The best shed roofing material for your shed roof depends on budget, pitch angle, and expected lifespan for the shed. EPDM rubber lasts 30-50 years with little maintenance, making it our top recommendation at Checkaroof for garden shed roofs, garden rooms, and workshops. Mineral felt roofing remains an affordable option at £15-25 per square metre, typically lasting 5-10 years before a new shed roof is needed. Metal roofs and GRP fibreglass shed roofing materials sit between these extremes, offering 25-40+ years of durability. We've tested every major shed roofing option across hundreds of shed installations in the UK, and this guide explains exactly which shed roof material suits your specific needs.
Water ingress at joints causes most shed roof failures. This single issue explains why seamless shed roofing materials like EPDM and GRP consistently outlast layered shed roof coverings. Choosing the best roof covering for sheds ensures your garden shed avoids these common problems. The difference isn't marginal either. A proper shed roof covering can more than double your garden shed lifespan compared to basic felt roofing.
We see this pattern repeatedly when assessing damaged shed roofs. Traditional felt roofing typically provides 5-10 years of service before requiring a new shed roof. Many garden shed owners treat this as normal. They shouldn't. Modern shed roofing materials deliver many decades when the shed roof is fitted properly, reducing ownership costs substantially.
The pitch angle of your shed roof determines which types of shed roofing options work best. Flat shed roofs need different roofing materials than pitched shed roof structures. Aesthetics matter too, especially for garden rooms and summer houses visible from your property. Budget considerations remain essential when choosing roofing materials, but cheap shed roofing options often become expensive through repeated shed roof replacement.
British weather creates specific challenges for shed roofs. Constant moisture, frequent temperature changes, and year-round dampness test every outdoor building and shed roof. Metal roofs perform particularly well because they resist rot, moss, and algae that thrive in damp climates. Rubber and fibreglass shed roofing materials handle this environment equally well, forming waterproof shed roof coverings that cope with moisture without degrading.
Light-coloured shed roofing materials reduce internal temperatures by 10-20°C during summer compared to darker shed roof coverings. This matters more for workshops and garden buildings where you spend time working. Temperature regulation affects comfort and longevity of items stored inside your garden shed.
EPDM has become our most recommended shed roofing option at Checkaroof. For clients asking what is EPDM rubber roofing, it is a shed roofing material that delivers 30-50 years of service, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing options available for garden shed roofs in the UK. Installation requires less skill than other shed roofing materials, and the finished shed roof provides a seamless, professional appearance.
Rubber membranes stretch up to 300%, which sounds technical but means something practical for your shed roof. Timber structures move constantly due to moisture and temperature changes throughout the year. This flexibility lets the shed roof covering move with the building instead of cracking or splitting. It adapts to seasonal expansion and contraction naturally on your shed roof.
We find EPDM particularly effective on garden buildings where appearance matters. The clean, flat finish suits modern designs, and various colours beyond basic black help match your property's aesthetic. Installation typically involves securing a single piece on the shed roof, which means fewer seams where leaks might develop. Flat shed roofs with seamless membranes experience significantly fewer problems than shed roofs with overlapping layers and exposed fixings.
EPDM costs roughly £40-70 per square metre fitted for your shed roof, depending on complexity and access. This sits at the higher end compared to basic felt roofing, but the entire lifespan cost works out lower for the shed roof. After 20 years, you'll have replaced felt roofing coverings three or four times while EPDM continues performing on your shed roof.
Maintenance proves minimal for EPDM shed roofs. We recommend occasional visual checks for debris, leaf buildup, or damage from sharp objects. The shed roofing material itself requires no coating, treatment, or regular intervention. Its weather resistance and UV radiation tolerance mean many decades pass without deterioration. This contributes to lower ownership costs that make it cost effective when viewed across full service life for your garden shed.
Mineral felt roofing dominates budget shed construction across Britain. Walk through any garden centre and you'll see why. New garden shed structures almost always arrive with felt roofing already fitted on the shed roof. The shed roofing material costs £15-25 per square metre, making it the most accessible entry point for basic shed roof weather protection.
Bitumen sheets and traditional felt roofing create a waterproof barrier when the shed roof is fitted properly. The technique involves overlapping layers and securing them with adhesive or mechanical fixings. Anyone with basic DIY experience can fit felt roofing successfully on a garden shed. This easy to install characteristic explains its continued popularity for shed roofs despite limited lifespan.
