How to Refelt a Shed Roof (Costs, Materials & Methods)

Refelting a shed roof is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your garden building. This guide explains how to refelt a shed roof properly, the tools you’ll need, and when it’s better to replace the roof covering altogether.

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When Should You Refelt a Shed Roof?

Most felt roofs last between 8–15 years depending on exposure and quality. Signs it’s time to refelt include:

Cracked or lifting felt
Water ingress or damp inside the shed
Loose or rusted felt tacks
Visible daylight through roof joints

Refelting early prevents timber rot and avoids full roof replacement.

What You’ll Need to Refelt a Shed Roof

Mineral or polyester roofing felt
Galvanised clout nails or felt tacks
Hammer or nail gun
Sharp utility knife
Timber battens (for ridge capping)

For best results, choose a high-quality felt rated for UK weather conditions.

Step-by-Step: How to Refelt a Shed Roof

Remove old felt: Carefully pull off old felt and remove nails.
Inspect the roof boards: Replace any rotting timber.
Lay the first strip: Start at the bottom edge with a slight overhang.
Fix with nails: Nail along the top edge only, spacing nails evenly.
Overlap layers: Overlap by at least 75mm to shed water.
Finish the ridge: Fold or cap the ridge with a final strip.

Tip: Never felt in wet or frosty weather — moisture trapped beneath the felt will shorten its lifespan.

Freshly felted shed roof with clean edges

How Long Does Shed Felt Last?

On average:

Standard felt: 5–8 years
High-quality mineral felt: 10–15 years
Reinforced felt: Up to 20 years with good maintenance

Regular inspections and prompt repairs can significantly extend lifespan.

When to Replace the Entire Roof

If the roof boards beneath the felt are warped, rotten, or sagging, replacing the felt alone won’t solve the problem.

In these cases, consider upgrading to a new shed: Wooden Sheds | Pressure Treated Sheds | Sheds on Sale

Final Advice

A properly felted roof protects your shed from water damage and extends its lifespan significantly. With the right tools and preparation, refelting is a manageable DIY task that delivers long-term value.

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