Roofing IDEAS: Felt or Tiles for Garden Sheds?

When it comes to garden improvements, choosing the right roofing for your garden shed can make all the difference. Whether you're an enthusiastic Timber DIYer or someone dabbling in Woodworking, selecting between roof felt and roof tiles is critical. Not only does it affect the look of your garden shed, but it's also a matter of functionality and sustainability. So, which one should you choose?

Understanding Your Goals and Needs: A Relatable Scenario

Imagine standing in your garden, gazing at your ageing shed. It's served you well over the years, but now it's clear that the roof needs a makeover. With tools at the ready, you're torn between taking the traditional route with roof felt or opting for the more sophisticated look of roof tiles. It's a decision that can transform your wooden sanctuary, protect your stored tools, and contribute to your overall garden aesthetics.

Timber and More: What Are Your Options?

Before diving into the pros and cons of roof felt vs. roof tiles, let's explore the materials that you might consider for your garden shed renovation.

Timber Building Materials For Your Structure

Using quality Timber for the framing of your shed is fundamental. Some key timber materials include:

• 16x125 T&G Tanalised Treated Shiplap: Explore it here for high durability.
• OSB Boards: A popular choice due to their structural integrity. You might consider the OSB3 Board - 8x4 Sheets - 18mm for a sturdy roofing base.
• Plywood: With its layers glued with grain at right angles, it's another strong choice for the underlayer.

Incorporating wood in your shed also blends seamlessly with garden landscapes, offering aesthetic cohesion that artificial materials might lack.

Claddings To Consider

• Log Lap Cladding: Offers a rustic finish that complements a natural garden setting.
• Shiplap Cladding: Robust and weather-resistant, 16x125 T&G Tanalised Treated Shiplap provides a sleek appearance and can weather the outdoor elements.

Comparing the Two: Roof Felt vs. Roof Tiles

Now, let's delve deeper into the two primary contenders for your shed's roof.

Roof Felt: Simple & Cost-Effective

Roof felt is often the go-to choice for those seeking a cost-effective solution. It's typically made from a base material saturated with bitumen to provide waterproofing.

Key Features:

• Ease of Installation: Perfect for the DIY enthusiast. It's straightforward to roll out and fix in place.
• Economical: Generally more affordable compared to other roofing options, making it a favourite for budget-conscious shed owners.
• Insulation: Provides some level of heat retention, keeping tools and equipment stored inside at a relatively stable temperature.

For those interested, the SupaTec SBS Torch-On Sand Underlay is an excellent choice. Explore this robust option here.

Roof Tiles: Durable & Aesthetic

Roof tiles generally come in two main types for garden sheds: traditional clay or roof shingles like the Hexagonal Reinforced Fibreglass Roofing Shingles. These shingles can be found here.

Key Features:

• Durability: Outlasting felt by many years, tiles provide a robust solution that won’t sag or tear.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With a more polished look, tiles can enhance the overall charm of your garden, especially if paired with stylish landscaping or Decking.
• Weather Resistant: Better at repelling heavy rain and wind, making them the ideal choice for unpredictable British weather.

Installation Process:

While installing roof tiles may require a bit more DIY skill and time, the importance of a solid underlayer in your roofing setup should not be underestimated. An OSB board makes an ideal base under tiles, such as the OSB3 Board - 8x4 Sheets - 18mm.

Sustainability in Timber and Roofing

The environment is an ever-present concern with today's construction choices. Both roof tiles and felt can have some sustainable features.

Sustainable Choices

• Timber Framing: Ensure your timber comes from responsibly managed forests. Certification like FSC can provide peace of mind.
• Roof Felt: Opt for products with material recycling in mind.
• Tiles: While initially resource-heavy, their longevity can offset some of the environmental impacts, especially when tiles are chosen for their durability and low maintenance needs.

Beyond Roofing: Overall Garden Improvements

Final decisions on roof type can have cascading effects on overall garden aesthetics. Enhance your garden setup not just with a new shed roof but also with thoughtful landscaping.

Deck and Seating Touches

Consider complementing your new shed roof with quality Decking and a stylish outdoor furniture piece. A Solid Teak Banana Bench could be a delightful addition, offering a place to relax and appreciate your DIY Woodworking efforts. Explore it here.

Conclusion: Making Your Roof Decision Count

When deciding between roof felt or roof tiles for your garden shed, think about your priorities: functionality, cost, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Whether you're swayed by the sheer practicality of felt or the timeless elegance of tiles, ensuring your choices align with your current and future garden plans is key. Embrace this DIY, Timber adventure and watch as your garden is transformed into a personalised oasis.

For more inspirations and products, visit TimberDIY.