The pitch used through out the examples in these plans is a 3/12 pitch.
You can change the pitch to either 4/12 or 5/12 pitch by changing:
- The angle on the trusses, sidewall studs and trim pieces
- The overall length of the truss pieces.
- The length of the collar beams remains the same
- The length of the sidewall studs remains the same
-
.
See shed plans Option F in the appendix for the new cut angle and truss component lengths.
Sidewall studs
To increase the pitch change the cut angle on the sidewall studs but keep the length measurement the same. The steeper the angle the more attention you will have to pay to the proper placement of the top plate so that it’s in line with the siding.
See shed plans Figure 4C: Sidewall stud spacer details
Truss pieces
Use the matching angle on the truss pieces and cut to length. Use the original dimensions for the collar beam.
Gable end siding
If you are building with 7ft sidewalls you will have to splice the gable end siding at the top because your shed will be taller with a steeper pitch. Just nail the siding to the truss and don’t worry about nailing the joint its self. There is plenty of strength in the truss to carry the load.
You might want to use a piece of “z” flashing in the joint to make it waterproof.
Trim
Use the matching cut angle for your trim pieces
Materials usage
It will not require any additional dimensional lumber to increase the roof pitch. But it will require a little more siding to cover the top of the gable ends but you can probably get that out of the existing cut off scraps.
Since it will increase the perimeter and surface area of the roof you might need more metal drip edge. Increasing the pitch will increase the amount of felt paper, shingles and nails you need.
Extra Caution
The higher the roof pitch the greater the possibility of losing your balance and stepping off or falling off the roof and hurting yourself.
Roofing is one of the most dangerous occupations and this part of building your shed is also the most dangerous. So use extra caution here. Especially if you decide to build with a 5/12 pitch.