Shed Roofing Options Explained

As we leave behind the cold, damp months of autumn and winter and look towards spring and summer, many of us start eyeing up all those DIY jobs we’ve been putting off. Once March arrives, tasks like freshening up a spare room or finally tackling the garden suddenly feel far more appealing.

Venture into your garden for the first time in months, and the shed is often quick to give the game away. After a long spell of freezing temperatures, driving rain and relentless wind, the roof can start to show the strain. It may look tired and weather‑worn, and that usually means it’s no longer doing a great job of protecting whatever you keep inside.

If you’re ready to give your shed a bit of attention and want a roof that not only looks good but also lasts longer and reduces the amount of upkeep needed, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the most popular shed roofing materials used across the UK, including rubber roofing, felt or asphalt shingles and long‑lasting metal roof sheets, to help you choose the option that best suits your space.

• Criteria
  • Roof Pitch
  • Durability against intended environment
  • Aesthetics
  • Ease of Installation
  • Economics
  • Maintenance

• Shed Roofing Materials
  • Bitumen Roofing Felt
  • EPDM Membrane
  • Metal Roofing Sheets
  • Tile Effect Metal Roofing Sheets
  • Onduline
  • Bitumen Shingles
  • Wood Shingles
  • Wood Shakes
  • Polycarbonate Sheets
  • Clay Roof Tiles

• Conclusion

Criteria

Roof pitch

The phrase ‘roof pitch’ relates to the angle of your roof, measured from the horizontal plane up to the apex. By knowing this angle, you can quickly narrow down which shed roof materials are suitable for your project.

A ‘pitched roof’ describes any roof with an angle of 10° or above. Anything at 10° or below is generally classed as a flat or shallow roof. Neither is inherently better than the other, and both come with advantages and limitations, which we’ll explore later in this blog.

Flat roofs, sometimes known as shallow roofs, have fewer materials to choose from because they need smooth, seamless coverage that can cope with standing water. This is why options such as EPDM rubber roofing, liquid rubber coatings, and bitumen roof sheets remain popular choices.

Steeper roofs, with a pitch of 10° or more, offer better water run‑off and improved resistance to water ingress in wet and windy weather. These roofs are compatible with a wider range of materials, including metal roof sheets, such as corrugated metal sheets, and metal tile‑effect sheets, some of the most durable and visually appealing choices for garden buildings.

Please note that for flat/low‑slope systems, best practice is a finished fall ≥1:80 to promote drainage and avoid ponding. Whichever shed roof material you choose, always check the manufacturer's product data sheet.

Durability against intended environment

The conditions your shed faces throughout the year can have a big influence on how well different roofing materials perform. Regular weather, such as heavy rainfall, strong winds or occasional snowfall, can all affect durability and may point you toward certain materials over others.

Location also plays a part. Sheds positioned close to the coast may be exposed to salty sea air, which can speed up corrosion on some materials, while sheds surrounded by trees can experience falling leaves, sap or debris that put extra strain on the roof surface. In these situations, it’s worth choosing a roof covering that’s suited to the environment around your garden.

And if you live in a part of the UK that sees heavier snowfall during the winter months, opting for a roof pitch above 10° can make a real difference. A steeper angle helps snow slide off more easily, reducing the weight placed on your shed roof and keeping the structure protected.

It also helps to think about how different types of roofing are installed. Some roofing sheets overlap neatly to create tight, protective joints, while others use screw fixings through the surface. These are absolutely fine to use, but they do need to be sealed properly to prevent any chance of water ingress.

Taking a moment to consider your environment now will help you choose a shed roof that stays looking good and performing well for many years to come.

Aesthetics

Another important factor when choosing a roofing material for your shed is how it will look. While its main job is to protect what’s inside, there’s no reason your shed roof can’t complement the style of your home or the rest of your garden.

More decorative options, such as wood shakes or clay tiles, come in a range of designs and colours and can give your shed a fresh, high‑end look or simply add a touch of personality. These alternatives offer a completely different visual finish compared with traditional materials like bitumen sheeting.

Metal roofing sheets can provide a more industrial or contemporary aesthetic, with varying profiles available to suit the design of your shed. These include 32/1000 box profile and 34/1000 box profile, corrugated, tile form, and standing seam sheet metal profiles.

Ease of installation

When it comes to installing a new shed roof, the overall size and shape of your shed will play a big part in how straightforward the process is. Some roofing materials are simply easier to work with than others. For example, torch‑on roofing felt requires specialist tools that most homeowners won’t have, such as a propane torch. A professional installer can handle this task quickly and safely, but hiring one will naturally add to your project’s total cost.

