Why all the fuss, it’s only a shed?!

Shed Rules

The customer has an expectation that what they are paying for meets certain minimum standards. This is a fundamental concept of business.

As this concept applies to buildings, the customer is all too often more focused on what the building will look like, how it functions, does it provide the space they anticipate rather than be concerned about some code standard.

Even little buildings like storage sheds or a gazebo are expected to meet some very basic standards.

Again, all too often, the customer never asks the question about the structural integrity of the little building.

Take a look at some of the framing techniques of these little storage structures, especially the ones built out-of-town, brought to the site and set on the ground.

This certainly does not apply to every shed from out-of-town.

However, it does seem the farther away the shed is from, the more likely the shed is built way under the minimum structural requirements for this area.

This office has been accused of being over bearing on this issue… that is, our insistence that the structure meet the minimum roof snow load standards for this region.

Even for that small shed. Usually that complaint comes from the supplier, because again, the customer is usually clue-less, and assumes everything is fine.

Some of the comments received are; “we never get permits for these buildings” — “it’s just a little shed” — “we’ve been doing it this way for years” — “go do something important, stop hassling me about this shed” — “the code does not apply to buildings under 144sq. ft.” — “you’re just trying to collect more fees, that’s what this is all about” — “what about that one down the road… you’re just picking on us”

After 30+ years in the business, we’ve heard about every possible complaint or accusation possible.

Getting back to the point, why does this office and probably most code offices, insist on this fundamental principal of structural integrity, even for those little sheds?

The answer is simple; consumer protection and of course structural integrity and safety.

Again, the customer usually just assumes that the building will stand the test of time and has no clue that there may actually be a NYS law that requires these things to be built to minimum standards.

It’s ironic that when the customer gets mad at this office, it’s usually over an issue that is in their best interest.

So why is it that so many of the small, portable type shed structures, that are built in other areas of the state [even out-of-state] often do not come close to meeting the minimum structural requirements?

Is it lack of enforcement in other areas?

Maybe.

If a shed builder, located in southern NY, does most of their business in that area, or even into Pennsylvania, they usually never have to worry about any snow load much greater than 20–30 lbs/sq.ft.

In those areas maybe the 2X2 rafters on 24” centers may be strong enough to meet a 20psf snow load.

Our snow load minimum requirement is generally +/- 100psf… Five times the southern portion of New York State!

And remember, these code standards are the basic minimum requirements and may not necessarily account for those occasional winters when we could easily have more than six feet of snow on the roof.

When thinking about buying a shed, don’t be afraid to ask the question: “is the structure designed for a 100 pound snow load?”

Do not accept the answer, “our sheds are really strong, this will not be a problem.”

Ask to see documentation. An engineer’s roof plan and certification is the only acceptable proof.

Believe it or not, the code office is looking out for the customer’s best interest.

Here is the snow load design criteria map straight out of the NYS code books.

Notice how the southern part of the state is as low as 20, and our area is a minimum of 80…

PLEASE NOTE: the chart does not show the additional load requirements based on elevation, which for our area ends up being from 92–110 psf. Under-standing why is important.