How to Felt a Shed Roof in Hampshire: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for an affordable and DIY-friendly way to repair or replace your shed roof in Hampshire, felt roofing is a great option. With its lightweight nature and excellent waterproofing properties, felt is a popular choice for shed roofs across the county. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of felting your shed roof, saving you the cost of hiring a professional roofer while achieving a durable, watertight result.
What is Roof Felt?
Roof felt is a widely used material known for its durability and waterproof qualities. It’s an ideal choice for flat roof applications, including shed roofs in Hampshire. Felt is inexpensive, easy to install, and offers excellent protection from the elements, making it a go-to option for many homeowners in the region. It’s available at local DIY stores or roofing suppliers throughout Hampshire, so you can easily pick up the materials needed for your project.
Materials and Tools Needed to Felt a Shed Roof
Before you start felting your shed roof, make sure you have the following materials and tools on hand:
- Ladders
- Builder’s knife
- Measuring tape
- Felt
- Felt adhesive
- Brush
- 50mm galvanized nails
- Nail gun or claw hammer
Safety Tip: Always ensure your ladders are placed on solid ground, and avoid overreaching while working. It’s also recommended to have someone hold the ladder for extra support. Never walk on a shed roof as it may not be able to support your weight.
How to Felt a Shed Roof in Hampshire
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to follow when felting your shed roof:
1. Prepare the Roof Area
Start by removing any old roofing material so you are left with a clean roof structure. If the timber roof decking is damaged or rotting, it’s essential to replace it before proceeding. This will ensure a solid foundation for the new felt roof.
2. Measure the Roof
Accurately measure the roof area to determine how much felt material you will need. For optimal coverage, ensure that each sheet overlaps the other by 75mm. Typically, five pieces of felt are enough for a standard-sized shed in Hampshire, but this depends on the size of your shed and the width of the felt roll. Always overlap the joints in the felt to prevent water from seeping underneath.
3. Install the First Sheet of Felt
When laying the first sheet of felt, make sure it overlaps the eaves by 50mm and the gable ends by 75mm. Nail the felt sheet using galvanized nails, spacing them 50mm apart along the overlapped edges. At the top of the sheet, secure it with nails spaced 500mm apart. Using galvanized nails is important, as they resist rust and provide a longer-lasting hold.
4. Lay the Second Sheet
Next, position the second sheet of felt, overlapping it by 75mm over the first sheet. Apply a generous amount of felt adhesive with a brush to secure the second sheet in place. Nail it down with galvanized nails spaced 50mm apart to ensure it stays put.
5. Apply the Cap Sheet
Once both sides of the shed roof are covered, place a cap sheet over the ridge. The cap sheet should cover the ridge and overlap the felt by at least 75mm on each side. Press the cap sheet down firmly, apply adhesive over the lap joints, and secure it with galvanized nails spaced 50mm apart.
6. Finish the Job
To give your roof a neat finish, trim any excess felt at the gable and eaves with a builder’s knife. Make small splits at the overlap at the gable apex and fold the felt over the edge of the roof. Nail it down securely to ensure there are no loose edges.
Why Choose Felt Roofing for Your Shed in Hampshire?
Felt roofing offers a number of advantages for homeowners in Hampshire:
- Cost-Effective: Felt is an affordable material, making it ideal for DIY shed roof repairs.
- Durable and Waterproof: With its robust properties, felt will keep your shed protected from rain and moisture for years.
- Easy to Install: Even if you’re new to DIY projects, felting a shed roof is straightforward and can be done with basic tools.
Low Maintenance: Felt roofs are low-maintenance, requiring little attention once properly installed.
Need Help with Your Shed Roof in Hampshire?
If you’re unsure about tackling your shed roof project or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with local roofing experts in Hampshire. Whether it’s felt roofing or other types of roof repairs, we can help you achieve a reliable, durable roof for your shed.
Contact Us for Roof Repairs and Installations in Hampshire
If you need help felting your shed roof or want advice on roof repairs, our team of experts in Hampshire is ready to assist. We offer a variety of roofing services including:
- Tiling
- Slating
- Flat roofs (felt, fibreglass, EPDM)
- Roof repairs
- Chimney work and removals
- Balcony roofs
- Fascias, soffits, and gutters
- Emergency roof repairs
Call us today to get a free quote for your roofing project in Hampshire. We’re here to make your roofing job easy and affordable!
