As a pole building “newbie” the first pole building I constructed back in the Spring of 1981 happened to be a 20 foot by 36 foot three sided loafing shed – with a single slope roof. As a builder, I didn’t make much money on it, as basically my head was still caught up in a stick framer’s mentality (studs and rafters go up and down, girts and purlins go left and right). Dealing with several feet of grade change was also something I was unaccustomed to, it was much different than having the level top of a concrete foundation to work from.
My second building was a 24 foot by 96 foot single slope roof, which was built over existing cattle pens! The pens were a challenge to work over, but at least the site was level.
Neither one of these experiences caused me to see single slope roofs as the less than ideal solution to most pole building needs.
In my humble opinion, in most cases, single slope roofs are neither aesthetically pleasing, nor the most cost effective solution. However, for small (say 12 foot in width by any multiple of 12 feet in length) run in sheds for horses or cattle, they may prove to be economically the best answer.
What are the most common reasons people select a single slope roof?
The top reason – the mistaken belief they will somehow be less expensive.
Most steel roofing manufacturer warrantees are void on roof slopes of less than 3/12. In order to keep the warranty in effect, this can quickly cause the “high” side of the building to become very tall.
Using the most common roof slope (4/12) a 24 foot wide building will be EIGHT FEET taller on one side than the other! From a structural aspect, building columns act as beams to resist wind loads. The formula for a simple span beam includes the square of the span – think of a 16 foot height having to carry FOUR TIMES the load of eight foot! The resultant is some potentially very large columns.
The resultant is paying to enclose a large area, in cubic feet, which cannot be practically or easily utilized.
The second most common reason for single slope roof, is so the weather (rain or snow) runoff will all travel to one eave side. This becomes more commonplace in snow country, where snow removal in front of sidewall doors can become a constant work in progress.
Rather than single sloping, it would be far less costly to use a pitched gable truss, with snow brakes to actually keep the snow on the roof and from sliding off in piles in front of doors. Having all of the snow slide in one direction could result in a crushing weight of snow piling up against the low side eave wall – buckling the siding, if not causing a catastrophic collapse.
Some single slope roof considerations:
Roof slope should be no less than 3/12 to maintain steel warrantees.
If desiring a clearspan, the overall height of the roof trusses should be no more than 12 feet. Many roof truss fabricators are limited to the ability to build trusses 12 feet in height, and for those who can, shipping becomes an issue as special permits must be acquired as well as pilot vehicles – adding to the expense.
In the event the single roof slope is fairly flat, and the clearspan width is greater than what can be supported by dimensional lumber or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2013/01/lvl/) rafters, prefabricated trusses are going to require added heel height (truss depth) at the low sidewall. This can result in a decreased ability to utilize all interior aspects of the building, as truss members will be taking up several feet of space below the low eave height.
Interior columns may need to be added to reduce truss costs, or get spans down to dimensional lumber manageable distances. In many cases, interior columns can get in the way, especially if the building is ever re-purposed.
Lofts – while the numerous feet of added height along one eave might prove to be a wonderful space for a second floor, consider the loss of headroom as the tall wall is moved away from. In most cases, those single sloping trusses will not lend themselves well to supporting a usable attic space within the truss. If so, then interior columns will need to be added to support the loft floor.
Doors – be wary of placing doors on the tall sidewall which are equal to or greater than the height of the low sidewall. While tall things might be able to enter the doors, those very same tall things will eventually run into the roof. With prefabricated trussed roofs, the lateral bracing between bottom chords and webs will be in the way.
Considering a single slope roof? Carefully weigh all of the options to insure it is the correct design solution for your circumstances!
I AM LOOKING AT PUTTING UP A POLE SHED FOR BOAT STORAGE JUST LOOKING FOR SUN PROTECTION I AM THINKING OF A THREE SIDED SHED WITH A SLOPED ROOF WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMEND.
ROY
If you are looking for the best return for your investment a full enclosed gabled roof will probably be the solution. Three sided buildings can be problematic (read: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2014/03/three-sided-building/) as well as not necessarily the most cost effective design solution.
We submitted a quote request today and a single slope or mono roof design. We would like to know if the large roof side 24×60 will support solar system?
As long as you provide the weight per square foot of your system, your building can easily be designed to support it.
Hello,
I am looking for a single slope carport. dimensions would be 15′ wide by 20 or 22′ long. High side would be 9′ low 7′, supports on the long edges. Is this something that is possible? If so, I only need the frame and hardware as I already have roof panels.
Thanks for any info you can offer
Jason Rogers
Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. A Building Designer will be reaching out to you shortly.
I am building a 40-foot wide by 30 ft deep pole barn with 1 sloping roof what should the pitch be I’m packing 9ft loaders Under The Roof
Your roof slope should be called out for on your building’s engineer sealed plans. Typically a minimum of 3:12 is necessary in order to not void roof steel paint warranty.
We are planning to build 60′ x 75′ open sided (Just One Slope Roof) day time storage area. Roof must be 20′ high. Please send me quote or any other idea that can be helpful.
Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. One of our Building Designers will be reaching out to you Monday.
Enclosing our patio and pool 48×20 is the pool area. Using 8- 4x4x8 and 2- 4x4x10 with 4- 2×6 x16 and 4- 2x6x20. I am using 24 -2x6x20 for Joist across pool to cover with clear polycarbonate panels.
Your proposed materials appear to be extremely under designed. Any structure, such as this, should be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer, in order to prevent catastrophic results.