The roof is a crucial part of every shed as it protects it from the weather. Above all, it has to be waterproof and durable. A new shed roof should also be reliable, durable, cost-effective, and attractive. There are many shed roof materials to choose from, which is a good thing in one way, but it also makes it difficult if you don’t know what to choose. In this handy guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about each shed roof material, what might make it perfect for your needs, and the pros and cons of each.
Most Important Factors When Choosing a Material for Your Shed Roof
If you want the best material for your shed roof, you must consider certain essential factors.
1. Waterproof
You could be storing various things in your shed, which means they need to stay dry. Therefore, the shed roof materials you use for your shed roof should be waterproof. But that’s not the only consideration. Your shed roof should also withstand a buildup of snow and ice if the location where you live is prone to such weather.
The waterproofness of your shed roof can also be affected by the method used for installing different roofing materials.
For example, some shed style roof materials have to overlap when installed as this provides a continuous surface for the water to flow down.
Some shed roofing materials have to be attached to the shed style roof using nails or screws, leaving holes where the water might leak. On the other hand, some shed roof materials use tape or adhesive, which means there’s no problem with holes.
2. Appearance
Your garden shed has a vital part to play in the aesthetics of your outdoor space, so it must be visually appealing.
There are many different shed styles so make sure that you choose wisely.
If your roof is unattractive, it’s not going to be nice to look at for you or your neighbors.
In addition, an ugly shed could affect the appraisal value of your home should you ever decide to sell.
Suppose you live in a location that a housing association controls. You might want to check with them first whether there are any restrictions on the type of shed roofing materials you can use. It’s also important to check with your municipality for similar reasons.
3. Durability
The durability of your shed roof is a factor that depends on where you live and what weather is typical for your location. Ideally, shed roofing materials should withstand water penetration and strong winds because only then will it offer maximum protection.
You might also want a shed roof covering that requires little or no maintenance. If you don’t want to worry about leaks, pieces falling off when it’s windy, minimal patching or painting, you’ll have to pay a little bit more for maximum durability.
The most durable shed roof covering tends to be wood or cedar, asphalt shingles, metal, or felt. These are tried and tested materials that are known to last. Aside from these more traditional materials, there are lots of newer materials that could last just as long.
4. Lifespan
Ideally, you want your roof to last as long as possible without needing to be replaced. However, you have to weigh this up against the amount of money you want to spend.
5. Price
There are some things you need to weigh up regarding the price. The size of your budget has to be a critical factor. You also need to measure this up against how long you’d like your shed to last.
While saving money might be necessary, using cheap materials for shed roofs means it might need repairing or replacing very quickly.
On the other hand, if you can afford to spend a little more on shed roofing materials, the longevity and protection level will be much better.
Newer materials for shed roofs tend to be more expensive than more traditional ones, and the cheapest material is roofing felt. Still, it’s not as weatherproof or durable as most other materials available.
6. Ease of Installation
While installing shed roofs is something that can be done on the weekend, it’s still going to require a fair amount of effort.
However, some materials are easier to install on shed roofs than others. Shingles, for example, are relatively easy to install, and you could probably get it done in a few hours.
Some roofing materials, steel shed roofs, for example, require special fasteners. These add to the cost of your roof and might take you over budget. Additional items might also include underlayment, drip-edge, or roof vents. If you need these extras, make sure they’re compatible with the roofing material you choose.
7. Maintenance
How much maintenance shed roofs require depends on the roofing material. For example, a metal roof requires almost no maintenance at all, provided you’ve installed it correctly.
Whereas cedar shakes are prone to rotting or splitting so, you’ll need to service them regularly.
Which type of shed roofing material you choose depends on how much love and attention you want to give the roof. If your free time is precious, you might want to select a shed roof that requires little to no maintenance, such as steel or asphalt shingles.
8. Roof Pitch
The pitch of your shed roof will determine the type of shed roof materials you can use. However, initially, the roof's pitch will have been decided by the prevalent weather conditions in your location.
Your shed can have a flat roof or a pitch of as much as 20 degrees. In some instances, the roof style can have a pitch that can be even more. For example, if you live somewhere that experiences lots of snow or rain, the roof should have a steeper pitch.
Most Popular Shed Roofing Material Options
To give you an idea of what’s available and the various features, pros, and cons, let’s take a closer look at some of the roofing materials available.