Felt roofing typically provides 5-10 years of service before requiring a new shed roof, though proper maintenance extends this somewhat for the shed. We've seen felt roofing installations last up to 20 years when garden shed owners apply preservative treatments regularly and address minor shed roof issues promptly. Most people don't maintain felt roofing this way, which shortens its practical life expectancy for shed roofs.
Basic weather resistance suits simple storage perfectly. If you're protecting garden tools, empty plant pots, or seasonal items in your garden shed, felt roofing delivers adequate shed roof protection at minimal cost. Installation remains straightforward enough that you can replace your shed roof yourself when needed, making felt roofing an easy to install option.
Felt roofing becomes a false economy for workshops, garden rooms, or any shed structure storing valuable equipment. Frequent shed roof replacement disrupts use and costs accumulate. We discourage felt roofing on buildings larger than 3x2 metres or shed structures meant to last many decades. Better shed roofing options justify their higher initial cost through extended service and reduced maintenance for your shed roof.
Corrugated metal roofing sheets last 40+ years when the shed roof is fitted correctly. Galvanised steel and aluminium metal roofs handle exposed locations and windy conditions better than most other shed roofing materials. The roofing sheets weigh 50-70% less than concrete or clay tiles, which reduces structural stress on shed frames and allows lighter construction overall for your shed roof.
Metal roofs cope with high-speed winds up to 120 mph and excel at handling heavy rain and snow on shed roofs. Water runs off metal roofing sheets quickly rather than pooling, which prevents gradual degradation that affects absorbent shed roofing materials. These sheets need little or no maintenance during their lifetime once your shed roof is properly fitted.
Sound transmission presents the main concern with metal roofs. Rain creates noticeable noise on metal roofing sheets, particularly during heavy downpours. We suggest metal roofs for workshops and storage rather than spaces where you relax or concentrate. Some garden shed owners find the sound soothing. Others find it distracting. Consider your sensitivity before committing to metal roofs for your shed.
Galvanised steel provides strength and affordability for shed roofs. The zinc coating protects against rust in most UK conditions. Average costs run £25-40 per square metre for metal roofing sheets. Steel metal roofs handle impacts better than lighter alternatives, resisting damage from falling branches or storm debris on your shed roof.
Aluminium metal roofs weigh less and resist corrosion more effectively than steel for shed roofs. Coastal locations benefit from this enhanced resistance to salt air. Expect to pay £35-55 per square metre. Both metal roofs install similarly, using specialised screws with rubber washers that seal penetration points. Proper fixing prevents leaks while allowing thermal expansion on your shed roof.
GRP fibreglass systems deliver 25-30 years of service with very low maintenance requirements once your shed roof is fitted. The shed roofing material forms a single, solid roof covering with no joints or seams where water might penetrate the shed roof. We use fibreglass extensively on flat shed roofs where longevity and minimal maintenance are priorities for the shed.
Installation involves applying layers of glass-reinforced plastic over a prepared roof deck on your shed roof. The process creates a completely waterproof membrane that bonds directly to the shed structure. Unlike sheets that rely on overlaps and sealants, fibreglass becomes an integral part of the building. This seamless construction explains why we rarely see leaks in properly fitted GRP shed roofs.
The shed roofing material handles UV radiation well and maintains properties through decades of exposure. Various colour options exist beyond standard grey, allowing better integration with garden building aesthetics. The hard wearing surface resists foot traffic reasonably well, though we don't recommend walking on shed roofs unless necessary for maintenance.
GRP installation requires more skill than simply laying metal roofing sheets or rolling out felt roofing on a shed roof. Shed roofing materials must be applied correctly to achieve proper adhesion and avoid future problems. Professional installation costs £60-90 per square metre typically, including materials and labour for your shed roof.
This positions fibreglass between EPDM and basic felt roofing in terms of cost for shed roofs. The investment makes sense for premium garden buildings and shed structures you intend to keep for 20+ years. Complete absence of maintenance across service life appeals to garden shed owners who want to fit once and forget about concerns for many decades.
Roofing shingles create visual interest that flat shed roof coverings can't match. These overlapping pieces produce classic architectural designs seen on residential properties. Bitumen shingles and asphalt shingles generally last 20-30 years, providing good durability with traditional aesthetic appeal for your shed roof.
