Choosing the Right Roof Design for Your Garden Building: Factors to Consider

Four Things You Should Know About Garden Buildings Roofs

To try to help you make the right decision we highlight what you should look out for and what you should avoid and – as importantly WHY. Whilst we all want the cheapest price for our garden shed it’s really important that you ensure you buy a building which will fill all your needs and, very importantly, will stand the test of time. This is why you need to do a little homework beforehand. Yes, I know, we were all not keen on doing ‘homework’ but believe me, this homework is vital to ensure you are happy when your new building is delivered.

1/   What is the Roof Made From?

It’s important that any garden shed you are thinking of is made from all timber and not from any man-made boards such as chipboard, OSB board or other sheet materials.

Chipboard is made from wood chips stuck together and OSB boards are made from wood shavings glues together. Both are reasonably OK for kitchen or bedroom flat pack furniture and covered with melamine as these uses are indoors.

It is no use at all outside on a garden shed long term. The reason for this is when the boards get wet, either from rain coming through the felt or from absorbing from the atmosphere, the boards will swell and lose its strength. And as soon as it does this the end is nigh for your roof. Strangely enough, you won’t see the words chipboard, OSB boards used when describing the roofs from some manufacturers. Rather they describe them as ‘SOLID SHEET MATERIAL’. Why? Because they know people are getting more clued up about what they should expect. So always ask any shed company – what is the shed roof made from?. If it’s chipboard or OSB boards then politely, or otherwise decline. You will be pleased in the long run.

2/   How Long Should the Shed Roof Last?

If the shed or workshop is not made from ‘proper’ timber then you can find that when the roofing felt is put on that this can create weak points in its protection. Clout head nails are normally used (small tacks with large heads) and when they go into these man-made roofs if they are not properly aligned can allow water to get through to the roof. With ‘proper’ timber that is not a great problem but with man-made boards water can get into the roof boards and made them disintegrate. Don’t take a chance with this, it’s not worth it.

3/   How Thick Should the Felt be?

The minimum thickness of felt on a garden shed should be at least 40kg in weight. This ensures the right balance of durability and flexibility.

4/   Are Fascia Boards Included?

Double check that your proposed shed comes with fascia boards (or barge boards) as some cheap sheds don’t have any. This is important as they help to keep the roofing felt in place and also make the building look more attractive.

Written By Robin - Expert in Garden Buildings For 44 Years.
Hi, I'm Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I use my expertise gained over 44 years in the garden buildings industry to understand that each customer is different. With my manufacturing, retailing and customer service experience my articles help people choose their ideal shed, garden workshop, summerhouse, log cabin or garden office needs to suit their requirement and that is key to satisfaction. And what do I do when I'm not writing? You may find me following Grimsby Town Football Club or riding roller coasters - so plenty of 'ups and downs' in my life.