Felt Shingles for a Shed Roof
Waterproof: impervious to water
Appearance: very attractive, and you can pick and choose colors, shapes, and sizes
Durability: not as durable as other materials
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Price: $9 to $10 per square foot
Ease of Installation: effortless to install
Maintenance: regular maintenance and repairs are necessary
Roof Pitch: the minimum pitch is 2/12, although 4/12 and steeper is ideal
Felt shingles are a popular alternative to roofing felt. You’ll find them in a range of colors and patterns, which means you’ve got lots of choices. In addition, they are a breeze to install using either nails or screws, while some are even adhesive.
Pros
Cost-effective
Easy to install
A wide array of shapes, sizes, and colors are available
Robust material that stands up to sub-zero winters and intensely hot summers
Cons
Shorter lifespan than other materials
Frequent maintenance and replacement required
Underlayment and fasteners add to the overall cost
Metal Roofing Shingles for Shed Roofing
Waterproof: yes, metal shingles are very waterproof
Appearance: very attractive, and they look just like shingles
Durability: Very durable, although they do fade in time
Lifespan: some manufacturers offer lifetime guarantees
Price: the price depends on the metal. For example, steel shingles are $1.50 per square foot, while copper could cost upward of $150 per square foot
Ease of installation: specialist installation might be required
Maintenance: minimal maintenance
Roof pitch: the pitch depends on the type of metal roofing shingle. For example, a crimped style shingle requires a 3/12 pitch
Concerning price and durability, metal shingles are very similar to metal/bitumen roof sheets. However, they are far more attractive than metal roofing sheets because they look just like shingles. You purchase them in 10-packs, and they interlock together.
Pros
Exceedingly durable
Visually attractive
Reflects the heat
Cons
More expensive than many other roofing materials
They can be noisy for a garden shed's roof
Metal roofs can be noisy
Asphalt Shingles for a Shed Roof
Waterproof: they are waterproof as long as they don’t get damaged
Appearance: various colors and styles are available
Durability: weather can loosen them, and moss, algae, and fallen leaves can cause damage
Lifespan: the average lifespan on a garden shed is between 20 and 30 years
Price: $1.50 per square foot
Ease of Installation: one of the easiest materials to install
Maintenance: periodic maintenance is essential
Roof Pitch: minimum of a 2/12 slope
Asphalt shingles are easy and cheap to install on a garden shed. All you need is a hammer and roofing nails. This type of shingle is also very durable.
Pros
Very affordable
Extremely durable
Installation is easy
Cons
Not particularly attractive
It won’t work on flat roof outlets
They are prone to absorbing heat
Wooden Shingles for a Shed Roof
Waterproof: not waterproof, so they are only suitable for roofs with a steep pitch
Appearance: very attractive
Durability: very durable
Lifespan: untreated, they will last 15 years, but with the proper maintenance, wooden shingles can last as much as 24 years
Price: $2 per square foot
Ease of Installation: reasonably easy to install
Maintenance: minimal maintenance is required
Roof Pitch: the roof pitch should be 4/12 minimum
The best type of wood for a roof is cedar. It is highly durable and makes for a beautiful shed roof. They are also a natural material, which is essential for many people.
Pros
Very attractive
Natural material
Very durable
Cons
Not waterproof
UV damage can be an issue
Rubber Shingles for Shed Roofing
Waterproof: they are water-resistant rather than waterproof
Appearance: they look like traditional shingles, so they are beautiful
Durability: exceedingly durable.
Lifespan: up to five decades
Price: $0.40 per square foot
Ease of installation: installation is simple as you just cut them to size depending on the shape of the shed roof
Maintenance: minimal maintenance is required
Roof pitch: to reduce the risk of water penetration, the pitch of the roof should be 2/12 and no lower
The popularity of rubber shingles is increasing because the installation is straightforward, and they’re very durable. They are also a very eco-friendly option because they’re made from recycled tires. The manufacturer guarantees their lifespan up to a maximum of 50 years. In addition, they are water-resistant and resistant to impacts, UV light, and fire.
Pros
Immensely durable
Exceedingly long-lasting
Very easy to install
Cons
It can smell a bit rubbery
It’s not suitable if your location experiences high winds
Composite Shingles for a Shed Roof
Waterproof: very waterproof
Appearance: very attractive, and they look just like slate or cedar roofing shingles
Durability: very durable
Lifespan: composite shingles often come with a lifetime warranty
Price: $1 to $2 per square foot
Ease of installation: easy to install
Maintenance: requires regular cleaning
Roof pitch: a minimum recommended pitch of 4/12
Composite roofing shingles are very eco-friendly as they are made from recycled rubber and plastic. They look just like cedar and slate shakes and are durable and long-lasting.
