A skillion roof is a single-pitch roof that looks like a flattened pyramid with an "L" shape.

Skillion roof variations include a butterfly skillion roof, oval skillion roof and split skillion roof. Skillion roofs shed rain and snow easily and they don't take up as much horizontal space as hip and gable roofs . Skillion roofs are also referred as mono pitched, pent roofs, shed roofs and lean-to roofs by experts. They are often used on sheds, carports and other industrial buildings but can be used for homes as well.

What are the benefits of using a skillion roof?

The construction process for skillion roofs isn't very complicated, making it ideal for people who are new to building or don't have many carpentry skills.

Additionally, such roof designs increase the roof's wind resistance, provide more excess to natural light and allows smoother water drainage due to their steep pitch. This also cuts down the need to invest and install rubber skins or membranes used to facilitate water drainage.

Skillion roofs also take up less room than other types of roofs such a flat roof, which makes it great for small spaces ensuring the flow of natural light. If you build your shed in the backyard or put your home in an area with limited land, this is a great way to maximise the area you have.

To cut the installation cost of having professionals build your skillion roof, you can do it yourself using basic carpentry skills and tools. Some things, like adding framing and doors, may be more difficult without professional help, but most people find that they can build their own skillion roofs.

One of the most common uses for skillion roofs is on carports or garages with living space above them. You'll use your skillion roof to support the weight of your living space while still enjoying all its benefits as a weatherproof roof that's as easy to construct as a truss roof.

Disadvantages of a skillion roof include llittle to no attic space, low ceiling height and compressed gradients.

What are some projects that require skillion roofs?

A few example projects for which you should consider using a skillion roof instead of a standard flat roof or gable and hip roofs include: Garage with living space above - This is a great way to combine your garage and extra space you can enjoy. You can create a workspace downstairs for hobbies or use it as an office and still have the ability to park your car in the attached garage.

Sheds

Sheds are ideal for people who want outdoor storage while minimising how much land they take up. If you're working on other projects around your home, such as landscaping or building other structures that need cover from elements like rain and snow, then skillion roofs will help keep everything protected.

Gazebo

A gazebo gives you a lovely place to relax outside without worrying too much about weather conditions ruining your day.

Overhang

Building skillion roof overhang, similar to eaves, is a great way to add a unique look to your home while protecting the structure from the elements.

What is a skillion roof used for?

Skillion roofs are is often used as a simple alternative to a more complex, multi-pitched roof. A skillion roof has just one sloping plane that extends from the exterior wall of the building it covers. This flat surface may be interrupted by a series of vertical supports (posts) around openings like windows and doors.

What are the different types of skillion roofs?

Different types of skillion roofs include butterfly roof and oval roof. The roof's degree of the sloping sides of a skillion roof is one way you can make it unique. A roof's angle that is greater than 90 degrees require supports called purlins to help distribute the weight across multiple points along the span, but this isn't always necessary. The only thing that matters when building your skillion is that both the sloping sides slope at an angle somewhere between 90 and 45 degrees. If you have at least 12 feet of width on top of your structure, then you'll have enough room for a hip-to-gable transition, which means no supports will be needed for your flat surface. You may also choose to build a gable-to-hip design, which means the peaks of your traditional gabled roofing will meet the hip ends of your sloping roof.

What are some different uses for a skillion roof?

Skillion roofs, including oval skillion roof and butterfly roofs can be used to cover anything from small outbuildings like sheds, to much larger structures like garages with living space above them. It's also common to find these on carports or in front of attached garages to protect vehicles from weather conditions while still allowing access in and out. Skillion roofs are perfect to install solar panels. The steep skillion roof's pitch provides maximum exposure to sun for the solar panels. However you choose to make use of the roof space available, a skillion is often an easy solution that requires few skills and takes up very little room.

How do you design a skillion roof?

The skillion roof design is much simpler than it would be for other types of roofs, which are designed to deal with complex loads. All you need to do is meet the minimum distance of 12 feet between your building's peak and the eave of your skillion roof. If your structure is wider than this, then you may want to consider adding supports called purlins along its upper surface so it can distribute weight across multiple points on the way down.

What are some good materials for a skillion roof?

Sturdier, long-lasting materials tend to be better choices for any type of structure that will have heavy elements like snow or rain fall on them over time. Metal roofs are popular among homeowners who know they'll use their structures regularly because they're resistant to weather damage. While metal costs significantly more than other types of materials, it will withstand the elements for decades.

How is a skillion roof constructed?

A skillion roof can be built using modules that are easy to transport, then installed with basic hand tools like saws and wrenches. It's typically easier to build this type of roof if it has a single flat slope instead of two sloping panels or multiple surfaces at a different sloping angle. However, you can shift your sloping panels angling by shifting your modules in or out as needed by adding supports between them. Once your modules are secured together at each end, they're ready to be lifted into place along the slightly sloping angle you've created.

What maintenance do I need to perform on my skillion roof?

If you haven't found signs of any problems already, then you don't need to worry about maintenance. Unlike other roof styles, these roofs can last for many years with little wear and tear, making them a cost-effective choice compared to other roof types.

How do you install a skillion roof?

Installing a skillion roof style is more like building one than installing it like other types of roofs. This process often begins by gathering the materials needed such as purlins or supports along the top edge of your skillion's slope if your structure width requires it. From there, you'll build your pieces into modules that will work together with others on either side of them. Once they're secure at each end and in place on the slope, they only need the appropriate hardware and straps installed to help secure everything in place such as wooden beams while your skillion is complete. For example, standing seam metal sheets or metal cladding can also be installed to secure the roof further from sloping.

How do you build a shed using skillion roof modules?

If you're building your own shed, then you'll need to consider the space available for how much room it needs to house. You may also want to consider storage for tools or work areas that will be exposed to weather conditions if they are on the same level as the rest of the structure. Using skillion roof modules can make it easier to install skillion roof features like door openings between them, but it's best to design your roof first so you know which angles are necessary for each surface on its way down.

Is a skillion roof more expensive?

Metal roofs, which are often used in skillion roofing style, do tend to be more expensive than other types of materials. But they also last much longer and won't need costly repairs over the years that can add up quickly.

However, affordable skillion roofs that are easier, faster and require fewer materials are also available. You will still need to install gutters and gutter guards.

How long does it take to install a skillion roof?

If you're building your own structure with skillion roof modules, then installation time will vary based on your skill level. If you're working with enough people to divide up the work along with pre-assembled pieces like purlins or supports for your slope's upper edge, then this can help reduce install times significantly. Overall, an average DIY homeowner could expect this type of project to take around 2 days from start to finish when they factor in all the steps involved.

Is a skillion roof cheaper than a hip roof and a gable roof?

Gable roofs and hip roofs are more popular among homeowners, but skillion roofs are often less expensive. Unlike a gable roofing design you can upgrade to a metal roof with greater durability for your skillion design if you want to reduce costs even further, but it will also be more expensive than other materials.