Felt roofing is a simple yet effective way to protect your pent shed from the elements. Whether you're constructing a new shed or re-roofing an old one, roofing felt provides an affordable and durable solution to keep your shed dry and secure. This guide will take you through the steps of felting a pent shed roof, from preparation to finishing touches.
What You'll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and materials ready:
- Roofing Felt (tar paper or similar material)
- Roofing Nails or Staples
- Utility Knife or Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Hammer or Nail Gun
- Roofing Adhesive (optional)
- Ladder (if necessary for high roofs)
Step 1: Prepare the Roof Surface
Preparation is key to a smooth felting process. Follow these steps to ensure your roof is ready for roofing felt.
Clear the Roof: Remove any debris, old roofing material, or dirt from the roof surface. If you're replacing an old felt roof, use a scraper to remove the old felt and nails or staples that may be left behind.
Inspect the Roof: Check the roof for any damage like holes, cracks, or weak spots. If necessary, repair these areas to create a stable surface for the new roofing felt.
Measure the Roof: Using your measuring tape, determine the length and width of the roof. Add a few inches of extra material on each side to account for the overhang. This ensures that the roofing felt will fully cover the roof and allow for proper water drainage.
Step 2: Cut and Lay the Roofing Felt
Once your roof is prepped, it's time to start laying the roofing felt.
Cut the Roofing Felt: Unroll the roofing felt and cut it to the appropriate size using a utility knife or scissors. Cut the felt so that each piece is slightly longer than the width of your roof to ensure full coverage and overhang.
Lay the First Sheet of Felt: Start at the bottom of the roof (the eaves) and lay the first piece of roofing felt down. Make sure it overhangs slightly on both sides to help with water runoff. Smooth the felt out as you go along to avoid wrinkles.
Overlap the Next Layer: When laying subsequent sheets, overlap each piece of felt by 2-3 inches to create a watertight seal. This overlap prevents water from seeping between the layers and ensures a secure roof.
Step 3: Secure the Felt
Now that the felt is in place, it's time to secure it.
Nail or Staple the Felt: Using roofing nails or a staple gun, secure the felt to the roof. Start at one end and work your way across the roof, placing nails or staples every 6 inches along the edges and down the middle.
Apply Roofing Adhesive (Optional): For extra security, you can apply roofing adhesive to the roof surface before laying down the felt. This will help to hold the felt in place and prevent it from lifting during windy conditions.
Step 4: Trim and Seal the Edges
To ensure that the felt is properly sealed, follow these steps:
Trim the Excess Felt: Once the felt is secured, use a utility knife to trim off any excess material along the edges. Leave enough overhang to direct water away from the shed walls.
Seal the Edges: Apply roofing adhesive or sealant along the edges of the felt to help waterproof the seams. This extra step can prevent leaks and ensure that the felt stays securely in place over time.
Step 5: Install Battens (Optional)
If you want extra protection and a more finished look, you can install battens over the roofing felt.
- Lay the Battens: Install wooden battens across the roof, securing them every few feet. The battens will hold the felt in place, help prevent damage from UV rays, and give your roof a more polished appearance.
Final Thoughts
Felt roofing is an excellent and affordable way to protect your pent shed from the elements. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your shed stays dry, secure, and durable for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer, felting your pent shed roof is a manageable task that will save you money on professional roof repairs. Enjoy your freshly protected shed and the peace of mind that comes with it!