Pros
Very eco-friendly
Designed to look precisely like cedar and slate shake
Durable and long-lasting
Cheaper alternative to slate and cedar
Cons
This type of shingle can be expensive
Composite shingles are still very new, so they’ve not been tested
Three-tab Shingles for Shed Roofing
Waterproof: yes
Appearance: fairly attractive roof shingles
Durability: extremely durable
Lifespan: anywhere from 20 to 30 years, although the average is around 20
Price: $1.50 per square foot
Ease of Installation: much like any other roof shingles, they are easy to install
Maintenance: requires regular maintenance twice a year
Roof Pitch: ideally, the pitch of the roof should be at least 2/12
Pros
Not very expensive
Very long-lasting
Simple to install
Cons
Very unappealing visually
You can’t use them on a flat roof
They heat up in the summer
Wood Shakes for a Shed Roof
Waterproof: driving rain can be an issue
Appearance: very aesthetically pleasing and rustic looking
Durability: very durable, but they do need treating
Lifespan: if you treat them regularly, you can expect wood shakes to last more than four decades
Price: $4 per square foot
Ease of installation: easy to install
Maintenance: a regular treatment schedule has to be followed
Roof pitch: the roof pitch has to be 4/12 or more
Wood shakes are extremely beautiful to look at. They are cut by hand, which means their surface texture is slightly rougher than shingles, they don’t have perfectly straight sides, and they’re also thicker. A big attraction of shakes is that they’re not uniform. However, this feature means they are not as weatherproof as wooden shingles.
Pros
Rustic looking and very attractive
Will increase the value of your property
They reflect the heat
Cons
One of the more expensive materials
They aren’t weatherproof
Board-and-Batten Shed Roof
Waterproof: this material is not waterproof, so you have to install underlayment as well
Appearance: very beautiful and rustic looking
Durability: very susceptible to damage from UV rays, dead leaves, and similar debris
Lifespan: between 20 and 30 years
Price: $5 per square foot
Ease of installation: quite an involved process, plus you have to install underlayment first. You may need to hire a roofing contractor
Maintenance: cleaning the surface regularly will increase its lifespan
Roof pitch: a minimum pitch of 4/12 is essential
Board-and-batten is another very rustic material you can use for roofing. It consists of solid wooden boards and thinner strips (batten) to cover the gaps. The boards come in various widths, for example, 6”, 8”, or 10”, and the battens are usually 3” wide. The boards and batten can be either a type of pine, cedar, or redwood.
Pros
Visually appealing
Various installations types are available
Resistant to impact
Cons
Extremely expensive
Not weatherproof at all
Regular maintenance is essential
May require the services of a roofing contractor
Asphalt Shed Roofing Felt
Waterproof: relatively waterproof as long as it’s installed correctly
Appearance: not particularly attractive
Durability: for maximum durability, you have to install it correctly with the correct overlaps and sealed appropriately
Lifespan: on average, it should last around 15 years
Price: a roof that is 100 square feet shouldn’t cost any more than $40
Ease of installation: effortless to install as it comes on a roll, and adhesive is one installation method
Maintenance: very little maintenance is required, but repairs might be necessary
Roof pitch: you can apply asphalt roofing felt on a roof that has a slight slope or flat roofs
Thickness: boards are usually 1” thick
Asphalt roofing felt is felt that’s coated with asphalt on the underside and top. For extra protection, a granular coating is then added. You purchase this roofing material in rolls which makes it easy to install.
Pros
Very cheap to install
Installation and replacement is quick and easy
Resistant to impacts
You can use roll roofing on flat roofs
Cons
Shorter lifespan than many other materials
Not very attractive
Problems with heat absorption
Weather and UV light damages the granular layer
Corrugated Shed Roofing Sheets
Waterproof: very waterproof as long as they’re installed correctly
Appearance: not attractive unless you like the industrial look
Durability: most durable of all materials
Lifespan: approximately 50 years or more
Price: a roof of 100 square feet shouldn’t cost any more than $75 if the panels are steel, with aluminum panels costing just a little more. However, it could cost as much as $200
Ease of installation: challenging to install
Maintenance: no maintenance is required
Roof pitch: if you choose panels with raised seams, the roof pitch doesn’t have to be any more than .5/12
Thickness: various thicknesses are available, and they are measured in gauges. A low gauge is thicker, and it will also be more durable and more expensive
Corrugated shed roofing is one of the more durable roofing options. You purchase it in panels of varying sizes of between 27” and 48” and in 8’ or 10’ lengths. You can order the panels to run vertically if you want to minimize how many seams there are. Most panels will include a special coating that increases longevity.
