Felting a Shed Roof

Tool List:

• Hammer
• Clout nails (check the length - they shouldn't be poking through the inside of the roof!)
• Stanley knife or something equally as vicious
• Step Ladders
• Roof Felt

This method is for an Apex shed (pointed roof). For a Pent (flat roof) roof shed, well, you should be able to suss it out!

When your shed needs a new layer of felt, start by pulling off any edging trims that may be in place. Check if they need replacing and do so if you need to. These trims keep the wind from ripping the felt up from the edges of your roof. You can find more information on Garden Sheds and Re-Roofing here.

Firstly, if you are re-felting an old shed, don't be tempted to just place the felt over the old stuff. Its had its day, and it needs to go. If you leave it there all it will do is help keep the roof timbers damp, and all the bugs/leaves and other debris that has accumulated over the years. Take it off and strip all the nails off as well. Brush off any extra debris that is left behind, and if possible leave to air dry if the timber is damp.

Next, cut your felt into adequate lengths, allowing a 2"-3" overhang at each end and down the bottom edge. Place the first piece on the roof with the overhangs equal. Tap a nail in the top edge of the felt at each end, making sure you get it tight first.

Follow along the top edge of the felt pacing nails every 6"-8". then do the same down the ends and finally the bottom edge. Repeat this process for the other side.

You should now have a partially felted roof. The next step, depending on the width and length of your shed is to either repeat the process untill you reach a few inches from the middle of the roof on each side, or cut a piece for the centre strip which should cover the apex.

Make sure you allow the same overhang as the other pieces, 2"-3" at each end. Place the strip along the centre and align it with even overlap down each side of the roof. Once it is in place, tap a nail into each corner, pulling the felt tight when you do so.

Now you may have to get a little limber for the next part depending on the size of shed. Hammer in one clout nail every 4"-6"(less if in a particularly windy location) along the bottom edge of each side of the central felt strip. If you do have to walk on the roof, take care where you put your weight, try and keep your feet above the wall panels as they offer more strength.

Once all the felt is nailed in place, replace the trims. Trim any excess felt which is protruding from the bottom.

This new layer of felt should last on average 5 years, depending on weather and location.