How to build a roof for a 12×16 shed

This step by step diy article is about how to build a roof for a 12×16 shed. After building the base of the shed and fitting the wall frames, you need to continue your project by fitting the rafters and the rest of the roofing components. Design everything from the very beginning, otherwise you won’t be able to make a cost estimate and you might be taken aback by many potential issues. PDF downloadable plans, for this project, with premium features in the Store.

The easiest way to build the roof of the 12×16 shed in just a weekend is easy, but you need to take a few aspects into account. Cut all the components, after double checking all the measurements. Afterwards, align the rafters at both ends and assemble the trusses on a perfectly level surface. Don’t forget to enhance the rigidity of the joints by installing 1/2” plywood gussets.

You also need to place the trusses on top of the walls, with the help of another person, and lock them into place with 3 1/2” galvanized screws. Always drill pilot holes before inserting the nails, to prevent the wood from splitting. Generally speaking, the trusses should be equally spaced, so place them every 24” on center. Plumb the components with a level, otherwise the roof won’t have a neat look. Check out my new 12×16 shed plans HERE.

Made from this plan

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In order to build a roof for a large shed, you needs the following:

Materials

  • A – 18 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 92” long, both ends cut at 30º RAFTERS
  • A – 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 145 1/4” long, cut at 60º at both ends BOTTOM RAFTERS
  • A – 18 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20 3/4”, 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 38 1/2” long INTERMMEDIATE RAFTERS
  • B – 4 pieces of 2×4” lumber – 92” long, 12 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 7” long 2xOVERHANG
  • C – 9 sheets of 3/4” togue and groove plywood ROOFING SHEETS
  • D – 300 sq ft of roofing felt, 300 sq ft of tar paper  SHINGLES
  • E – 5 sheets of 1/2” plywood SOFFIT
  • F – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 213 1/4”, 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 90 3/4”, ends cut at 30º TRIMS

Tools

Tips

  • Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
  • Install front and back overhangs

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Building a roof for a large shed

Building a roof for a large shed

Building a roof for a large shed

 

Building a roof for a large shed is a straight forward job, especially if you plans everything from the very beginning. If you want to get the job done quickly or you don’t have a large expertise in the field, we recommend you to build a gable roof for your storage construction.

Smart Tip: Building front and back overhangs for the shed will not only enhance the look of the construction, but also protect the building from heavy rain.

 

 

How to build a roof for a 12×16 shed

Roof trusses plans

Roof trusses plans

 

The first step of the project is to assemble the trusses of the roof. In order job get the job done accurately, we recommend you to build all the components and afterwards to lock them together tightly. Remember that it is essential to make all the roof trusses exactly the same, otherwise you won’t be able to install the roofing sheets.

Smart Tip: Use a miter saw to make all the angle cuts.

 

Fitting the roof trusses

Fitting the roof trusses

 

Lift the trusses off the ground and fit them on top of the wall plates, as in the image. Then, align the components at both ends and plumb them with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes trough the rafters and drive 3 1/2” galvanized wood screws into the plates.

Make sure the trusses are equally spaced, leaving about 24” on center between them. The rood should have a slope of at least 30º, to drain the water properly.

 

Attaching the gable ends

Attaching the gable ends

 

After installing all the wooden trusses to the top plates, you need to continue the project by fitting the gable ends. In addition, now it is the right time to build the side overhangs. In order to build a rigid structure, we recommend you to secure the exterior rafters to the trusses, by inserting 3” screws every 8”.

Align all the components, making sure the shed roof had a symmetrical appearance.

 

Installing the overhangs

Installing the overhangs

 

Building the overhangs is a straight forward job, if you follow the right plans and use adequate materials. In addition, make sure the size of the overhangs fit your needs, as later will be impossible to change something. Fit 2×4 wooden blocks between the rafters and lock them into place with 3” wood screws.

Make sure you coutersink the head of the screws and drill pilot holes, to prevent the wood from splitting.

 

Installing the roofing sheets

Installing the roofing sheets

 

Attaching the roofing sheets into place should’t take a lot of time, if you use 3/4” tongue and groove plywood. Lay the sheets on the rafters and secure them into place with 2” screws, every 8” along the rafters. The edges of the sheets should be flush with the roof, so make sure you take into account this aspect before inserting the screws.

You could adjust the size of the sheets to the right shape using a circular saw with a sharp blade.

 

Attaching the roofing felt

Attaching the roofing felt

 

The next step of the woodworking project is to cover the roof with felt. As you can see in the image, you need to make sure the strips of roofing felt overlap at least 2”. In addition, you have to lock the tar paper to the plywood sheets with staples.

Smart Tip: Make sure you cover the top ridge with a 12” strip of roofing felt. The front and back drip edges should be fitted under the felt, while the sides over.

 

Installing asphalt shingles on the shed

Installing asphalt shingles on the shed

 

Next, you should install the shingles to the roof of the large shed. Start with the bottom of the roof, by fitting the first course, as in the image. Use roofing tacks to secure the shingles to the roofing sheets.

Start the first course with a full tab, the second with 2 1/2 tabs, the third with 2 tabs, the forth with 1 1/2 tabs, the fifth with 1 tab, the sixth with half tab and the seventh with a 3 tabs. Secure the shingles with roofing tacks.

 

Attaching the trims

Attaching the trims

 

One of the last steps of this project is to attach the 1×6 trims to ends of the wooden rafters, as well as to the side ends of the large shed. As you can see in the image, you need to adjust the size of the trims with a circular saw, making sure you don’t tear the edges. Afterwards, lock the trims into place with 1 1/4” finish nails.

Smart Tip: Align the trims at both ends, before locking them with galvanized nails.

 

Fitting the door and window

Fitting the door and window

 

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, in order to get the job done as a professional, you need to check if the roof structure is secured properly together. In addition, make sure there are no gaps between the shingles and the trims, otherwise fill them with beads of silicone. Check out my new 12×16 shed plans HERE.

Smart Tip: The shingles should overhang about 1 1/2” o both sides of the shed. PDF downloadable plans, for this project, with premium features in the Store.

 

 

Thank you for reading our article about how to build a roof for a 12×16 shed and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

 

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