Whether you’re building a new home or considering an addition, the shape of the roof is one of many decisions you have to make. One of many roof types is the shed roof, also called a skillion roof.

Since the shed roof has just one flat surface, it’s a very simple design that makes it easy to build. Your contractor doesn’t have to worry about various surfaces meeting, multiple ridges or lots of valleys that make the job more challenging.

That means your contractor can build your roof much faster than many other roof styles, and you have a clean, simple look when it’s done.

The simplicity of the shed roof design also makes it more cost effective. This style uses fewer materials, which cuts down on that part of the cost.

It’s easy for roofers to build, so they can complete the job faster for less labor time, and there aren’t any complex parts of the job to make the price skyrocket. If you’re looking for a cost-effective roof option, the skillion roof may be a good choice.

A potential downfall of the similar flat roof is the inability to easily shed water and snow. Since a shed roof generally has a much steeper slope, it lets the water roll right down it and over the edge.

Pooling water on a roof can cause leaks and other damage. Lots of built-up snow adds extra weight to the roof that can also cause damage, so shedding water and snow more efficiently is a definite advantage.