How to Cover a Shed Roof with Felt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Embarking on a DIY project to protect your shed from the elements? Covering your shed's roof with felt is a cost-effective and straightforward way to enhance its durability and longevity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your shed remains dry and well-maintained for years to come.

Before you start, gather your materials: roofing felt, roofing nails, a hammer, a utility knife, and safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses. Also, ensure you have a clear, sunny day for the task, as felt adheres best to a dry surface.

Preparing Your Shed Roof

Begin by inspecting your shed's roof. Remove any old felt or debris, and ensure the roof is clean and dry. If there are any damaged or rotting boards, replace them before proceeding.

Next, measure your shed's roof dimensions to determine how much felt you'll need. Standard felt comes in rolls 36 inches wide and 36 to 100 feet long. Divide your roof's length by the felt's width to calculate how many strips you'll need.

Laying the First Felt Strip

Start at the bottom edge of your shed's roof, aligning the felt strip's edge with the roof's edge. Leave a slight overhang at the bottom, which you'll trim later. Use roofing nails, spacing them about 6 inches apart, to secure the felt to the roof.

Ensure the nails are long enough to penetrate the roof's surface and secure the felt, but not so long that they poke through the top. A good rule of thumb is to use nails that are 1 to 1.5 inches longer than the thickness of your roof.

Applying Subsequent Felt Strips

Lay the next strip of felt overlapping the first strip by at least 2 inches. This overlap helps prevent water from seeping through the seams. Secure the strip with nails, again spacing them about 6 inches apart.

Continue this process, working your way up the roof. Ensure each strip overlaps the previous one by at least 2 inches, creating a watertight barrier.

Finishing Touches

Once you've reached the peak of your shed's roof, cut the felt to fit. Leave an overhang at the top, just like at the bottom. Secure the felt with nails, then trim any excess felt from the edges.

For added protection, consider applying a layer of roofing tar or asphalt cement along the seams and edges. This will create an extra barrier against water and wind.

Securing the Felt

Inspect your work, ensuring all felt is securely nailed down. Check for any gaps or tears, and repair them as needed. Also, ensure there are no nails sticking up, as these could puncture the final roofing material you'll apply.

If you plan to install shingles or other roofing materials over the felt, you can do so now. If not, your shed is now protected with a durable, water-resistant felt roof.

Congratulations on a job well done! Your shed's new felt roof will provide years of protection against the elements. Regularly inspect your roof for any signs of damage or wear, and make repairs as needed to maintain its longevity. Happy shed-owning!