If you’re planning to take the DIY route, it’s worth knowing that fitting individual tiles can be both time‑consuming and labour‑intensive. This is one of the reasons why modern alternatives, such as tile form metal sheets, have become increasingly popular. Because they come in larger panels, installation is often quicker and far more convenient, especially for first‑time installers.

Economics

In most cases, the lifespan of a typical garden building in the UK can range from 15 to 60 years, depending on the type of roofing you choose. When working out the true economic value of your shed roof, it helps to think beyond the initial price per square metre and consider the material’s overall lifetime value instead.

Maintenance and upkeep also play a part. Some roofing materials may appear cost‑effective at first, but if they need frequent repairs or replacements, the long‑term cost can quickly increase. In contrast, options with a higher upfront price may require far less attention over the years, making them more economical in the long run.

Maintenance

We all know that gardens can take a fair amount of effort to keep looking their best during the warmer months, whether that's tending to plants or mowing your lawn, but one thing that shouldn’t become an annual chore is maintaining your shed roof. Beyond the occasional visual check a few times a year, most roof coverings only need a quick once over to make sure there are no cracks, loose areas or signs of weathering.

Metal roofing is a long‑established and popular choice for sheds because it’s low‑maintenance and exceptionally durable. In typical environments, metal roof sheets can last up to 50 years with very little attention required.

Wood tiles are another shed‑roofing option that can offer many years of reliable performance with only minimal upkeep. If a tile does become damaged, you won’t need to replace the entire roof, as individual tiles can simply be swapped out as needed, keeping maintenance straightforward.

Shed Roofing Materials

Bitumen Roofing Felt

Bitumen roofing felt is a simple and reliable shed roof covering that’s known for being weather‑resistant and easy to work with, provided you have the necessary tools and experience. Most DIYers choose to install it using felt adhesive, but there is also an alternative torch‑on roof felt, which uses a gas torch flame to bond the felt directly to the roof. This creates a strong, watertight seal that can withstand harsh weather, UV exposure and high winds. Although confident DIYers can attempt this, the torch‑on method does carry safety risks, which is why many homeowners prefer to hire a professional for this type of installation.

When installed correctly, bitumen felt can create an effective, leak‑proof roof with no nails or screws penetrating the surface, meaning fewer opportunities for water to find its way in and potentially damage the items stored within the shed.

This roofing felt works particularly well on low‑pitched garden sheds and, when fitted properly, can last up to around 10 years. One downside is that bitumen sheets aren’t the most attractive option and can tear if damaged, leading to potential leaks. That said, they’re easy to handle, straightforward to install when using adhesive, and prices typically start at around £30 per m².

EPDM Membrane

EPDM rubber roofing is a low‑cost, long‑lasting material that has become an increasingly popular choice for shed roofs in recent years. Its durable, synthetic construction creates an insulating, water‑resistant membrane that performs especially well on flat or low‑pitched roofs, offering strong protection against standing water.

Although EPDM is an affordable material, installing it isn’t always as straightforward as other roofing options. Achieving a neat, professional finish requires the right tools and a certain level of specialist experience, which is why many homeowners choose to have EPDM fitted by a trained installer.

Despite its impressive lifespan and weather resistance, EPDM isn’t completely impenetrable. The membrane can be pierced if it comes into contact with sharp objects, which may compromise its waterproofing and lead to leaks if not addressed promptly.

EPDM can also be a good choice where a degree of fire protection is needed, thanks to the material’s naturally fire-retardant properties. However, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer or consult a contractor first, especially if your existing roof structure contains materials that might affect fire performance.

Aesthetically, EPDM membrane is similar to bitumen felt in that it provides a simple, functional finish rather than a decorative one. The upside is that it can be applied using adhesive and offers excellent value for money. Prices typically start from around £9 per m² and can rise to £90 per m² depending on the brand, material quality and membrane thickness.

Metal Roofing Sheets

When it comes to versatility, few materials offer as many styles and design options as metal sheets. Box profile and corrugated sheets are two of the most popular choices for shed roofs, made from galvanised steel and finished with a range of coatings that provide varying levels of wear protection and scratch resistance. At Cladco, we manufacture box profile sheets in 32/1000 and 34/1000 profiles. Other types of metal roofing include standing seam panels, which create a sleek, modern aesthetic, and tile form sheets, which replicate the appearance of traditional roof tiles. We’ll look at tile‑effect sheets in more detail below.

As mentioned earlier, your shed’s roof pitch plays an important role in determining which type of metal sheet you can use. Box profile sheets are best suited to roofs with a pitch of 4° or more, while corrugated steel sheeting requires a minimum pitch of 10°.

Metal sheets can be heavy depending on their length, so installation on larger projects may require extra care or an extra pair of hands.

