Pole Barn Flat Roof Options
Pole buildings are low-cost structures, well suited to utility buildings such as shops, garages, carports or barns. Pole barns do not require exterior walls. Posts on the perimeter of the building can be walled in or left open. A concrete slap or other floor can be utilized, but isn't necessary. Pole barn roofs have few limitations. Flat roof options are not the most common choice, but they are roof options for pole barns.
Economics of Barn Roofs
Pole barns refer primarily to the exterior wall construction method. Poles are structural members set into the ground; they support the roof of the barn and walls, if walls are used. A pole barn can employ any conceivable kind of roof, though it probably doesn't make sense. A pole barn is an economic means of basic shelter. It calls for an economical roof.
Common Pole Barn Roofs
Most pole barns are constructed with a simple, low-pitched roof. There are no hips or anything complex about them, just a single ridge-line with unceremonious gables at either end. Construction methods of this design vary. It may be framed, trussed, or timber-framed with purlins. However, there are few reasons the roof needs to have a ridge-line and two pitches, opposed to a single flat roof (parallel to the ground) or a single-pitch "shed roof."
Shed Roofs
A shed roof can be employed on a pole barn where the pitch of the roof only runs in one direction. It is a flat roof, with no gables or ridge-line, though it is not parallel to the ground or parallel to "level" if it is built on a slope. Like all roofs, if a shed roof is employed, it must have an adequate pitch and strength to handle the maximum snowload possible in the area. The longer the span, and the higher the potential snowload, the steeper the pitch requirement. Shed roofs with open-walled pole barns open one unique characteristic: wind. If the high end of the roof isn't covered in a curtain wall or some kind of siding to block wind, the roof becomes wing-like. If wind approaches the structure from the "open" side of the barn, it can create significant lift instead of down force or sheer force. It must be engineered for the wind contingency.
Flat Roofs
Flat, level roofs are probably not the most economic choice for a pole building for this simple reason. To provide for the maximum potential snowload, a flat, level roof requires stronger structural members. That's basic physics. A sloped roof deflects weight, so it doesn't require as much strength. If your design calls for a flat roof it can be accomplished by timber framing members and purlins, or flat trusses, such as scissor trusses.
References
Writer Bio
John Willis founded a publishing company in 1993, co-writing and publishing guidebooks in Portland, OR. His articles have appeared in national publications, including the "Wall Street Journal." With expertise in marketing, publishing, advertising and public relations, John has founded four writing-related ventures. He studied economics, art and writing at Portland State University and the Pacific Northwest College of Art.
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