Installation involves fixing individual roofing shingles to the deck, starting from the bottom and working upward. Each row of asphalt shingles overlaps the one below, channelling water downward without allowing penetration of the shed roof. Felt shingles share this installation method but use different backing materials for the shed roof.
Cedar shingles and wooden shingles provide a natural appearance and good insulation properties for shed roofs. These wood shingles require more maintenance than synthetic shed roofing alternatives, needing treatment every few years to prevent rot and insect damage. Properly maintained cedar shingles last several decades, making them a long-term investment for garden rooms and summer houses where appearance matters on your shed roof.
Bitumen shingles cost £20-35 per square metre typically and install easily with basic tools on shed roofs. They provide excellent waterproof protection when fitted properly. Self-adhesive backing on most modern versions makes them easy to install further, allowing anyone with DIY skills to achieve professional results on their garden shed roof.
Wood shakes and cedar shingles run £40-70 per square metre depending on quality grade. Installation requires about 1kg (1,400 nails) of 31mm x 1.8mm silicone bronze annular ring nails for six bundles. The natural shed roofing material weathers beautifully but demands regular treatment to maintain weather resistance and prevent biological decay on wood shingles.
Some garden buildings need unusual shed roofing options. Polycarbonate sheets allow natural light into potting areas and garden workspaces, addressing a specific need that opaque roofing materials can't satisfy. These transparent or translucent panels transmit up to 90% of light while providing reasonable weather protection for your shed roof.
Polycarbonate sheets have a lifespan around 10-20 years. They're lightweight and easy to install compared to other shed roofing materials. We recommend them primarily where natural light matters more than absolute weatherproofing or longevity. Tool storage and winter plant areas don't benefit from transparent shed roofs, but garden rooms and hobby spaces do.
Onduline roofing has a design life of at least 15 years when the shed roof is fitted correctly. These bitumen corrugated sheets weigh considerably less than metal alternatives while providing decent weather resistance. The shed roofing material absorbs sound and can reduce rain noise by up to 50% compared to metal roofs.
Installation follows similar principles to metal roofing sheets but requires less robust supporting structure due to reduced weight. Onduline roofing costs £18-30 per square metre typically. The material suits garden sheds and outbuildings where ease of installation and ventilation matter more than maximum lifespan for your shed roof.
Roll roofing represents the simplest possible shed roof covering for temporary structures or very basic applications. The roofing material comes in continuous rolls that unroll across the surface and fix in place with adhesive or nails. Expect 5-8 years of service before shed roof replacement becomes necessary.
We rarely recommend roll roofing except for the most temporary shed installations. The roofing material doesn't compare favourably to proper felt roofing in terms of durability or appearance. It serves adequately for potting areas or basic tool storage where minimum investment makes sense for your shed.
Every shed roofing project demands consideration of multiple factors. The intended use of your garden shed influences which roofing material makes sense. Basic storage needs different protection than workshop space or living areas. A solid roof that keeps moisture out of your shed matters more as value of contents increases.
Clay roof tiles last around 60 years but prove impractical for most garden shed applications. The weight of roof tiles requires substantial structural support that garden buildings rarely possess. We mention roof tiles because some people inquire about traditional tile options, but almost never recommend them for typical outdoor buildings.
Flat shed roofs work best with seamless shed roofing materials. EPDM, GRP fibreglass, and torch-on felt roofing all perform well on zero-pitch or very low-pitch shed roof structures. The lack of gravitational water movement on flat shed roofs demands roofing materials that form complete waterproof barriers rather than relying on overlapping layers.
Pitched shed roofs handle water through simple drainage. Steeper angles allow more shed roofing options because gravity assists shedding. Roofing shingles of all types work well on shed roofs with pitches above 15 degrees. Metal roofing sheets and felt roofing suit nearly any pitch from flat to steep on your shed roof.
Looking at initial material prices misleads people constantly. A new shed roof covered in basic felt roofing costs £150-200 for materials on a typical 3x2 metre garden shed structure. That seems economical until you factor in replacement every 7-8 years. After 30 years, you've spent £600-800 on roofing materials alone, plus labour for four shed roof installations.
