When it comes to a shed roofing, what do you think of it? Many people believe it is just toss up some shingles and nail down them, and your shed is ready. Is it really so? Is it so easy and simple? The answer is a big NO. But with the right information, you can solve the mystery of how to roof a shed. In the forthcoming section, we are going to talk about the factors to considers while choosing the shed roofing materials.
Factors to consider while choosing material for shed roofing:
The prime role of the roof is to protect against the bad weather, temperature, wind, and sunlight, so it becomes very necessary to choose the right kind of material. So, let us understand the important factors to keep in mind while selecting the material.
Waterproof
The prime factor to keep in mind while spending money on roof material is its waterproof ability. The purpose of the shed is to store several items for a short as well as a longer duration, so it is necessary that the shed should be waterproof. Not only waterproof, but it should also withstand in snow and ice and other types of harsh season.
Appearance
If you live out in the bush, then the appearance might not be the primary issue, but to the majority of us, appearance is a factor that needs to be considered. A beautiful roof always helps to earn amazing compliments from neighbors and visitors. Give an aesthetic appeal with spiffy siding and windows. A good look also helps to get good money if you wish to resale it in the future.
Durable
Durability is another most important factor that you need to keep in mind while buying the roof shed. But the truth is also that the durability of it also depends on the type of weather that will likely have during the whole year and budget to spend. For example, if you live in an area with high wind, then we would recommend 30 lb. roofing sheet. Traditional materials such as cedar, wood, asphalt shingles, and metal tend to be durable.
Installation
There are materials whose setup is not at all easy, as it seems. Before buying the material, make sure to enquire about the installation process. There are roofing materials that need specialty fasteners, and it can be a problem if the budget is constrained.
Maintenance
One of the factors that need to keep in mind while choosing the shed is the maintenance cost. Each roofing material has a different maintenance cost; for example, a metal roof needs zero cost while the cedar shake roof needs regular maintenance to avoid rotting and splitting of sheets. There might be some material that looks good but it adds fortune to the maintenance cost.
Roof Pitch
Sometimes you don’t have a choice for the material because of the particular roof pitch. In case you have a flat pitch, you are not allowed to use tiles, shingles, or shakes as it won’t get fit into it, and also they require gravity to maintain the waterproof feature. Pitch also plays an important role in determining the life of the roof, for example, if you live in a cold area and have a flat pitch, then chances of damages are high due to snow falling.
Shed Roofing Materials Availablity
Clay/Concrete tiles
Source: thespruce.com
Clay/concrete tiles are very popular in Europe and offer durability, strong roof and add charm in the beauty of the place. But the major drawback is that it is heavy in weight and to support it, one needs to build subsurface to hold it. They are available in different colors and prove costly if you have a limited budget.
Pros
- Durable in nature
- Energy efficient
- Fireproof
Cons
- Heavy in nature
- Expensive
- Fragile in nature
Wood Shingle
Source: equestrianfencing.com
Another popular and centuries-old roofing material is wood shingle. Made up of redwood, cedar, pine, or western redwood, it’s an excellent choice for a steep pitch roof type. Let’s have a look at its pros and cons to understand whether its good for your roof pitch or not.
Pros
- Giving an appealing look
- Made from renewable resources
- Cooler than other roofing types
Cons
- It is not fireproof
- Not sure if able to meet the local fire codes requirement
- Lack of durability as it got rot over sometime
Metal roofing
Source: lewiswalkerroofing.com
Metal roofing offers numerous choices in material like copper, aluminum, and steel available both in sheet and tiles form. This highly durable material has many qualities like fireproof, recycle, and budget-friendly. Before finalizing any of these materials, make sure to have a glimpse of metal roofing’s pros and cons.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Fireproof
- Recycle in nature
Cons
- High chances of corrosion
- Not ideal for coastal regions
- Fewer chances of matching with the appearance of the house
Rubber Roofing Shingles
Source: plandsg.com
Composite roofing shingles or rubber is now becoming common due to its features like lighter in weight, recycle in nature, budget-friendly, and lots more. It is made of rubber, plastic, or mixture of both and available in shakes, tiles or slates. All these benefits make it a viable option in the markets.
Pros
- Less cost
- Recycle in nature
- Light in weight
Cons
- Color fades over time
- No particular information about durability
Asphalt Shingles
Source: roofingexperts.com
One of the famous and trusted choices in the market is Asphalt Shingles. Many times people use asphalt shingles over the wood to provide a stronger and waterproof roof. It is available in many colors and highly durable.
Pros
- A wide range of choice in color
- Highly durable
- Most commonly used in the market
Cons
- Prone to damages
- Require specialized knowledge to install it
Conclusion
With a broad range of shed roof material, sometimes it becomes challenging to choose one. The conclusion we can draw here is that ideal shed roofing materials are the one that is less expensive, durable, and easy installation. What do you think about these shedding materials? Let us know in the comment section below. For all information and tips, keep coming to HomeDesignNow.