What is a shed roof?

A shed roof is a single sloped plane, high on one wall and low on the other.

What shed roof means

A shed roof is a single sloped plane, high on one wall and low on the other.

Also called skillion roof, lean-to roof.

Where it matters on a roofing job

Shed roofs often run at low pitch, so check the slope before you specify shingles. Where the high side meets a wall you need sidewall or headwall flashing, and that is where these roofs usually leak.

What the model code says

  • Asphalt shingles are only allowed on slopes of 2 in 12 or steeper, and slopes from 2 in 12 up to 4 in 12 need a double layer of underlayment. (IRC 2021, Chapter 9)

Check which code edition your building department enforces for shed roof before you quote.

What it costs

Jobs that involve shed roof are priced in the storage shed cost guide: about $4,500 typical, usually $1,550 to $7,650. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.

Work it out

Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 9, Roof Assemblies (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.

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What Is A Shed roof? Roofing Term Explained | Koira