In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the step-by-step process of installing or replacing shed roof felt, ensuring a weatherproof and durable covering for your shed. Whether you are a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time shed owner, our expert instructions and valuable tips will help you achieve professional results and protect your shed from the elements for years to come. If you’re short on time or just need a quick visual guide, we’ve created a helpful infographic summarising all the key steps for shed roof felting. From preparation to installation, it’s an easy reference guide for beginners and experienced DIYers alike. Below you can preview our YouTube video demonstration and access our brand-new infographic by clicking the following link to jump straight there.
Editor’s Note [29.11.24]: This guide on shed roof felting was first published on January 05, 2017, and later updated on August 21, 2023, with additional advice on preparing your shed roof and replacing shed roof felt effectively. In this latest update, we’ve improved readability, added advice on the different types of felt to consider and also a handy infographic guide to help you navigate the process visually. Whether you’re replacing felt on an old roof or tackling a new installation, this guide has been designed to make the process straightforward and stress-free.
Preparing for your shed felt installation
Proper preparation is key to successful shed roof felting. Before you begin, it is essential to prepare adequately for the project. Ensuring your tools and materials are ready beforehand will save you time and make the process smoother. Then assess the existing roof condition, ensuring it is free from any damage or defects that may affect the felting process. Shed roof felt replacement involves changing the entire felt.
Next, gather all the necessary tools and materials needed for the installation (see our section below). By carefully evaluating the roof condition and gathering the right tools and materials, you can lay the groundwork for a successful and long-lasting shed roof felting project. Proper preparation ensures the felting adheres securely to the roof, providing reliable protection against the elements of your shed.
How to choose the right shed felt for your needs
Picking the right shed roof felt might seem like a small decision, but it makes all the difference when it comes to keeping your shed protected. With so many options out there, it’s worth taking a moment to think about what your shed actually needs.
Standard felt
If your shed is in a quiet corner of the garden, shielded from the worst of the wind and rain, a standard inexpensive felt should do the job. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and perfect for smaller or less exposed sheds.
Heavy-duty felt
On the other hand, if your shed sits out in the open and takes a beating from the elements, a more heavy-duty option is the way to go. Look for reinforced felt that’s thicker and built to last. Some types even have polyester backing for extra strength—great if you’re worried about tears or wear over time.
Mineral-backed felt
Then there’s mineral-backed felt, which is a little tougher and can also look a bit smarter if you’re fussy about appearances. Speaking of looks, some roof felts even come in colours like green or grey, which can blend in nicely with the garden.
Self-adhesive options
For those looking to make the process as simple as possible, there’s self-adhesive felt. It’s exactly what it sounds like—just peel and stick, no need for endless tacking or nails. It’s a lifesaver if you’re short on time or tackling a smaller shed.
Of course, budget is always a consideration. While the cheapest felt might seem tempting, it’s worth remembering that spending a bit more upfront on higher-quality felt could save you money in the long run—less chance of leaks, less hassle with replacements.
At the end of the day, the right choice depends on how you use your shed, where it’s located, and how much you’re willing to invest. Once you’ve got that figured out, you’re one step closer to a watertight, long-lasting roof.
Shed roof felt replacement and installation instructions
Fortunately protecting the items in your shed is easy. You don’t need any specialised tools or a lot of time. The entire project can be completed quickly; a small shed will most likely be completed in about an hour.
The project can be easily done by yourself, but obviously will be easier and faster if you have a helper.
1. Prepare your tools and materials
When roofing a shed, ensure your tools are not just prepared but in good working condition—dull blades on utility knives or rusty tacks can slow the process and result in poor-quality work.
Having all the items ready and organised beforehand will make the installation process smoother and more efficient:
- A hammer (a claw hammer is best; this helps to remove nails from old felting)
- Step ladder or scaffold tower
- A level, which can double as a straight edge
- Craft knife (also called utility knife or roofing knife)
- A tape measure
- A chalk line (a tool used to create straight and level guidelines on the roof surface)
- Roofing tacks (Don’t use other types of nails or tacks as they will often allow water to seep through)
- Barge boards (Be sure that they are at least the same width as the shed’s eaves, a few cm wider is ok as well)
- Shed roof felting
- Underlay or base layer
- Felt adhesive or sealant
- Safety equipment – including safety gloves, safety glasses or goggles and a dust mask
To determine the amount of roofing felt you need, measure the roof to determine the square meters and add about 25%.
2. Clean the roof surface
Ensure the roof surface is clean before starting the installation. When installing or replacing shed roof felt, take extra care to remove all remnants of old adhesive or nails, as these can create uneven surfaces that weaken the new felt’s durability. Having safety gloves, a brush and bin bag to hand will help with removing unwanted objects.
3. Installing your shed roof felt
Once you have your tools and materials ready and the surface is clean, the process of installing or replacing shed roof felt is fairly simple.
- It is essential to use an underlay or base layer when installing shed roof felt. The underlay or base layer provides an additional protective barrier between the roof surface and the felt, enhancing its waterproofing capabilities, and increasing its durability. It also helps to prevent condensation and improve the shed's overall insulation, ensuring better long-term performance and weather resistance
- Cut the roofing felt into the lengths you need to cover the roof from front to back. Cut the felt about 10cm longer than the length of the shed.
- Place the first piece at one edge and tack the front and back. You want about a 40mm overlap at the eaves.
- Work your way up the panel to the apex of your shed’s roof. Be sure that adjacent pieces overlap by about 20cm. This prevents water from seeping between the two pieces of felt. If you can cover each panel with a single piece of felt, you still want to have a piece that goes across the apex and overlaps each side.
