Expert: Karl Smith - 3/3/2006

Question
Greetings,

This question may fall out of your area of specialisation, but I'll ask anyway: What is the purpose of the triangular style typical of factory roofs? Is it to let rain wash off easily or to give more sunlight to the people inside (lowers energy costs)?

Thanks, in advance, for your time

Answer
This is outside my area but I can offer some suggestions;

Cheap construction method - standard process.
Steep roof to stop rain or snow resting on it (flat roof may cause collapse) - see Scandinavian roofs which are much steeper because of the heavy snow.

I doubt energy conservation is considered at all, as these sheds tend to waste loads of energy.