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Finishing options on a garden shed roof
Felt Shingles
Felt shingles are a very attractive alternative to the standard type of mineral felt traditionally used to roof the shed in one sheet. They are cut strips of mineral felt which, when insitu, give the impression of being tiles.
The quality of a felt is measured by weight, with the standard “shed grade” felt on the market typically being 18kg and having a life expectancy of 5 years. Superior mineral felt for shed roofs may be 38kg with a life expectancy of 10 years.
The appearance will stay broadly the same from day one although the coloured versions can fade with exposure to sunlight.
Wooden Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles are wooden tiles which, when new, are all the beautiful colours of orange and red that come with natural cedar wood. The best grade of cedar shingles are known as blue grade.
After a few months of weathering the shingles turn to a silvery grey colour. They continue to provide a completely weatherproof roof and will last for decades. As cedar is a living wood the individual tiles will move and can give the appearance of warping, this is a totally natural effect of the wood and does not affect its performance.
Man-made Composite Slate Tiles
These are man-made slate composite tiles. They are the same tiles as used on modern houses and look like natural slate. They are a little more uniform than the natural alternative. Each tile is attached individually and will last for decades without maintenance. The appearance will stay the same from Day One.
Metal Cladding
Since Victorian times, corrugated steel has been used to roof sheds and was initially popular on the railways and plateman huts. It lasts well, is light and structurally can take fair size spans without support. These days this type of metal sheet roof is available in several different profiles and finishes.
Metal is being used more and more as it is particularly suitable to fit over the top of an otherwise old roof as it is lightweight and highly durable. It can be described as “industrial” in style.
Growing or Living Roof
This is a great idea, put a layer of soil on the roof and let appropriate plants grow. It looks good, provides great insulation, is good for bees & insects and is good for rain run off. There are lots of options available for this; from having pre planted trays that can just sit on the roof to a full depth of soil in which you can grow your own plants. Do remember that soil is heavy and it is unlikely that a shed, unless specifically designed, will be able to take this weight over time.