A pent shed roof is a great choice for those looking for a functional and simple roofing solution. However, for a long-lasting roof that protects your shed from the elements, adding roofing felt is essential. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of how to felt a pent shed roof, ensuring your structure stays dry and secure for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting, these steps will help you get the job done efficiently.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, ensure you have the following materials and tools ready for the job:
- Roofing Felt (tar paper or a similar material)
- Roofing Nails or Staples
- Utility Knife or Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Hammer or Nail Gun
- Roofing Adhesive (optional)
- Ladder (if your roof requires extra height)
Step 1: Prepare the Roof
Proper preparation is essential for a good result. Follow these steps:
Clear the Roof Surface: Start by removing any debris, old roofing felt, or dirt from the roof. If you're replacing an existing roof, be sure to strip away all old felt and nails.
Inspect the Roof: Check for any holes, cracks, or weak spots on the roof surface. If necessary, patch up any damaged areas to ensure the roofing felt can lay down flat and secure.
Measure the Roof: Using your measuring tape, determine the length and width of the roof to ensure you have enough roofing felt to cover the entire surface. Add a few extra inches for the overhang on the sides to ensure proper water runoff.
Step 2: Cut and Lay the Roofing Felt
With your roof prepped, it’s time to lay down the felt.
Cut the Roofing Felt: Roll out the roofing felt and cut it into lengths that are slightly longer than the roof width. This will ensure the edges are properly covered, and you’ll have enough material to overlap on both sides.
Lay the First Sheet of Felt: Begin at the bottom edge (the eaves) of the roof and lay the first sheet of roofing felt down, ensuring it overhangs the edges by a few inches. This will help direct water away from the roof structure.
Overlap the Sheets: As you lay down subsequent pieces, overlap each one by 2-3 inches to create a watertight seal. Overlapping is crucial to prevent water from seeping between the sheets.
Step 3: Secure the Felt
Once the felt is laid down, you’ll need to secure it to the roof:
Nail or Staple the Felt: Use roofing nails or a staple gun to secure the roofing felt in place. Start at one end of the roof and work your way across, securing the felt every 6 inches along the edges and in the middle. This will prevent any shifting during windy conditions.
Optional: Apply Roofing Adhesive: To ensure extra durability, you can apply roofing adhesive beneath the felt before nailing it down. This will help keep the felt securely in place and provide an added layer of waterproofing.
Step 4: Trim and Seal the Edges
To complete the felting process, follow these final steps:
Trim Excess Felt: Use a utility knife to trim off any excess roofing felt along the edges of the roof. Leave a small overhang to ensure proper drainage, but make sure not to cut too close to the edges.
Seal the Edges: Apply roofing sealant or adhesive along the edges of the felt to ensure a tight seal. This will help prevent water from getting beneath the felt and protect the roof from potential leaks.
Step 5: Optional – Add Battens for Extra Protection
For additional protection and a more polished look, you can install wooden battens over the felt:
- Install the Battens: Lay wooden battens across the roof at regular intervals. These will help hold the felt in place, offer extra protection from UV rays, and provide an added aesthetic finish.
Conclusion
Felt roofing is an affordable and practical solution for protecting your pent shed roof from the elements. By following these steps, you can ensure that your shed remains dry and well-protected for many years. Whether you're replacing an old roof or installing a new one, felting is a manageable DIY project that can save you money on professional repairs. With just a few tools and some careful attention to detail, your pent shed will be ready to face the elements.
