How To Refelt A Shed Roof

Many homeowners have sheds in their backyard to store tools, equipment, or other items. Over time, the roof of a shed may start to deteriorate. It can develop leaks or gaps, leading to water damage and compromising the integrity of the shed. One way to address this issue is by refelting the shed roof. In this article, we will guide you through the process of refelting a shed roof.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before beginning the refelting process, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

Roofing felt
Roofing nails or staples
A hammer or staple gun
A utility knife
A tape measure
An adhesive or sealant

Prepare the Shed Roof

To ensure a smooth and successful refelting process, it is crucial to prepare the shed roof beforehand. Follow these steps:

Clear the roof: Remove any debris, such as leaves, branches, or dirt, from the shed roof. This will give you a clean working surface.
Inspect for damage: Carefully examine the roof for any signs of damage, such as holes or cracks. Address these issues before proceeding with the refelting process. Repair any damaged sections if needed.
Remove the old felt: If your shed already has old roofing felt, you’ll need to remove it. Use a utility knife to cut through the felt and peel it away from the roof. Be cautious while doing this to avoid damaging the underlying structure.

Install the New Roofing Felt

Once the roof is prepared, it’s time to install the new roofing felt. Follow these steps:

Measure and cut the felt: Measure the dimensions of your shed roof using a tape measure. Add a few extra inches to each side for overhang. Use a utility knife to cut the roofing felt to the appropriate size.
Position the felt: Start at one edge of the shed roof and carefully position the roofing felt, ensuring it aligns neatly with the eaves. Make sure to maintain an overhang of a few inches on each side.
Secure with nails or staples: To secure the roofing felt, use either roofing nails or staples. Start at one end and work your way towards the other, attaching the felt to the roof with a hammer or a staple gun. Place the nails or staples about 6-8 inches apart, ensuring they penetrate through the felt and into the roof structure underneath.
Overlap the felt: As you move along, overlap each subsequent strip of felt with the previous one by a few inches. This will create a watertight seal and prevent any water from seeping through the joints.

Finish the Job

Once all the roofing felt is securely in place, follow these final steps to complete the refelting process:

Trim the excess felt: Use a utility knife to trim off any excess roofing felt that hangs over the edges of the shed roof. This will give your shed a clean and polished appearance.
Apply adhesive or sealant: To further enhance the waterproofing capabilities of your shed roof, apply an adhesive or sealant along the edges and seams of the roofing felt. This will help seal any potential gaps and prevent water from infiltrating.

Conclusion

Refelting a shed roof can be a simple and cost-effective way to extend the life of your shed and protect its contents. By following the steps outlined in this article and ensuring you have the necessary materials, you can successfully refelt your shed roof and provide it with the protection it needs against the elements. Remember to prioritize safety while working at heights and take your time to achieve a high-quality end result.