Mike answers questions about a Roof Line, Roofing with OSB layer, and Endwall Only Sheds:

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the roof line style in the attached picture called? BRYAN in MARYSVILLE

DEAR BRYAN: The prefabricated roof truss folks would refer to this as being a Polynesian roof – one in which the outer portion is at a lower slope than the center portion. I tend to steer clear of steeper-to-flatter roof slope changes as they just increase the possibility of a future leak, however it is certainly doable. Your photo also features a widow’s peak at the center.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello Guru, I am Putting 1/2″ Plywood On the trusses first before the metal roof, what do U recommend to cover the plywood, for vapor barrier protection? I was just gonna use felt paper! any recommendations? Thanx MIKE in ROCHESTER

DEAR MIKE: If applying the plywood directly over trusses spaced every two feet, you will need to add purlins in order to screw the roofing down (screws into plywood or OSB are inadequate for wind uplift). Steel manufacturers recommend the use of 30# asphalt impregnated paper (roofing felt) between sheathing and roofing.

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is it called if I only want a structure that has a wall in the front and wall in the back but open on the sides for animal pens? I can’t seem to find ANY images of this type of building. CHRISTINE in BERTRAM

DEAR CHRISTINE: I would call it a loafing shed with both eave sides open. It could be either single sloped, or have peaked endwalls.