- Once you have all of the pieces in place, it is time to tack them down. Space the tacks about 150mm apart along the edges and across any areas where the felt overlaps.
- Fold the felt along the edges of the shed and tack them in place. You want to eliminate any areas where water can seep in.
- For the apex piece, you will want to cut a slit and fold the piece under and secure it with tacks.
- Take the barge boards and cover the edges on all sides. You should use standard nails for this part of the project. If your barge boards are slightly wider than the eaves, make sure they are flush along the upper edge.
- Now take your craft knife and carefully cut away any excess felt. You want your felt to be nice and tight. Excess felt not only spoils the look of the shed but can eventually cause damage to the felt’s integrity.
That’s it. All that is left is to put away your tools, secure in the knowledge that the items in your shed are protected from all of the elements.
Best tips and practices for replacing shed roof felt
Following these best tips and practices to install felt, which will endure for many years:
- Clean and prepare the roof – this ensures there is an even surface
- Properly overlap and seal - ensure each layer of felt is overlapping the previous one by at least 2 inches to create a watertight seal. Use adhesive or sealant at the edges and overlaps to prevent water from seeping underneath
- Safety precautions - when installing felt on a shed roof, always prioritise safety. Use proper safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from any sharp objects or adhesives. Additionally, ensure you work on a stable and secure surface and avoid installation during adverse weather conditions to prevent accidents and injuries
- Secure the felting - use appropriate roofing nails to secure the felt to the roof, following manufacturer guidelines. Properly nail down the felting to prevent it from lifting or shifting during harsh weather conditions
- Trim with precision - use a sharp utility knife to trim the edges of the felt neatly and accurately. Proper trimming ensures a clean and professional finish, reducing the risk of potential damage caused by loose or frayed edges
- Use quality materials - invest in high-quality shed felt and underlay or base layer. Quality materials provide better durability and weather resistance, ensuring long-lasting protection for your shed
- Work in dry conditions – it is essential to install shed roof felt in dry weather conditions. Wet or damp surfaces can compromise the adhesive and affect the felting's effectiveness
Video demonstration
For a video guide on how to felt a shed roof then please click on the YouTube link below.
Common mistakes to avoid when replacing shed roof felt
Making mistakes during garden shed roof felting can lead to costly repairs and compromised protection. Learn from these common errors to ensure the job of replacing shed roof felt work goes perfectly.
1) Insufficient preparation
One of the most significant mistakes is insufficiently preparing the roof surface. Failing to clean, repair, and smooth the surface can result in poor adhesion and leaks.
2) Wrong felting material uses
Using the wrong type of felting material for your shed can lead to inefficiency and inadequate weatherproofing. Ensure you choose the appropriate felting material based on the shed's size, location, and climate.
3) Failure to overlap or seal
Ignoring proper overlapping and sealing can leave vulnerable gaps in the roof, allowing water to penetrate. Be diligent in ensuring that all edges are adequately overlapped and sealed to create a watertight seal.
Maintenance and longevity
To ensure the longevity of your shed roof felt replacement, regular inspections and proactive upkeep are vital. Conduct routine inspections to check for any signs of wear, tears, or damage on the felt surface. Address any issues promptly, such as applying patch repairs or resealing any exposed edges or overlaps. For added durability after a shed roof felt replacement, consider using a protective topcoat over exposed edges, especially if your shed is in a windy or high-moisture area.
By staying vigilant and maintaining your shed roof in good condition, you can extend its lifespan and preserve the integrity of your shed. For more information on repairing and maintaining your shed, see our How to Repair a Shed Guide.
Handy infographic guide to shed roof felting
If you prefer a quick and visual breakdown of the process, our shed roof felting infographic is the perfect place to start. It simplifies all the key steps for replacing shed roof felt, from preparation to installation, into a clear, easy-to-follow format.
Whether you're a beginner or just looking for a refresher, this handy guide ensures you won’t miss any crucial details. Take a look at the preview below, or click to access the full infographic. This resource is especially helpful if you want to reference the main steps while working on your shed roof or need a visual summary of the entire process.
Looking for other shed roofing options?
While shed roof felt is one of the most popular materials, it’s not the only option. For a deeper look at other options including EPDM, check out: Best Shed Roofing Materials & Options: EPDM or Shed Roof Felting, Which Is Best? If you’re considering alternatives like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or polycarbonate sheets, take a look at our Guide to Shed Roof Replacement. This detailed guide explores a variety of roofing materials and walks you through the replacement process step by step.
Conclusion
Shed roof felt replacement and correct installation during the initial build is a crucial process to ensure your shed remains protected from the elements and maintains its longevity. We have covered the key steps from proper surface preparation to precise installation and the importance of using quality materials. Achieving professional results in your shed roof felt replacement guarantees a weatherproof and durable covering, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your garden shed for years to come.
To recap the process at a glance, be sure to check out our visual infographic guide, which highlights all the main steps and tips for a smooth shed roof felt replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shed felt last?
Well, looked after shed felt can last between 10 and 20 years, but to get the full 20 years of weatherproofed use, you must purchase the best quality shed felt you can afford, install it properly, and rigorously maintain your shed felt by spending time preventing any damage, to ensure your waterproof shed roof covering continues to keep the contents of your garden shed dry and secure over its entire life span. 20 years might seem like a long time, but in the life of your shed, it is nothing!
Contact us
If you are looking to buy shed roof felt replacement, we can help! We have a wide choice of EPDM available, and our team is always available to answer your questions. Contact Shedstore in these ways:
- Phone calls - 0333 003 0518
- E-mails – these can be sent using our contact page form
- Text chats - using the live chat app