Pros
One of the most durable roofing options
You can use it on roofs with shallow pitches
It reflects the heat
Cons
Not the cheapest of options
Installing corrugated roof sheets is challenging
Clay Shed Roof Tiles
Waterproof: clay roof tiles aren’t ideal when it comes to keeping any moisture out whatever the shed roof design
Appearance: clay tiles are very aesthetically appealing
Durability: extremely long-lasting
Lifespan: several decades
Price: total cost will vary depending on the type of clay tiles, but it can range from $0.40 per square foot to more than $100
Ease of installation: not as easy to install as other materials
Maintenance: minimal maintenance is required
Roof pitch: the roof slope should be at least 4/12. However, with a double layer of underlayment, it’s possible to lower the pitch to 2.5/12
Clay tiles will give your shed a certain amount of curb appeal. They’re not too common, but we’ve been using them for centuries and have proven that they work. One downside is that moisture penetration can be a problem which means you’ll need to add a weatherproof underlayment.
Pros
They look stunning on a shed roof
They will last for many decades
You can choose between clay or concrete interlocking tiles
Cons
Your shed needs to be sturdy as clay tiles are heavy
Underlayment is essential
Very expensive
Concrete Shed Roofing Tiles
Waterproof: as long as you get the pitch right, they can be very waterproof
Appearance: particularly attractive
Durability: very durable.
Lifespan: they can last for decades
Price: $3 to $5 per square foot
Ease of installation: the supporting structure has to be sturdy
Maintenance: very little maintenance is needed
Roof pitch: 4/12 is the ideal pitch
Concrete tiles are just a modern version of traditional clay tiles. They are tremendously hard-wearing and a very durable option. However, a significant downside is that they’re very heavy. The subsurface of the shed needs to be very strong because it’s got to support a lot of extra weight.
Pros
Fireproof
Energy efficient
Extremely long-lasting and durable
Cons
They require substantial support structurally
It can be very costly
Concrete tiles are somewhat fragile
Plastic Shed Roof Tiles
Waterproof: very waterproof
Appearance: very attractive, with a wide choice of colors
Durability: extremely durable
Lifespan: 40 years
Price: $4 to $6 per square foot
Ease of installation: anyone with basic DIY skills will be able to install a shed roof
Maintenance: minimal maintenance required
Roof pitch: the roof pitch has to be 2/12
Polycarbonate Shed Roofing Panel
Waterproof: very waterproof
Appearance: not particularly attractive
Durability: it is easily scratched if your shed is underneath branches.
Lifespan: from between 10 and 20 years
Price: $2 per square foot
Ease of installation: easy to install using special fasteners and backing strips that are made of foam
Maintenance: minimal maintenance is required
Roof pitch: the minimum pitch is around 1/12
Polycarbonate roofing panels are made using super-strong plastic. It is excellent at withstanding harsh weather conditions. It’s always been a popular greenhouse material and anything else that requires a transparent cover. However, now you can buy it in a range of colors. It comes in panels that are 6’, 8’, 10’, and 12’ in length. All lengths are around 26 inches wide.
Pros
Block out UV light
Extreme temperatures aren’t an issue
Installation is easy
Cons
The panels dent and scratch very easily
Durability is not quite as good as other materials
You have to purchase the correct fasteners
EPDM Rubber Roofing Membrane
Waterproof: yes, EPDM rubber roofing is very waterproof
Appearance: not very attractive
Durability: very durable, although impacts can cause damage
Lifespan: 50+ years
Price: for a 100 square foot roof, it will cost around $80
Ease of installation: effortless to install
Maintenance: no maintenance is required
Roof pitch: you can install it on flat and low pitch roofs
This is a popular rubber roofing material for commercial buildings, especially flat or low-pitch roofs. The material is recycled rubber roofing, and you buy it in rolls. It’s super easy to install. Apply the adhesive and roll the membrane out to cover your shed roof. The seams are covered with a special tape made from latex.
Pros
Very affordable
It lasts a long time
Very lightweight
Cons
Impact damage and punctures can be a problem
Not very attractive
Fiberglass Mineral Surface Roll (MSR) Shed Roofing
Waterproof: reasonably waterproof
Appearance: not very attractive
Durability: not as durable as shingles
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
Price: $0.50 per square foot
Ease of installation: one of the easiest materials to install
Maintenance: minimal maintenance
Roof pitch: minimum 2/12
Rolled roofing is one of the cheapest and easiest shed roof materials to install. It’s also something most homeowners will be able to install themselves. Rolled roofing (MS) is a mineral-surfaced shed roof material that comes in rolls. However, it’s thinner and less durable than asphalt shingles.
