The shed roofing material you choose is crucial whether you are building a new shed or redoing the roof of your existing garden. You need your shed to be watertight and weatherproof in all weathers. A shed gives you extra space to store items that would otherwise be stored in your house, take up valuable room, or be used as an additional room away from home. We will compare shed roofing materials to help you decide on the best roofing material for your shed.
What is the Best Material to Put on a Shed?
Nowadays, there is an extensive array of different roofing materials from which you can choose. But sometimes, having a bigger choice can be tricky! When considering the best roofing materials for your shed, you need to consider your budget, the size, and how sturdy and weatherproof you need your shed to be. These factors will help you choose the best shed roofing material.
Top Shed Roofing Materials
There are many roofing materials available on the market today. We will examine the different types to help you determine the best shed roofs.
Polycarbonate roofing
Polycarbonate is an affordable and practical choice of roofing material. The lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and install. It is durable and resilient, making it a great, long-lasting option for your shed. It is easy to fit for those with basic DIY skills. It has the added advantage of being transparent, which means it will give you a lot of light within your shed, which needs improvement. Remember that many sheds have no power, so the only light will be natural daylight. Using a solid roof will decrease the light within the shed, making it harder to find things, especially during the darker winter months.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles are made of fibreglass or organic mats. They are affordable and easy to install, which makes them a good choice for those who enjoy DIY. They come in various colours and styles, so you can choose a style for your shed that matches existing structures. They provide good weatherproofing, though they are incredibly lightweight, so they could risk getting blown off in extreme winds if they are not fixed down correctly.
EPDM rubber
One of the notable benefits of EPDM rubber roofing is that it can be used on a flat roof. It comes as a single sheet in a roll, so there will be no joins after installation. This makes it very weatherproof, as it is often on joins where the weather can creep into a shed and cause problems. While not the most aesthetically pleasing roofing solution, its resilience makes up for its appearance.
Metal roofing
Another popular choice is metal roofing, which is durable and requires little maintenance if correctly installed. It comes in sheets and is easy to install and handle. A metal roof may be a different look than you are going for, but if you want a solid and long-lasting roof, metal could be a good choice.
Roll roofing
Rolled roofing is an affordable option, which makes it a popular choice for those on a tight budget. It comes on a roll and is easy to install. The main downside to rolling roofing is its relatively short lifespan compared to other roofing materials. However, if you want a cheap and practical roofing solution for the shorter term, then roll roofing is a good choice.
Wood shingles
Wood shingles can be made from many types of wood. This gives your roof a lovely natural appearance that can blend into the overall vibe of your garden, unlike man-made materials. Wood shingles vary in price according to the type of wood used, but they are easy to install and give excellent weatherproofing qualities that last a long time.
Wood shakes
While similar to wood shingles, wood shakes are finished in a rougher, hand-cut style. They are thicker and less uniform in appearance. Famous for roofing garden sheds, they give a lovely organic feel to the finish whilst maintaining excellent weatherproofing throughout their lifespan.
Felt shingles
Another commonly used roofing material, felt shingles, are long-lasting, durable and easy to install. They give an excellent finish. Their ease of installation can be a bonus for homeowners, as replacing damaged or missing roofing shingles is accessible if needed.
Clay roof tiles
Clay roofing tiles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, with lifespans of around 60 years. This longevity is reflected in their higher price. However, they may be a good choice if you plan to stay at your property and have the money to invest in them.
Bitumen shingles
Bitumen shingles are easy to install and give an excellent waterproof finish. They come in a range of dark colours, which means they can be prone to absorbing heat, which could make your shed hot in the summer months. However, they are a good solution as an affordable and practical choice for your shed roof.
Metal roofing sheets
Metal roofing sheets are practical and hard-wearing. They are easy to install and require little or no maintenance during their lifetime, making them a good solution for an affordable shed roof project.
Is a Warm or Cold Roofing Better For a Shed?
As always, it depends on what you want to use your garden shed for. If your shed is used for storage, as long as it is watertight, the roof design is less critical. If you are using your shed as a garden room, you must ensure that the shed maintains a pleasant temperature. A warm shed roof with insulation on the rafters is the best solution if you are tall enough. If you need to limit the height of your shed roof due to planning regulations, then a cold shed roof allows you to place the insulation between the rafters, keeping the overall height of the structure down.
What is the Best Thickness For Shed Roof?
The thickness will again depend on what you want to use the shed for. A simple storage shed in your garden can be built with a thinner but robust roofing material to ensure good weatherproofing. However, a shed used as a garden room will require insulation to regulate the temperature. The insulation will mainly add thickness to the shed roof rather than the final roofing material.
How to Make a Shed Roof Look Nice?
It is not only your roof’s practicalities that need consideration but also its appearance. After all, we can spend much time looking out at the gardens and sheds in our homes! Think about where your shed is located and how visible the shed roof is. If it is tucked away in a hidden corner, then the appearance of the shed roof is less critical. However, if it is evident, then it is worth thinking about how to make the shed roof look pleasing to the eye. Choosing a roofing material that you like is essential. Also, consider the appearance when installing it, and ensure it fits well and neatly with a tidy finish.
Create Your Ideal Shed With Glazing Systems
Here at Glazing Systems, we pride ourselves on the high level of service and quality that we deliver to our customers. We stock an extensive range of polycarbonates and corrugated sheets, ideal for your shed roofing. Polycarbonate sheets are easy to install, affordable, and have the bonus of allowing natural light into your shed. So, it is easy to see why many of our customers use this roofing type. You can see our range of polycarbonate roofing sheets here, or you can call our helpful and friendly team today on 01942 871183.
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