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When investing in a garden shed, the roof style affects the structure’s functionality. The choice between pent and apex shed roofs often sparks debate. This guide will break down their differences in design to help you find which one suits your needs best.
What Does ‘Apex’ Mean on a Shed Roof
The word ‘apex’ actually derives from the Latin word for ‘peak’ or ‘tip’. The apex of a shed roof technically means the highest point. It has two sloping sides that come to a point at the top and form a triangle.
A shed roof apex also features two flat gables at its end, known as the gable ends or simply the front and the back. This roofing design allows for smooth water runoff and less damage.
What Makes a Shed Roof ‘Pent’
If an apex roof has two slopes, a pent roof has only one and is a more modern, flat style. The highest point is in front of the building, and then it descends to the back. Pent roofs are also referred to as flat roofs or mono-pitched roofs.
In a pent roof shed, the appearance is slightly more ‘boxy’ and is simpler to construct and maintain due to the single face of the roof.
Apex vs Pent Shed Roof
The shape and use of each shed roof design is what sets them apart. The differences aren’t huge, but they can make a difference for your needs.
Drainage
Apex roofs have a steeper angle with two slopes, so rainwater runs off faster. Pent roofs, on the other hand, only have one slope, which means water can take longer to drain.
Say, during heavy rain, water slides off both sides of an apex roof, sliding off each side. The single slope in a pent roof still drains water, but it can collect a little on the surface, a bit like a shallow puddle.
Headroom
The pitched shape of an apex shed gives more headroom in the middle. You can move around without ducking. It’s also a big help if you’re storing tall tools or using the space for small projects.
A pent shed has higher headroom at the front, but it lowers towards the back. That can make it feel tighter if you’re tall or need to stand near the rear wall.
Profile and fit
The peak of an apex shed can make it tricky to fit into tight spots, but it suits gardens with a bit more room. In contrast, a pent shed has a flat back, so it’s easier to push up against a wall or fence, especially in smaller gardens.
Planning permission and placement for apex or pent roof sheds
Planning laws in the UK place height limitations on garden buildings, if you want it to be a permitted development and avoid having to apply for planning permission.
- Dual-pitched (Apex) roofs: The maximum overall height allowed is 4 metres, with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres.
- All other roof types (including Pent): The maximum overall height allowed is 3 metres, again with eaves no higher than 2.5 metres.
However, if your shed is within 2 metres of any property boundary (fence, wall, or hedge), then the entire building — regardless of roof type — must not exceed 2.5 metres in height overall.
The good news is that our sheds always stay within the permitted height limits. You can install your BillyOh garden storage confidently, as long as you don’t raise the base or platform too high off the natural ground. If you plan to place yours close to a fence or wall, keep that one-metre distance in mind to stay compliant.
This guide has all the details: How Close Can Your Shed Be to a Fence
Apex or pent, the right shed depends on your garden and what you want to store. Check out our full range of sheds in both styles, and pick the one that’s right for you.
Or refer to our Garden Sheds Buying Guide next!
