Jan 23 2010
How to Build a Shed Roof That Will Last and Look Great
When you build a shed roof you need to realize that it may be subjected to extremely heavy loads if you live in an area that gets any amount of snowfall. If not, you still need to think about heavy rain and winds regardless of where you live. Build a shed roof that will look great and protect your belongings for years.
When you purchase your shed plans, (and you really need to), you will have to ensure that the construction of the roof will conform to your local building codes. A good set of plans will give the sizes and types of materials you need to buy. Once you see exactly what it is you need you can then build the trusses yourself or go to your local supplier and they will build them according to your plans.
Once you have made the trusses or they are delivered from the fabricator, you need to mark the location for each on the top plate of the walls. Trusses are usually placed at 24 inches on center and you should have someone hold them in place for you while you nail them in place.
Most plans you find to build a shed roof will specify 5/8 inch sheathing to connect the trusses together and to support the expected roof loads. Just nail or screw the sheathing in place and cover with a good quality asphalt roofing paper and shingles. You need to be careful when you build a shed roof, the large pieces of sheathing can catch the wind and be blown right out of your hands or even worse; you could be knocked off the roof.
If you expect any amount of snow fall you should your roof pitch as steep as possible to allow the snow to slide off and not accumulate. Heavy snow can add thousands of pounds onto the roof load very quickly and stress even the sturdiest of structures to the breaking point. The last thing you want to wake up to after a snow storm is a collapsed shed roof due to snow load.
Build a shed roof that will be attractive by trying to match the color of the shingles on your house; in some places it is a requirement and in the building codes. You should also use high quality 20 year asphalt shingles so you roof will last. Also when you build a shed roof, it is one of the most important sections of your shed. It must be able to withstand everything that Mother Nature can throw at it. Heavy wind and rain and tons of snow, it must be water proof, outlast the rest of the shed and it must look good as well.
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