Garden Sheds, Buildings & Storage

How To Felt A Shed Roof

Replacing the felt on a shed roof is vital to protect your shed from the elements. You may need to replace the felt every two to three years if your shed’s in an exposed location, or less frequently if it’s sheltered. Our step-by-step guide will help you get it done quickly and easily.

  1. Step 1. Existing fascia boards

    Remove any existing timber fascia boards
  2. Step 2. Remove the old felt

    Use a claw hammer to remove the nails holding down the old roofing, then strip the old felt. Make sure the surface is clear of debris and protruding nails - if you find one, simply remove it or hammer it down flat.
  3. Step 3. Measure the roof of your shed

    You’ll need enough felt to cover the entire area of the roof with a little extra on each edge (around 5cm) to allow for overlaps at the eaves and at the gable ends (approximately 7.5cm). For most sheds, you’ll need to cut 3 pieces of felt: 1 for each side of the roof, as well as a third section that will overlap the 2 side panels by about 30cm on each side and run along the top ridge of the shed.
  4. Step 4. Apply the felt to the roof

    Apply the cut felt to either side of the roof, pulling it tight so that it lies flat before nailing it at around 10cm intervals along the length of the roof, just below the apex. You can hammer in the nails along the bottom edge of the roof at wider intervals – around one every 30cm. Once you’ve secured the side panels in place, add the top section to the ridge and fix it using high performance felt adhesive applied with a paint brush, then nail it at the lower edge at 5cm intervals.
  5. Step 5. Tidy up the overhanging felt

    Tidy up the overhang at each corner by folding it down and nailing it securely. Use your craft knife to cut a slit in the felt overhang at the apex of the roof, then fold the felt down there and nail securely at 10cm intervals along the gable. You can then re-attach fascia boards to keep your shed looking smart, by hiding the folded over roofing felt at each gable end. Use wood nails to secure them in place and your craft knife to trim away any excess material.
  6. Step 6. Finishing the overhang

    Finally, work along the sides of the shed, tucking the felt overhang up and under and hammering in nails to hold it in place.


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