How To Replace A Shed Roof
Date Published: September 15th, 2020
Felt roofing on sheds can sometimes become susceptible to the elements. Once damage occurs, your shed can soon deteriorate past the point of repair. This can be due to damp and water damage caused by issues with the shed roof. If you keep tools or furniture in your shed, it’s important to know how you can replace your felt roofing when the time comes.
With the autumn and winter months upon us, there has never been a better time to learn how to replace a shed roof. Although it’s not a typical DIY project, replacing the roof can come in handy if you’ve experienced damage that needs to be repaired quickly.
What You’ll Need
Before tackling your shed roof replacement, you’ll need to gather the right tools for the job. These include:
- Hammer
- Utility Knife
- Ladder
- Tape Measure
- Screwdrivers
- Tacks
Note: please check which screwdrivers you need before starting. You can check this by looking at the screws attached to your finials and fascia boards.
Remove Your Finials & Fascia Boards
These can be either screwed on or nailed into the shed structure. They should be easy to remove once the screws are removed. If you notice any damage or rot, make sure to replace them before any more damage is done. You can replace these with a local timber merchant.
Remove The Damaged Felt
Felt is usually stapled or tacked onto the shed itself. You can remove these with the back of your hammer or a flat screwdriver. Try not to damage any of the shed's integral structure when doing this, as any damage to the wood can cause more issues in the future and may mean that some of the structure needs to be replaced. Once the old felt has been removed, dispose of it in the correct manner. If you’re not sure how to, visit your local waste centre and someone will be able to help you further.
Measure & Cut Your New Felt
This can be done by measuring the length of your shed roof and cutting the felt. When doing this, allow for a 1 or 2 inch overlap on all sides. Once cut, hold it in place over the shed structure to ensure that it fits.
Secure The New Felt
Whether you’re using tacks or staples, always secure the felt smooth and in 6 inch intervals. If you find that any felt is sticking up and doesn’t lay flat, remove the corresponding tack and refit the felt.
Re-Attach Your Fascia Boards & Finials
Once the felt is secure, fix the fascia boards and finials back into the original positions and trim the excess felt away. To prolong the lifespan of the wood, treat with a preservative over the cold months.