Proper Roof Pitch For A Shed

As stated in the video speed squares have useful markings on them from 0 to 12.

Proper roof pitch for a shed.

There are advantages and disadvantages to having a steep pitch versus a shallow or low pitch the most obvious of which is the roof s ability to shed or withstand heavy snow rain or wind. Basically the steeper the pitch the better it can shed snow and rain. The roof pitch measures the steepness of your shed roof and typically takes values from 1 to 12. Beyond that you re free to choose whatever slope best fits your plans for your shed.

Also it should correspond to some specifics. If your roof pitch is greater than 3 your roof is considered pitched. The best roof pitch for shed constructions depends on the actual and intended use for the building. Asphalt shingles typically have a minimum slope rating of 4 in 12.

Read more about roof pitch at wikipedia. This slope works well for sheds that are fairly narrow like 4 to 6 feet but for sheds that are 8 or wider the shed roof becomes unsightly high. The loft space would be much larger with a roof pitch of 45 degrees. Constructing a new shed roof at the desired pitch is as easy as knowing how to use a speed square.

In order to adhere to standardized building codes and ensure adequate runoff your shed s roof must have a pitch of at least 3 12 read as three in twelve. Therefore if your roof rises 4 inches over the course of 12 inches of horizontal run then your roof pitch is 4 12. Shed loft having a steeper pitched roof allows for more space in a shed loft. This means that for every 12 inches of horizontal distance across the shed the roof will rise 4 inches.

However you can only use this pitch with built up roofing or specialized synthetic roofing. Remember that pitch is calculated as the height or rise of a roof pitch over 12 inches of horizontal run. For example for a shed dormer roof pitch it should be calculated according to the overall design of the building to maximize its function such as increasing usable floor space and increasing headroom.