If affordability is a key priority, polyester‑painted sheets offer an attractive and cost‑effective option. They feature a smooth painted finish and typically provide between 8 and 12 years before maintenance is required. For sheds exposed to harsher weather conditions, PVC plastisol‑coated sheets are a longer‑lasting alternative, offering around 15 to 25 years until first maintenance and a potential lifespan of up to 50 years. If you’d like to learn more about the different coatings available, take a look at our choice of coatings here.

Standing seam is another contemporary choice, known for its suitability in modern and architectural designs. One of its key benefits is the hidden fixings, which create a clean, uninterrupted finish. Made from SSAB Nordic‑quality steel, our standing seam sheets provide a high‑end appearance for sheds and outbuildings. We offer both a flat, non‑ribbed version for a smooth finish and a ribbed version designed to help reduce the risk of drumming in strong winds.

Cladco standing seam sheets are coated in GreenCoat® Pural BT, offering excellent durability, corrosion resistance, scratch resistance and UV stability, with a lifespan of up to 50 years. GreenCoat® Pural BT is manufactured using Swedish rapeseed oil, making it a more sustainable coating option. Standing seam roofing can be installed on buildings with a pitch of 6° or more.

Whatever form of steel roofing you choose, metal sheets provide a smart and attractive finish that has become increasingly popular with homeowners looking for shed roofing materials that last as well as look good. What’s more, metal sheets can often be installed without the need to hire a professional, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Prices vary depending on the quality and coating, but mid‑range metal roofing typically starts at around £12 per m².

Tile Effect Metal Roofing Sheets

Tile-effect metal sheets come in several different profiles, including the popular tile form sheeting, and offer all the advantages of metal roofing with the added benefit of looking like individual, traditional tiles.

Like our standing seam sheets, Cladco tile form profiles are coated in GreenCoat® Pural BT, providing excellent scratch resistance and long‑lasting weather protection. In typical UK environments, metal roof tiles can last more than 50 years. However, as with most roofing materials, it’s not unusual to see some surface fading or early signs of wear after around 20–25 years.

Maintenance for this type of material is minimal, usually limited to a yearly check for debris build‑up and ensuring fixings remain in good condition. If you’re looking for a low‑maintenance solution that still delivers strong, long‑term performance, tile-effect sheeting is a great option.

Because these sheets are supplied in panels rather than individual tiles, they’re far more cost‑effective and much easier to install. They can be fixed directly onto timber purlins and then sealed using mastic lapping tape or silicone to create a watertight joint. For smaller roofs, sheets can even be manufactured in lengths as short as 1m, helping you reduce waste and simplify installation.

A minimum pitch of 12° is recommended for tile-effect metal sheets, although it’s always wise to check the manufacturer’s guidance for your specific product. With a choice of colours and finishes available, tile form roofing offers an attractive, durable and low‑maintenance option for almost any shed design. Prices typically start from around £25 per m².

Onduline

Onduline roofing is a type of corrugated bitumen sheet that offers low noise levels and a traditional, rustic appearance that has been used on outbuildings for generations. It is also an environmentally friendly option, made from recycled materials and manufactured without hazardous elements.

When used on sheds, Onduline provides a lightweight yet durable alternative to steel sheets and is suitable for low‑pitched roofs from 10° upwards. Its corrugated profile improves water run‑off compared with flat bitumen felt, helping to minimise the risk of standing water on the roof surface. Thanks to its lighter weight and flexible construction, Onduline can also be easier to handle during installation.

While Onduline performs well for most garden settings, one of its limitations is that it may not always fare as strongly in harsh or exposed weather conditions. However, when fitted correctly, it still offers good wind resistance and reliable protection for everyday use.

If you are considering Onduline for your shed roof project, there are several extras to choose from, including UV‑resistant finishes and a selection of colour options. Prices typically start from around £17 per m², making it an affordable and practical choice for many garden buildings.

Bitumen Shingles

Bitumen shingles (also known as asphalt shingles) are a lightweight and low‑maintenance shed roofing option, making them especially popular with DIYers. Supplied in easy‑to‑handle, tabbed sheets with a built‑in adhesive strip, they can be fixed to a roof using basic screws or nails. Compared with roll‑on products such as torch‑on felt, shingle tabs are far simpler and safer to install.

As a budget‑friendly choice, bitumen shingles offer good short‑term protection and typically last around 10 years in most standard UK garden environments. They create a waterproof layer that’s suitable for low‑pitch roofs and are often used on summerhouses, workshops and general shed roof replacements.

