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The joys of installing a garden shed mean that you can finally have a place to potter around in, store your garden tools, or even create a little workshop. And getting your shed just right is so important. One of the biggest choices to make, beyond the size and shape of your shed, is what type of shed roof to have installed. So whether you're placing a new roof on your garden shed or you're in the garden building your new shed as we speak, read on for our guide on the best shed roofing for your garden shed.
Pitch is an important factor when choosing a shed roof covering. Some coverings can only be used on certain pitches of shed roofs and wouldn't be suitable for others.
It might seem obvious that a flat roof would be completely flat but, actually, any pitch that is less than 10o would be classed as a flat. Anything 10o-20o is classed as a low pitch and anything 20o and above is a fully pitched roof.
Roofing sheets are easily installed and they tend to be quite cost-effective. You can also choose from a variety of materials that have different properties. There are lots of shed roof kits available that can make installing your shed roof much easier. Simply lay your sheeting, affix it, and you are good to go.
Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is made from crude oil but don't worry, you don't need to work with liquid bitumen for your shed roof. Bitumen roof sheets are pre-cut and corrugated so all you will need to do is use nails to attach the roof covering to your garden shed.
The best part is that bitumen has a lifespan of around 20 years so they are one of the longest-lasting shed roof coverings that you can find. They are also a highly waterproof roofing material.
Bitumen sheets are suitable for mid-to-high pitches and can't be used for a flat roof.
Metal roof sheets are another good corrugated sheet shed roof option. They aren't as suitable for a DIY project as bitumen sheets, but they are also corrugated, durable and waterproof.
Metal roof sheets can last for around 25 years so in terms of durability they come just in front of bitumen sheets. They are also an extremely low-maintenance roofing option.
Metal roof sheets have no maximum pitch and they can be installed on pitches as low as 3o-40.
Felt is probably the most popular shed roof covering. It is very easy to install, creates a waterproof membrane, and is perfect for DIY projects. It is also one of the most low-cost options for shed roofing.
Shed felt is combined with bitumen to make it waterproof, but more modern shed felt versions use polyester fibres throughout to make the roof felt longer-lasting. This latter version can last around 15 years whereas standard felt roofing can have a short life expectancy of around 5 years.
Roof felt sheeting can be installed on a roof with a minimum pitch of 6o. Felt can also be used on any steepness of pitched and even curved roofs, making it a versatile option for a wide range of situations.
EPDM rubber roofing may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some other shed roofing options but when it comes to hardiness it really is a fantastic product. EPDM rubber roofing comes in one big sheet and that is where its main benefit lies. Because there are no seams in the EPDM membrane at all, there is very little chance for the rubber membrane to get damaged and it is highly unlikely that you will have any water leaking through. It is also highly resistant to UV light, which can make it much less likely to crack due to damage from UV rays.
An EPDM rubber roof can last up to 50 years, or even beyond. So you may even find that your rubber roof outlasts the shed it was built on! This durability is reflected in the price, however, and EPDM rubber roofing tends to be a lot more expensive per square metre than shed roof felt or other roofing material options.
An EPDM rubber roofing membrane can be installed on a completely flat shed roof all the way up to a fully pitched roof of 20o or more. If you are installing EPDM on a flat roof, ensuring that there are flat roof outlets is important to ensure that water can drain away properly.
Roof tile can often be more long-lasting and they can give a clean finish and more attractive look to your garden shed roof. They can protect your shed from extreme weather and they tend to last a long time.
Clay tiles are normally seen on the roofs of full properties rather than garden sheds, but they can be an ideal choice for larger shed roofs and especially those on more decorative buildings such as summer houses.
Clay tile is an expensive roofing material and they aren't a DIY option most of the time but they are extremely durable and will last for a very long time, which is reflected in the price. They can also give your shed roof more of a finish that looks expensive and high-quality and that is more in keeping with the rest of your home.
Clay tiles can't be used on flat roofs is 35o and they are very heavy roof materials, so it is vital to find out if the underlying structure is able to support the weight before the tiles are laid.
Plastic tiles are an extremely lightweight material so they are the ideal option for standard shed sizes and those that are smaller and less able to hold any weight. They come in a wide range of colours that can give your shed roof a really unique roof and the installation is very easy. The tiles are designed to slot together.
Plastic tile can be used on a roof with a minimum pitch of 20o. Dry verges will need to be fitted to the edges of the roof to ensure that it is waterproofed.
There is a wide range of roof shingle available for shed roofs. Shed roof shingles tend to be long-lasting, durable, and attractive and they can be made of a variety of materials.
Roofing felt shingles are a popular shed roof covering material. They come in a wide range of colours and finishes that can give your shed an attractive and appealing look and they are also low-cost and easy to install. They require very little maintenance and are easy to repair if they ever do get damaged.
Shed roof felt shingle can be laid on a roof that has a minimum pitch of 15o and you can expect your felt shingles to last up to 20 years.
Shingles can be made out of different types of wood but the most popular tends to be cedar, although more premium options like oak are available (but can be a lot more expensive). With wood roof shingles, your shed roof will have a natural aesthetic that can be very appealing.
Wooden roof shingles can be quite easy to install for shed roofing, only really requiring a hammer and nails. They can be extremely durable and can last for decades if installed correctly, with stronger woods lasting longer than cheaper woods. Wood isn't as protected from extreme temperatures and can warp and change shape when exposed to very high and very low temperatures.
Wooden roof shingle can be laid on a minimum pitch of 15o and it will need batten decking and underlay underneath for installation to ensure that they are affixed and properly waterproofed.
Bitumen shingles are a great option for a shed roof because they are a low-cost and easy to install option that is very long-lasting. You can expect your bitumen shed roof to last 15-20 years. They are made of a fibreglass core that is covered in hot bitumen, so you get the benefits of bitumen but in an easy to handle format for your shed roof.
Installation of bitumen shingle is relatively easy, although you will need galvanised nails. Some bitumen shingles are sold in interlocking strips and some come in single strips. This can make installing your shed roofing relatively easy and hassle-free. They are also easy to fix and replace if anything does go wrong.
Bitumen shingles can be installed on a minimum pitch of 15o and can't be used on a flat roof.
Green roofs are becoming a popular form of shed roof coverings. They a specifically designed to allow your shed roofing to become part of your garden itself. They can encourage more wildlife into your garden space and can grow plants that are an important part of the local biodiversity.
Installing a green roof isn't as simple as picking up a shed roofing kit and sticking it on your shed but the benefits can be a lot more rewarding if done correctly.
Green roofing is comprised of layers. The first layer is a water-impermeable layer. Something like builder's plastic would work very well (ideally attached to a piece of plywood). The next layer should be a filter sheet to hold the growing medium, ideally a potting mix with good drainage. The exact composition will depend on what you are trying to grow. Then you can start planting the things you would like on your roof. Hardy succulents work well but you could even start a herb garden if you wanted to.
A green roof will work best on a flat or very low-pitched roof, and flat roof outlets are a must because drainage is key.
At first glance, choosing your shed roofing materials can seem like a simple decision. But once you scratch beneath the surface you can see that there is actually a huge variety of roofing material options available. Getting the decision right can make your garden look complete and ensure that your shed roof will last for many years to come.
