The Ultimate Guide to Shed Roofing: What You Need to Know Before You Re-Roof

Whether you’re protecting a lifetime of garden tools or just keeping the lawnmower dry, your shed roofing plays a more important role than most people think. In the UK, where rain, frost, and high winds are par for the course, tired, leaking shed roofing won’t last long. But the good news is… replacing it is easier (and more affordable) than you might expect.

Here’s everything you need to know about shed roofing from what materials to use and how to fit them, to how to give your new roof reliability for years to come.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Shed Roof?

Some signs are obvious – visible leaks, wet timbers or parts of the old felt have torn away in the wind. But other signs can include:

• Sagging boards or ponding water
• Moss or algae growth
• Sunlight visible through gaps in the roof
• A damp smell can signal rotting timber
• Higher than usual presence of bugs (such as woodlice)

Don’t wait too long if you spot any of the signs or suspect the current waterproofing is failing. Water ingress can quickly damage both the roof and the structure, especially if the shed’s frame isn’t pressure-treated.

Shed Roofing Options: What’s Best?

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to shed roofing and each material comes with pros and cons. Let’s look at some of the most common in more detail.

1. EPDM Rubber Roofing

A standout choice for longevity and low maintenance, EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane used widely in flat roofing. It is perfect for sheds and is increasing popular in the UK. EPDM can be purchased in kit-form for shed roofing at PermaRoof – all off-the-shelf and ideal for DIY.

Pros:

• Lasts 20–30+ years
• UV and weather-resistant
• One-piece membrane = no joins, fewer leaks
• Easy DIY installation with adhesives

Ideal for: Flat or low-pitch sheds, garden offices, summerhouses

2. Traditional Felt Roofing

Still a common choice for smaller sheds, felt is cost-effective and easy to fit, although it doesn’t last as long.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Available at most DIY stores
• Quick to install

Cons:

• 5-10-year lifespan
• Can tear in storms or crack in sun

Ideal for: Budget-friendly projects, temporary storage

3. Corrugated Roofing Sheets (Bitumen or Metal)

Corrugated sheets give a more industrial look and work best on pitched sheds. They’re usually fixed with nails or screws directly to timber battens.

Pros:

• Water runs off easily
• Durable in wind and rain
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Noisy in rain or hail
• Can require extra framing
• Less attractive on a garden shed

Ideal for: Workshops, large storage sheds, farm buildings

Why More Shed Owners Are Choosing EPDM

EPDM is fast becoming the go-to shed roofing material, especially for those looking to fit once and forget. Here’s why:

• It is typically installed in a single sheet, so there are no vulnerable joins to worry about
• It doesn’t crack in sun or go brittle in winter
• It fits like a glove over a flat roof, especially when paired with water-based and contact adhesives
• It’s incredibly lightweight and requires no reinforcement
• DIY-friendly kits make it easy even for first-timers

If your shed is a garden office, hobby room or tool haven, EPDM gives you peace of mind that everything inside will stay bone dry for decades.

Top Tips for Re-Roofing a Shed

1. Check your decking

• Before fitting a new roof, check the timber underneath for signs of rot. Replace any warped or water-damaged boards.

2. Dry weather is your friend

• Aim to install your new roof on a clear, dry day (ideally over 5°C) for adhesives to bond and cure fully.

3. Don’t skip the overhang

• Always allow a small overhang of roofing material beyond the shed walls to ensure proper drainage.

4. Use compatible adhesives

• Especially with EPDM rubber, make sure you use the correct water-based and/or contact adhesives supplied in your kit.

5. Secure properly

• Make sure corners and edges are firmly sealed. With EPDM, this sometimes means using a contact adhesive around the perimeter and water-based adhesive for the main deck.

FAQs About Shed Roofing

Can I install a shed roof myself?

• Yes! Most shed roofing materials (especially EPDM and felt) are designed with DIY in mind. EPDM kits usually come with everything you need and clear instructions.

How long will an EPDM shed roof last?

• 20-30 years or more with minimal maintenance. It’s one of the longest-lasting options available.

Do I need to remove the old felt first?

• For the best results, we’d always recommend that you remove any old roofing before installing a new one. Leaving it underneath can trap moisture and lead to rot.

Can I install EPDM on a pitched shed roof?

• EPDM is best suited for flat or low-pitch roofs. For steeper pitches, a PVC membrane, self-adhesive EPDM, felt or corrugated sheets may be easier to install securely.

Budget for the Long Term

A watertight, durable shed roof is one of the best investments you can make to protect your garden gear and belongings. Whether you go for a budget option or long-life EPDM rubber, replacing your shed roofing is a typically straightforward job with big benefits.

Looking to reroof your shed? Check out our full range of EPDM shed roof kits, complete with membrane, adhesive, and fitting guide – all designed to make roofing your shed a breeze.

PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.