The right roofing material can add life and beauty to your small structure. A quality roof creates a polished and finished look, adding the final touches to any design. Selecting the right roofing for sheds is also important as you will rely on this small structure to house your tools, toys, or whatever you choose to store inside.
But with so many types of roofing materials on the market today, which one should you choose?
Types of Shed Roofing Materials
The building materials used in your shed’s construction will dictate the strength, longevity, and overall quality of your small structure. As such, it is essential to consider which shed building materials you will want to use to get the most out of this addition, especially when it comes to the roofing of your shed.
That being said, what are the most popular roofing materials for sheds? Consider using one of these four materials as your roof of choice the next time you construct a shed:
- Asphalt
- Cedar
- Steel
- EPDM membrane
Asphalt Shingles
For over a century, asphalt has reigned supreme as one of the most popular shed roofing materials on the market. Asphalt shingles provide an inexpensive yet durable form of roofing for homes, sheds, and other structures.
Using asphalt will reduce the overall cost of constructing your shed build, but it could also shrink the lifespan. Asphalt offers individuals the lowest cost roofing option for their shed compared to other materials on this list. However, the low cost might compromise the quality and longevity of the material when compared to other, more robust roofing materials. Typically, the lifespan of asphalt ranges from 20 to 30 years, depending on the type and quality of asphalt shingles used.
That being said, asphalt is still one of the top choices for roofing as it offers builders an easy installation process and a quality look and feel at a competitive price.
Cedar Shingles
If you’re looking for a naturally beautiful shed roof design, consider using cedar. Cedar wood shingles or shakes are the most popular form of cedar roofing for small structures and sheds. Cedar shingle designs offer individuals a high-quality roofing option that is naturally waterproof and looks beautiful. Add character and elegance to any shed with cedar shingles.
Cedar shingle designs possess a lifespan of 50 years, so they are as durable as they are beautiful. Western red shingles are a popular wood shingle of choice, as the natural colour and grain create an eye-catching feature of any small structure.
Steel Roofing
Steel roofing is a type of metal roofing material that has grown in popularity over the last few years. More and more homeowners use steel or other metals as their go-to roofing material as it provides an added layer of protection and durability to structures.
Steel roof panelling offers homeowners a unique yet versatile look that goes with various personal design preferences and aesthetics. And the best part, steel roofing possesses a lifespan greater than 50 years when cared for properly. Highly durable and pretty much impervious to snow and rain, this roofing material is the perfect fit for shed builds throughout Canada.
Steel roofing will be more expensive than the other material options on the list, especially when used on a house. But, at least with a smaller structure, you will use less material overall, and it will last longer than many other options, making metal roofing for sheds a quality choice. Learn more about the pros and cons of metal roofing.
EPDM Roofing Membrane
EPDM, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, is a roofing material that provides builders with a durable and watertight roofing option. This sleek, synthetic rubberized roofing material can stand up to all types of weather and climate conditions, making this option the perfect choice for the Canadian outdoors.
Typically, the EPDM roofing membrane works best on a ‘flat’ shed roof design, adding an overall modern and polished look to your structure. Available in black and white, this simplistic yet high-quality material works well with any building colour scheme.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Shed Building Materials
When it comes to your roofing designs, you want to choose shed roofing materials that will work for you, your climate, and your wallet. The shed roof design must tie into the structure’s design as a whole while also providing long-lasting durability and protection for the things held within.
When shopping for the best roofing materials for sheds, consider these tips before settling on your preferred medium,
- Seasonal weather and climate: Do you live predominantly in a warm environment, or do you experience all four seasons? You will need to choose a roofing material that can stand up to high winds, heat and droughts, heavy rains, and sleet and snow, depending on your location.
- Purpose of the shed: What is your shed’s purpose- for storing gardening tools and outdoor supplies, or is it for comfort and relaxation? Choose a material that suits the use of your shed.
- Length of use: Will you be using this shed for many years to come, or are you looking for a quick build? Longer lasting materials will cost more money, so you will need to weigh up the length of use against the cost of construction to help determine what you are looking for.
- Personal aesthetic: What shed roof design and look are you going for? Opt for a material that works for your personal preferences and overall vision.
- Trustworthy suppliers: Who are you securing your construction and roofing materials from? Are you getting the best deal and a high-quality product from this person or organization?
Summerwood Offers Quality Roofing Products
The right roofing for sheds will make all the difference to the structure’s look and lifespan. For quality products and shed building materials that will last a lifetime, consider working with us here at Summerwood. With numerous high-quality materials to choose from and an extensive knowledge base surrounding sheds, our company can work with you to create a long-lasting woodshed for your backyard. Why not give us a call today to learn more!