Top It Off Right: Picking the Perfect Roof for Your Shop, Farm Building, or Storage Building

We've been getting a lot of questions about roof designs for various types of buildings—shops, outbuildings, farm buildings, you name it. So, we thought we'd break it down for you. Whether you're looking for functionality, aesthetics, or a bit of both, we've got some insights that might help.

So, let's kick things off with a roof design that's gaining a lot of traction: the single-pitch roof. This design slopes from the front to the back of the building, making it a champ at handling snow and rain. All that winter snow and spring rain will slide right off the back, keeping the front entrance clear. Plus, this design allows for a wider building without needing massive trusses.

Speaking of trusses, if you go for a traditional gable-style roof, remember that the wider your building, the bigger the span your trusses will need to cover. So, if you're planning a wide structure, a single-pitch might be your best bet.

Now, let's talk about some practical stuff. Where do you want the snow and water to go? With a metal roof, that snow is going to slide off, so make sure it's not going to land somewhere problematic. Same goes for rainwater; you don't want it pooling in places where it shouldn't.

Wondering about the slope? For metal-clad roofs, you'll need a minimum slope of 2.5/12. That means for every 12 feet the roof runs, it should climb 2.5 feet. Anything less, and you're asking for leaks.

Thinking about going green with some solar panels? Awesome, but keep in mind they're heavy. You'll need to factor that into your truss design to make sure your roof can handle the extra weight.

Don't forget about gutters or eaves troughs. With a metal roof, you'll want a robust gutter system that can withstand the abuse from sliding snow. Look for something specifically designed for metal roofing.

Last but not least, consider the aesthetics. How well does the roof design fit with the other buildings on your property or even your yard? Sometimes, it all comes down to how good the roof looks and whether it blends well with your existing structures.