What Is a Monitor Roof for Colorado Barns
When people ask us what is a monitor roof, they usually have a picture in their mind of a classic barn shape with a raised center section. It is a beautiful and timeless style. However, most people are surprised to learn how a monitor roof actually works inside the building. If you are planning a barn, garage, or shop in Colorado, it is helpful to understand what makes a monitor roof unique and when it is the right choice.
What Is a Monitor Roof in Colorado Barn Design?
A monitor roof, sometimes called a raised center aisle, has a tall center section with shorter “wings” on each side. The upper walls often include windows that bring in natural light and help with ventilation. The design is traditional, attractive, and closely tied to classic Western barns.
However, the raised center requires posts down both sides of the center aisle. These posts support the upper walls and roof. This is an important detail, because it means a monitor barn is not clear span. The posts create defined aisleways and limit how the interior can be arranged.
Why Monitor Roofs Have Interior Posts
Monitor roofs fall under a post and rafter design. The tall center roof and upper wall system need structural support, so the load transfers to posts located along the aisle. These posts are part of what gives the barn its traditional shape, but they also create interior divisions.
For horse barns, this is a good fit. The aisles and stalls already need structure.
For shops or garages, the posts can get in the way of parking or moving equipment.
If you want the freedom to park anything anywhere inside, a monitor roof may not be the best option.
How a Monitor Roof Affects Cost
A monitor roof typically costs about 30 percent more than a standard gable roof. The main reasons include:
- Extra framing
- Additional steel and siding
- More trusses or rafters
- More labor
- More engineering
The raised center adds materials on all sides, which increases the total cost. It is still a great design, but it is helpful to understand why it is priced differently from a simple gable roof.
The History Behind Monitor Roof Barns
I always like to talk about why monitor barns were originally popular. The raised center gave ranchers and farmers a clear view from the loft. It let them look out over the land, check on livestock, and watch for visitors or threats. Think of cowboys and early ranch families using the loft for storage and visibility.
The raised center also improved airflow. Warm air moved upward, which helped keep hay dry and reduced moisture in the barn. Even today, many horse owners love monitor barns for the extra ventilation and natural light.
Lofts and Door Height Limitations
Many people like the idea of putting a loft in the raised center. This works well, but it does come with one limitation. The floor system for a loft typically takes about 1 to 2 feet of vertical space. Because of this, a loft can reduce the available height for garage doors placed underneath it.
There is another factor to consider. Zoning and HOA height limits in Douglas and Elbert counties can make it harder to go taller. Some zoning codes restrict overall building height or height of sidewalls. When you add a loft to a monitor roof, you may lose interior clearance while also being unable to add extra height to the building. This combination can make it challenging to fit taller vehicles, horse trailers, or RVs.
This is not problem for a true horse barn layout. But if you plan to store large equipment or need tall overhead doors along the front of the building, a monitor roof with a loft may not be the best fit.
Is a Monitor Roof the Right Roof Style for Your Colorado Barn?
Monitor building with flying gable
A monitor roof can be a great fit if you want:
- A traditional barn look
- A center aisle barn with stalls
- A loft for storage or a small office
- Extra natural light
- Good ventilation
- A classic aesthetic on your property
It is less ideal when you need:
- A fully open interior
- Flexible parking and storage
- Tall overhead doors across the entire front of the building
- A lower-cost option
Final Thoughts
So, what is a monitor roof? Is it a raised center barn style with a classic look and long history in Western building design. It is beautiful and practical for horse barns, but the interior posts and added cost make it less suited for open shops or garages.
If you are planning a barn or garage in Douglas or Elbert County and want to compare a monitor roof to other roof styles, we would be happy to walk you through the options. Together we can find a design that fits your property and long-term plans.
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