Sheds are small, and it is much easier to install shingles on a slanted roof that is low to the ground and has a smaller surface area than a home does. If you are wondering how to shingle a shed roof, you must first find out whether your shed roof is suitable for DIY projects. In this blog, we will walk you through the process of installing asphalt shingles on different kinds of shed roofs.
At RST Roofing and Renovations, we help people make their homes safer and more appealing. For years, we’ve been educating homeowners about the roofing industry and its many aspects. If you are a homeowner with basic carpentry skills and the right tools, you can easily and safely cover your shed roof with shingles after reading this step-by-step guide.
Types Of Shed Roofs Suitable For DIY Roofing Projects
Barn-style shed roofs have a complex structure and are also high off the ground. They are not ideal for shingling if you aren’t handy with roofing, but there are different types of shed roofs that you can shingle yourself. Here are some examples:
👉 Single-Sloped Shed Roofs
These roofs are similar to lean-to-shed roofs, but they have only one slope on the roof rather than two. These types of roofs are also relatively simple and inexpensive to build, and they are often used to cover small establishments like contemporary homes, cabins, and dog sheds.
👉 Lean-To-Shed Roofs
Lean-to-sheds have three separate walls, and the fourth wall takes the support of another structure. This means they lean on another structure and share a common wall with it. This automatically makes them a single-sloped roof that leans on another wall from one side. This type of shed is generally built to store outdoor stuff such as gardening tools, sports gear, barbeque setup, and much more!
👉 Dog Shed Roofs
A kennel, or a dog shed, is a one-room house for a dog. These small backyard structures usually have a gable roof or a single-sloped roof. Some homeowners also build lean-to-sheds for their pets. Dog sheds are typically made of wood or metal, and they may or may not have asphalt shingles.
If you are wondering how to lay cedar shingles on a shed roof, you must understand that this doesn’t fall under a DIY roofing job. Cedar shakes and shingles are factory-made and must be painted or coated with a waterproof layer to prevent rot, mold, and algae infestation. It’s also dangerous to cut and shape them yourself using a saw or other machine.
As you begin, make sure you have all the necessary gear and tools. You should also have a helper to assist you with the process, as shingling a roof can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous as it involves sharp tools and complex machines.
Roofing Tools & Gear Required To Shingle A Shed Roof
Before you go shopping, check the condition of the old roofing materials on the shed, such as decking and underlayment. If they are damaged, it’s a good idea to replace them with new ones so that your shed is protected under extreme weather conditions. Here’s a list of necessary roofing tools, materials, and safety gear:
Roofing Tools & Materials
- Asphalt shingles
- Ridge cap shingles
- Drip edge
- Roofing nails and screws
- Hammer
- Chalk line
- Roofing hatchet
- Utility knife
- Roofing cement
- Tape measure
- Nail gun
Safety Gear
- Roofing Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Rubber or camping shoes
- Comfortable outfit
- Mattress or safety foam
Choose a beautiful shingle color because painting asphalt shingles isn’t an option. Also, remember that the ideal time to install asphalt shingles is the summertime when the temperature is about 70 degrees. Asphalt shingles seal properly when it’s hot and sunny outside. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shingle a shed roof with architectural shingles.
Steps To Install Architectural Shingles On A Shed Roof
Architectural shingles are currently the most popular roofing materials to cover homes and sheds. Small sheds don’t have attic space, so they are easier to build and require less roofing material and time. You also don’t need to insulate or ventilate the roof unless the shed’s area has more than 250 square feet, and the roof is higher than 5 feet.
Step 1: Remove The Old Shingles
The first step in shingling a shed roof is to remove the old shingles. To do this, start by using a hammer to remove any nails that are holding the old shingles in place. Then, carefully lift the old shingles off the roof without damaging the underlying wood. If the old shingles are difficult to remove, you can use a roofing hatchet to pry them off carefully.
Step 2: Inspect The Roof Deck
After removing the old shingles, it’s time to inspect the roof deck. Look for any damage or rot, and make any necessary repairs before you begin shingling. If you have a big shed, this is also the best time to check the roof ventilation and make sure it’s working correctly.
Step 3: Install The Drip Edge
Before you begin installing the new shingles, you’ll need a drip edge. It is a metal strip that is installed along the edge of the roof to help channel water away from the roof and prevent leaks. To install the drip edge, nail it to the edge of the roof using roofing nails.
Step 4: Install The Starter Course
The next step is installing the starter course, which is the first row of shingles on a roof. The starter course serves as a base for the rest of the shingles and helps to seal the roof against water infiltration. To install the starter course, lay the shingles on the roof, overlapping them in a straight line. Then, nail the shingles in place using roofing nails.
Step 5: Install The Rest Of The Shingles
After installing the starter course, it’s time to lay the rest of the shingles. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Make sure to overlap the shingles as you go and nail them properly. As you fasten the nails, be sure not to damage the shingles or bend the nails. Use a chalk line to mark a straight line across the roof, which will help ensure that the shingles are aligned straight. Use roofing cement to seal the seams between the shingles and to secure the shingles more tightly.
This, however, isn’t the final step. You are now left to cover the roof ridge (peak) and install flashing. A different technique is needed altogether because the peak has a different shape and needs extra protection. Here’s how you can do it:
How To Shingle A Shed Roof Ridge
Each shed requires a different ridge shingling method.
If you have a gabled shed, you need to buy precut ridge cap shingles. There’s a gap at the top of a gable roof, and the shingles need to be sized and folded accordingly for full coverage. While you can cut the asphalt shingles with a power saw to give them a proper shape, we only advise doing it if you’re an expert. Asphalt shingles often get damaged when handled with inexperienced hands. This might leave you with loose pieces falling off later down the line!
If you have a single-sloped shed roof, you don’t need ridge caps. You only need to install proper flashing.
Install Flashing On Single-Sloped Shed Roofs
Flashing is a thin metal strip installed along the roof’s edges and in other areas where water can infiltrate the roof or damage the walls. You need screws and a nailing gun to install this metal strip.
- For a lean-to-shed roof, you will have to install V-shaped flashing over the shingles and the adjacent wall. You can also install the flashing below the shingles to maintain aesthetic appeal.
- To cover a stand-alone shed, you need to install an overhanging flashing strip. Long edges ensure water flows down easily without damaging the siding.
You also need to install flashing around any other roof accessories you may have on your shed roof. These are leak-prone areas that need to be sealed completely.
We hope you’ve gotten a good idea of how to shingle a shed roof. So all the best for your roofing project! If you need expert guidance, roofing products, or professional services, we will be happy to help you.
Tips From The Experts
At RST Roofing and Renovations, we’ve been building the most beautiful, and sturdy sheds around the state. If you live in Atlanta or the surrounding area of Georgia, we’ve found that architectural shingles are perfect for covering a small shed under our area’s weather conditions.
If you need expert guidance, or a professional to handle the project for you, give us a call at (404)-548-8901 for a free consultation.
