Decision-making aid: 11 garden shed roof coverings

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Table of contents

  • roof type
  • material
  • Bitumen sheeting and bitumen shingles
  • tin roof
  • roof foil (EPDM)
  • roofing felt
  • roof tiles
  • fiber cement
  • wooden shingles
  • KSK roofing membranes
  • Plastic or corrugated profiles
  • Compare prices

A Garden shed can be used as storage space for tools but can also be used for cozy days when it rains, as long as the roof covering has been selected appropriately. Here is the decision-making aid.

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roof type

A decisive factor in the selection of the roof covering is the respective type or shape of the roof. Particularly popular and common in the garden house are:

Flat roof & pent roof

flat roofs have little or no inclination. This is an increase of that pent roof, which is designed with a stronger slope for improved water drainage. Both variants are very similar and, among other things, are ideally suited to being used to generate solar energy.

pitched roof

gabled roofs are the classic and most widespread type of roof - not only for the garden house. The triangular shape allows a wonderful water drainage. This in turn can be used to collect rainwater through gutters and use it for watering.

stepped roof

Stepped roofs consist of several smaller sections or roofs. In this way, a very interesting architectural effect can be achieved. It is also possible to roof extensions later and keep the effort as low as possible.

material

Each material is suitable for different purposes and has different advantages and disadvantages. The materials for the roof covering are extremely varied. Among them are:

Bitumen sheeting and bitumen shingles

This variant is ideal for a variety of roofs, as long as they have a slope between 15 and 85 degrees. At lower gradients, water can accumulate and puddles can form. This applies above all to the bitumen membranes. In the case of steeper inclines, on the other hand, an additional bracket must be attached to prevent it from shifting.

bitumen shingles

The benefits are as follows:

  • easy attachment
  • low cost
  • only film required as a base
  • small effort

However, the lifespan of the material is not very long, so that the roofing has to be replaced comparatively often

tin roof

A sheet metal cover is a stable and durable alternative. However, the costs can vary greatly. In addition, the attachment is not very easy. However, if you want a permanent roof covering on the garden house, you are well advised to do so.

tin roof

roof foil (EPDM)

The EPDM roof membrane is extremely cheap and practical. The abbreviation stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. This is an artificial rubber that is extremely resistant to a variety of environmental influences.

roofing felt

Roofing felt is a very similar material to bitumen. Benefits include:

  • low cost
  • easy laying
  • relatively high resilience
roofing felt

Visually, the roofing felt is kept very simple and unobtrusive. It is particularly suitable as a quick solution, but it must be applied with an overlap. It is also unsuitable for very flat roofs, as water can collect and push through the roof over time.

roof tiles

These are sort of a combination of brick and corrugated iron. Due to the necessary number, the laying or assembly is associated with a relatively high effort. Even with a small summerhouse roof, at least one day should be allowed for.

roof tiles

The costs are also comparatively high. Nevertheless, there are various advantages. Below:

  • long persistence
  • high resistance
  • visually appealing and decorative

fiber cement

Panels or shingles made of fiber cement are durable and withstand the effects of weather for up to 40 or even 50 years. They are comparatively expensive, but also visually appealing and especially suitable for pitched roofs but also for all other roof types.

wooden shingles

The prices for wooden shingles are in the higher range and laying them is also complex. However, this has several advantages. These are:

  • very high durability
  • little care
  • extremely long service life
  • good sealing

So the investment is worth it.

Tip:

Professional assembly is recommended to avoid errors and the resulting problems. It may seem more expensive at first, but it pays off in the medium and long term and saves money.

KSK roofing membranes

KSK roofing membranes are particularly practical and wonderfully suited for people without experience and manual skills. The self-adhesive variants ensure efficient sealing quickly and easily. However, the price per square meter is comparatively high and the look seems more practical than appealing.

Plastic or corrugated profiles

wave profiles

Corrugated profiles made of plastic, sheet metal or bitumen are very inexpensive and can be attached quickly. Visually, however, they are not to everyone's taste. However, they are a good option for the garden shed and are ideal for flat roofs with a low pitch, as the profiles ensure excellent water drainage.

Compare prices

A general statement about the total costs cannot be made. Certain materials appear cheaper in the short term. However, a comprehensive comparison can show, for example, that wooden shingles with a service life of up to 80 years are the best choice in the medium and long term.

The respective expenses for the materials should therefore always be related to the square meters and the durability. In addition, the other utensils and, if necessary, working time must be included.

author Home editorial office

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