roof instead, especially if you’re building a home with two or more stories.
Have You Learned Today? Will You Choose a Shed Roof or Not?
Finally, you’ve reached the end of this post on shed roof advantages and disadvantages. Here at Roper Roofing, we’d like to ask you: Will you go for a shed roof as your ideal roofing style?
At the end of the day, the final decision is yours to make. However, based on the guide, you can see that there are more pros than cons with shed roofs.
If you want to install an exceptional and long-lasting roof, you’ll need to work with a specialist residential roofer in Denver CO with years of experience. Roper Roofing is a certified local roofing contractor. We’re qualified to meet your roofing needs! Check our list of services.
Call us right now at 720-307-7174 and ask us anything! Better yet, get your FREE QUOTE.