If you’ve recently built a pent shed or need to refurbish the roof of an existing one, adding a felt covering is a great way to protect it from the elements. Felt roofing is durable, water-resistant, and relatively easy to install with a bit of patience and the right materials. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you felt your pent shed roof like a pro!
You can read our blog post on big blogs and sheds and fence.
What You’ll Need:
- Roof felt: You can choose between rolls of traditional felt or self-adhesive felt, which can make the job easier.
- Roofing nails or staples: These are used to secure the felt in place.
- Scissors or a utility knife: For cutting the felt to the right size.
- Measuring tape: To ensure accurate dimensions.
- Brush or broom: To clean the roof surface before application.
- Wooden batten (optional): If you’re going to add additional support for the felt or want to secure the edges.
- Ladder: To access the roof.
- Gloves: To protect your hands while handling tools and materials.
Step 1: Prepare the Roof Surface
Before you begin applying the felt, the roof needs to be clean and smooth to ensure the best adhesion. Start by sweeping away any debris, dirt, or dust using a broom or brush. If there are any old layers of felt or moss, remove them carefully. The roof must be dry to prevent moisture from being trapped beneath the felt.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Felt
Now, measure the length and width of your shed’s roof to determine how much felt you will need. It’s a good idea to buy a little extra felt to allow for overlaps at the edges. Using scissors or a utility knife, cut the felt to size, leaving a few extra inches on all sides to ensure proper coverage and overlap.
Step 3: Apply the First Layer of Felt
Start at the bottom edge of the roof, rolling out the first layer of felt. Position the felt so that it hangs slightly over the edge of the roof. If you’re using traditional felt, apply a layer of roofing adhesive first to help the felt stick, then roll the felt into place. For self-adhesive felt, simply peel off the backing and press it down as you go. Make sure the felt is smooth with no wrinkles or air bubbles. Nail or staple the felt every 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) along the edges and seams to hold it securely.
Step 4: Overlap the Layers
Once the first layer is securely in place, roll out a second layer of felt, starting from the bottom again, making sure that each new layer overlaps the previous one by at least 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). This overlap ensures that rainwater runs off without getting trapped between layers. Continue nailing or stapling as you did with the first layer.
Step 5: Secure the Edges and Trim the Excess
With both layers of felt applied, it’s time to secure the edges. If necessary, attach wooden battens to the sides of the roof to hold the felt down, particularly along the edges. These battens can be nailed directly to the roof to create a secure frame for the felt.
Once everything is secured, use your utility knife to trim any excess felt from the sides of the roof. Leave just a small overhang to help with water runoff.
Step 6: Finish the Ridge and Seams
For the ridge of the shed roof, where the two sides meet at the top, you will need to add a special strip of felt. Cut a piece of felt and fold it over the ridge to create a waterproof seal. Nail it down securely, ensuring the edges overlap the side felt layers.
Step 7: Inspect and Maintain
Once the felt is fully applied, check for any gaps, bubbles, or areas that might not be securely fastened. If you spot any imperfections, fix them immediately. Make sure there are no areas where water could seep in.
Regular maintenance is also important. Check the felt every year, particularly after heavy rainfall or extreme weather. If you notice any damage, such as tears or lifting edges, it’s best to fix them as soon as possible to extend the life of your roof.
Conclusion
Felt roofing is a cost-effective and relatively simple way to protect your pent shed from the elements. By following these steps, you can ensure your shed remains dry, safe, and well-maintained for years to come. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, adding felt to your shed roof is a satisfying and rewarding project that will help your shed stand strong against the weather.