However, while the upfront cost is low, long‑term maintenance can be a drawback. Individual tiles may loosen or become damaged during harsh weather, and overall durability is lower than more robust materials such as metal roofing sheets. The upside is that repairs are straightforward: replacement shingles are inexpensive, usually starting from around £10 per m², and can be fitted without specialist tools or experience.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles offer a natural and traditional look for garden buildings, but they do have specific installation requirements. Unlike many of the other roofing materials we’ve discussed in this article, cedar shingles need a steeper pitch to allow for proper water run‑off, which is generally 14° or more. This is also true for many other shingle‑based systems, as lower pitches increase the risk of water ingress.

Wood shingles are available in both treated and untreated forms, offering different levels of weather resistance. However, this protection can be reduced if shingles become loose or damaged. When well looked after, wooden shingles can last for more than 30 years, providing a long‑lasting and attractive finish to your shed or outbuilding.

Maintenance is an important consideration. Keeping wooden shingles looking their best is a regular, ongoing task, and installation itself is more time‑intensive compared with other shed roofing options. As with wood shakes, it’s important to prevent algae build‑up throughout the year. A mixture of diluted bleach or a suitable specialist cleaner can be used to help keep the shingles clean and in good condition.

Wood shingles are also one of the more expensive roofing choices. Prices typically start from around £40 per m² and can reach £95 per m² depending on the grade of shingle you choose.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes offer a more rustic, textured appearance than wood shingles, featuring a rougher, uneven surface that brings natural character and depth to a shed roof. Often made from red cedar, wood shakes are stable and weather‑resistant, and their thicker profile gives them greater durability than traditional shingles, creating a premium timber finish.

Wood shakes require a minimum roof pitch of 20°, which can increase both the complexity of installation and the cost of materials. This steeper pitch may not suit every shed design, but it does help create a long‑lasting, weather‑resistant surface.

Although one of the most aesthetically striking shed roofing options available, wood shakes do require a significantly higher level of maintenance throughout their lifespan. Installation is also more time‑intensive and typically demands a certain level of skill to achieve a professional finish. If you need to hire trained installers, this can add considerably to the overall project cost.

Wood shakes are also the most expensive roofing material covered in this blog. Prices usually start from around £185 per m² and can rise to £230 per m² depending on the grade of timber. While this makes them an impractical choice for everyday garden sheds, they can add exceptional natural charm and a high‑end, architectural feel to more prominent garden buildings.

Polycarbonate Sheets

Polycarbonate roofing sheets are a hard‑wearing and durable option for shed roofs, offering one of the most effective lightweight alternatives to traditional roofing materials. They’re also one of the easiest types to install, especially when compared with options such as rubber roofing, thanks to their light construction and straightforward fixing method.

They offer several benefits, including strong resistance to wind uplift, which can cause issues for materials like felt shingles. They also absorb UV light, helping to protect the items stored inside your shed from fading and deteriorating. However, polycarbonate can become less stable in freezing temperatures and is more prone to surface scratching than some of the other materials featured in this guide.

Aesthetically, polycarbonate sheets provide a translucent, glass‑like appearance that allows natural light to filter into the shed. If a full roof made from clear polycarbonate sheets feels a little too exposed, you can combine them with metal roof sheets, often available in matching profiles, to strike a balance between privacy and year‑round natural light.

They are easy to clean, available in a range of colours and styles, and require minimal maintenance. With an average lifespan of around 10–20 years, they aren’t the longest‑lasting option, but with prices starting from as little as £20 per m², they can be replaced fairly easily if needed.

Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles are an incredibly popular roofing material around the world, and have been for roughly 12,000 years, which suggests they’re doing something right. Commonly used on homes and larger buildings, clay tiles are straightforward to install and easy to replace if individual tiles become loose or damaged. For a shed roof, they offer a high‑end, characterful finish that works particularly well if you’re aiming for a more traditional or Mediterranean‑inspired look.

Because clay tiles are significantly heavier than most other roofing options, they are best suited to larger garden buildings, garages or sheds constructed with sturdier brick or block walls rather than lightweight timber frames. While the initial outlay can be expensive, clay tiles offer excellent long‑term value thanks to their durability and impressive lifespan.

Clay tiles require a roof pitch of 15° or more to ensure efficient water run‑off and long‑term stability. With a lifespan of over 70 years, they provide exceptional longevity and can be replaced individually to maintain a neat, high‑quality appearance. Depending on the style, finish, and type of clay used, prices typically range from around £35 per m² to £85 per m².

Conclusion

Choosing the right shed roofing material for your project depends on several things. From the look you want to achieve and budgetary constraints, to the pitch of your roof and the conditions your garden faces throughout the year. Whether you prefer the simplicity of bitumen felt, the modern appeal of metal sheets or the charm of natural wood shingles and shakes, there’s a solution to suit every style and level of DIY experience. With the right material and a little planning, you can give your shed a roof that looks great, performs well and keeps your belongings protected for many years to come.