EPDM costs £400-500 upfront for the same shed roof but lasts the entire 30-year period. Actual cost proves lower despite higher initial outlay. This cost effectiveness becomes more pronounced when you account for time and disruption of multiple felt roofing replacements for your shed roof.
Metal roofing sheets occupy the middle ground. Corrugated steel panels run £250-350 fitted on our example shed roof, delivering 40+ years without significant maintenance. You pay more than felt roofing but less than EPDM for your shed roofing materials, getting durability that rivals the best roofing options.
We find customers struggle with this analysis because the upfront difference feels substantial for shed roofing materials. £500 versus £200 seems like a major gap when buying materials for your shed roof. Over the shed's actual lifespan, the £300 difference becomes negligible compared to avoided replacement costs and extended protection for contents inside the garden shed.
Some shed roofing materials demand professional installation. GRP fibreglass work requires specific skills and equipment that DIY enthusiasts typically lack. Mistakes during application compromise the entire shed roof covering, leading to premature failure. We strongly recommend professional installation for fibreglass systems on your shed roof.
Felt roofing sits at the opposite end of the skill spectrum for shed roofs. Almost anyone can install felt roofing with basic tools and reasonable care. The forgiving nature allows minor errors without catastrophic consequences. This accessibility explains why felt roofing dominates the DIY garden shed market as an easy to install option.
EPDM falls somewhere between these extremes for shed roofing. Single-piece installations over simple rectangular shed roofs work well as DIY projects. More complex shapes or larger areas of shed roof covering benefit from professional help. The shed roofing material forgives some mistakes but demands attention to detail around edges and penetrations.
Metal roofing sheets require careful measurement and proper fixing technique. Installation itself isn't complex for shed roofs, but errors cause leaks or allow wind to lift panels. Most competent DIY enthusiasts succeed after researching proper techniques. Professional fitting guarantees results but adds £200-400 to project costs for your shed roof.
Location matters more than many garden shed owners realise. Coastal areas accelerate corrosion of metal components in harsh weather conditions. Salt air attacks galvanised steel faster than inland conditions. Aluminium or stainless steel fixings become necessary rather than optional in these harsh weather conditions for shed roofs.
Tree coverage affects different roofing materials distinctly. Overhanging branches drop leaves, sap, and debris constantly on your shed roof. Shed roofing materials with textured surfaces trap this organic matter, encouraging moss growth and moisture retention. Smooth shed roof coverings like EPDM or metal roofing sheets shed debris more effectively, reducing maintenance needs for your garden building.
Some garden shed owners prioritise environmental impact. EPDM uses synthetic rubber that isn't biodegradable but lasts so long that replacement frequency stays minimal. Metal roofing sheets often contain recycled content and remain fully recyclable at end of life. These durable shed roofing options reduce waste through longevity.
Wooden shingles offer renewable material credentials but require chemical treatment to prevent decay. The environmental calculation becomes complex quickly. We suggest focusing on longevity as the primary environmental factor. Shed roofing options that need replacing frequently generate more waste regardless of their supposedly natural origins.
We've guided hundreds of UK property owners through this shed roof choice at Checkaroof. As a trusted roofing company, we ensure the best shed roofing material matches your budget to needs without overspending or cutting corners that create problems later. A garden room deserves better shed roof protection than a basic tool structure. Storage for expensive equipment justifies premium shed roofing materials that basic garden waste storage doesn't require.
Weather conditions in your specific location affect shed roof performance. Exposed hilltop garden sheds face different challenges than sheltered garden positions. Your final shed roofing material choice should account for microclimate in your area, not just general UK weather conditions.
Consider your own skills honestly when planning shed roof installation. Professional fitting adds cost but guarantees results for your shed roof. DIY work saves money only if completed successfully. Budget for professional help on complex roofing materials unless you possess relevant experience. Your choice of shed roofing material determines how well it protects investment, how often you'll address maintenance, and how long before replacement becomes necessary.
Start by listing your priorities: budget, lifespan, appearance, and maintenance tolerance. Match these against the shed roofing options we've discussed. The right answer becomes clear when you weigh factors honestly rather than defaulting to whatever seems cheapest initially. Durability against your intended environment remains the primary concern when selecting roofing materials, with value measured across the entire lifespan rather than purchase price alone. Consider other roofing materials alongside these popular shed roofing options to find what truly suits your specific garden shed situation best.
