Shed Roof Limits

[optionguru]

I've been studying the plans for the 14x24 and I've been thinking of a few changes.  I was thinking of making it 16x24 or 14x28 and using 12 foot walls to give more space downstairs and in the lofts.  The question is what are the load limitations on a shed roof?  I'm building in Northern New Hampshire so there is quite a bit of snow,  I'd like to make the shed roof as steep as practical so I can get more usable space in the loft.  The plans mention a 7:12 pitch, is that the commonly accepted limit?  Should I just suck it up and do a gable roof?

I'm going to be doing almost the whole project by myself so the easier the better when it comes to the roof.

Thanks,
Peter

[NELSELGNE]

I have seen 12/12 shed roofs.   see also:
http://www.countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1146318321

[Kevin]

My shed roof cabin is 16x24 and the pitch is about 3 1/2.
Its located in Northern Vermont so we get about the same about of snow.
The roof has been on for a couple of years now and no problem.
My walls are 12 foot and 8 foot.
You can see it in the Gallery.
Kevin

[optionguru]

Kevin,
I didn't see your cabin in the owner projects section.  What is the title on it?  Did you consider making the walls 12 and 16 feet tall to be able to have some loft space?

[Kevin]

This should be it
http://www.countryplans.com/12x18.html

I thought about 16 and 12 but thought it might be a little unstable.
Kevin

[optionguru]

I'm sorry if some of this is re-hashing material but I couldn't find it in the search.  Using some rough math, If the shed roof is done on a 16 wide cabin with a 7:12 pitch the roof joists(?) will be 18 1/2 feet not including overhang on the front and back.  What is a normal amount of overhang.  I'm thinking I'm going to have to have these milled to a custom length by my local lumber yard.  What size lumber would you all recommend?  Would 22 foot 2x8 be enough or do I have to go bigger?

[Amanda_931]

To some extent shed roofs may not be easier.

You can always do them, given proper thought to loads, maybe a talk with an engineer.  I'm thinking they would be a good idea for what I want.

But, as opposed to a gable roof,  you are going to be using longer, heavier rafters--or be forced into some kind of truss arrangement.  And either of those solutions might become an issue as well.

Basically if you can build a pair of 36" high sawhorses and have them be the same heighth and width, you can build gable roof rafters.

Maybe not, however, if you cheat and only make them 24" high.  

(but I'm short, I like 24" high sawhorses)