Pros
Least expensive roofing material
You can cover a shed in less than an hour
Easy to cut to size
Cons
Only available in a few primary colors
Less durable than shingles
Short lifespan
Homeowner’s associations may not allow an MSR roof
Exterior Grade Plywood (CDX)
Waterproof: prolonged exposure to water will lead to water damage
Appearance: more attractive than OSB
Durability: as long as its pressure treated it will be very durable
Lifespan: pressure-treated CDX will last several decades
Price: $5 per square foot
Ease of installation: fairly easy to install
Maintenance: minimal maintenance required
Roof pitch: minimum 4/12
Thickness: 1/2” thick is ideal
Plywood is a popular choice because of its water resistance. It’s also structurally stable and low cost. CDX indicates that the material is construction grade and intended for exterior applications.
Pros
Resistance to water can be improved by pressure-treating the CDX
Easy to install
Relatively attractive
Cons
Can’t withstand long exposure to water
More expensive than OSB
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
Waterproof: waterproofness can be improved by adding roofing felt
Appearance: not really very attractive
Durability: it is subject to rotting
Lifespan: can last several decades
Price: $3.50 per square foot
Ease of installation: very easy to install
Maintenance: minimal maintenance is required
Roof pitch: 4/12 is ideal
Thickness: typical thickness for a shed roof is 1/2
If you’re worried about cost, OSB is a great option for your shed roof. There are two grades of OSB and for your roof you need OSB3. it’s a very versatile, strong, and cost-effective material to use for your shed. You can increase the lifespan of the roof by adding roofing felt on top of the OSB.
Pros
Very affordable
Easy to install
More environmentally friendly
Cons
Not very attractive
Rotting can be a problem when the roof is exposed to moisture for long periods
Plastic Polymer Roofing Shingles
Waterproof: yes
Appearance: they don’t compare aesthetically or visually to real shingles
Durability: so far they have shown themselves to be relatively durable
Lifespan: up until now they’ve lasted around 20 years
Price: between $7.75 and $14.50 per square foot
Ease of installation: easy to install
Maintenance: average maintenance
Roof pitch: a minimum of 2/12
Plastic polymer roofing shingles are a man-made roofing material mostly made from recycled plastic. They’re not the best option if visual appeal is a priority. They’ve only been around for a few decades, so their longevity is difficult to determine.
Pros
Made from 100% recycled materials
Lightweight
Fire and wind resistant
Lichens, mold, and moss won’t grow on the shingles
Cons
They can be expensive
They are relatively new and not fully tried and tested
Artificial Grass Turf Shed Roofing
Waterproof: as long as you use underlayment, it will be waterproof
Appearance: beautiful and natural-looking
Durability: surprisingly durable. However, it is likely to fade or be damaged by severe weather.
Lifespan: up to 25 years
Price: $5-$18 per square foot
Ease of installation: uncomplicated to install
Maintenance: absolutely no maintenance
Roof pitch: 4/12
This is not the first shed roof material that people will think of for their shed roof, but it’s surprisingly functional and not too bad looking. They are also the perfect alternative to a “green roof” if you can’t be bothered with the hassle of planting grass and looking after it. Underlayment is essential, and you attach the turf to it.
Pros
Very lightweight
Almost no maintenance
You don’t need to worry about watering it
Cons
Not very eco-friendly
Artificial turf that looks good is very expensive
Severe weather will fade and damage it
Interested in available options, ideas and materials for other parts of your shed?
Check our dedicated guides on:
Conclusion
There are so many different types of material you can use on your shed roof. Finding the right one can be a challenge because they all have advantages and disadvantages.
The cheapest option for a shed roof has to be felt shingles. They also happen to be relatively long-lasting and uncomplicated to install.
A material that is even longer-lasting is sheet metal roofing, and it’s also reasonably affordable. The main disadvantage of this material is that you need to maintain it regularly.
As conclusion, even if you pick the most durable materials don't forget to paint it. Painting is crucial because it will reduce any corrosion and thus prolong the life of your shed roof.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to roof a shed?
The cheapest shed roofing material you can buy is MSR roof rolling. It’s also one of the easiest to install, and you can cover large areas quickly.
What is the best material for a shed roof?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, the most significant of which is how much money you’ve got to spend on your shed roof. If your budget is limited, MSR roof rolling might be the best option because it’s the only one you can afford. Whereas, if money is no object, the best material you can use for a shed roof is board and batten or roofing shingles or shakes.
What kind of wood should I use for a shed roof?
Cedar or pine shingles are a lovely material for a shed roof.
Can you put a living roof on a shed?
Yes, you can plant a living roof on a shed roof, but you must first make sure the shed's structure is sturdy.