Apex or Pent? Which Roof Style is Right for You?

When designing your shed, one of the biggest questions is: should you choose a Pent or an Apex style roof? Both styles have their own advantages, disadvantages, and functions, which can make the decision a tricky one.

Apex Style

An Apex roof is the classic shed design. It features two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, the highest point, creating a traditional triangular roof shape.

Pent Style

A Pent roof is a single sloping roof, usually with the highest point at the front along the longer side of the shed. With its shallower pitch and clean lines, a Pent roof often provides a more modern appearance.

Key Considerations When Choosing

Drainage

When it comes to weather resistance, the Apex roof generally performs better thanks to its two slopes and steeper pitch, which allow rainwater to run off more quickly. By comparison, a Pent roof with its shallower slope may be at greater risk of water pooling, which could eventually lead to leaks if not maintained.

Headroom and Purpose

Think about what you’ll be using the shed for and how much headroom you’d like:

  • A Pent roof shed works well for simple storage.
  • An Apex roof shed, with extra headroom at its central ridge, is often the better option for workshops, studios, or home offices.

Shed Placement

Location is also important. Planning rules in England state that any garden shed within 2m of a boundary must be no taller than 2.5m.

  • Both our smaller Apex and Pent sheds can fit under this height restriction.
  • However, as sheds get larger, Apex roofs can exceed 2.5m in height. In contrast, Pent roofs remain under the 2.5m limit regardless of size.
  • If your shed is more than 2m from the boundary, an Apex shed can be built up to 4m tall.

Which Style Do You Prefer?

Although the two styles differ in appearance, drainage, and height, the final choice often comes down to personal preference and how the shed will fit within your garden. Both Apex and Pent roofs have their pros and cons, so consider your needs carefully before deciding which is right for you.

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