Essential Shed Roof Felt: What You Need

Embarking on the task of felt roofing your shed can seem daunting, but with the right tools, materials, and know-how, it's a manageable DIY project. This guide will walk you through the essentials of what you need to felt a shed roof, ensuring a durable, weather-resistant finish that will protect your shed for years to come.

Before you start, it's crucial to understand that felt roofing is a temporary solution, typically lasting around 10-15 years. It's an affordable option for sheds, but if you're looking for a more permanent solution, you might want to consider other roofing materials like metal or asphalt shingles.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having the correct tools and materials is key to a successful felt roofing project. Here's a list of what you'll need:

1. **Roofing Felt**: Also known as tar paper or builder's felt, this is the primary material for your shed roof. You'll need enough to cover your roof twice, as felt is typically applied in two layers.

Types of Roofing Felt

There are two main types of roofing felt: 15lb and 30lb. The number refers to the weight of the felt per square foot. 15lb felt is suitable for sheds with a gentle slope, while 30lb felt is heavier duty and ideal for steeper roofs or areas with heavy snowfall.

Additionally, you can choose between organic and synthetic felt. Organic felt is made from wood pulp and rag fibers, while synthetic felt is made from polyester or fiberglass. Synthetic felt is more durable and tear-resistant but also more expensive.

Other Essential Materials

1. **Roofing Nails**: You'll need roofing nails to secure the felt to your roof. Galvanized nails are a good choice as they resist corrosion.

2. **Roofing Tar or Asphalt Cement**: This is used to seal the felt and prevent water from penetrating. It's typically applied along the edges and at the seams.

3. **Drip Edge**: A drip edge is a metal flashing that runs along the edge of your roof. It helps to direct water away from your roof and fascia, preventing water damage.

Preparation and Installation

Before you begin installing the felt, there are some preparations you need to make:

1. **Clean the Roof**: Remove any debris, moss, or algae from your roof. A clean roof ensures better adhesion of the felt.

Installing the Felt

1. **Start at the Bottom**: Begin installing the felt at the bottom of your roof, working your way up. This ensures that any water that gets under the felt will run off instead of being trapped.

2. **Overlap the Felt**: Lay the felt in horizontal strips, overlapping each strip by about 2 inches. This ensures that water can't seep between the strips.

3. **Secure the Felt**: Use roofing nails to secure the felt to your roof. Space the nails about 6 inches apart along the seams and edges, and about 12 inches apart in the field of the roof.

4. **Apply Tar or Asphalt Cement**: Once the felt is secured, apply a layer of tar or asphalt cement along the edges and at the seams. This provides an extra layer of protection against water penetration.

5. **Install the Drip Edge**: Finally, install the drip edge along the edge of your roof. This helps to direct water away from your roof and fascia.

With these steps, you've successfully felted your shed roof. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning debris and inspecting for damage, will help ensure the longevity of your felt roof. Happy shed roofing!