A garden shed can serve as storage space for tools but can also be used for cozy days when it rains, as long as the roof covering has been chosen appropriately. Here you can find the decision-making aid.
Roof type
A decisive factor when selecting roof covering is the respective type or shape of the roof. Particularly popular and common for garden houses are:
Flat roof & pent roof
Flat roofs have little or no slope. An improvement on this is the pent roof, which has a steeper slope for improved water drainage. Both variants are very similar and are, among other things, ideal for being used to generate solar energy.
Gable roof
Gable roofs are the classic and most widespread type of roof - not just for the garden house. The triangular shape allows wonderful water drainage. This in turn can be used to collect rainwater through gutters and use it for watering.
Step roof
Step roofs consist of several smaller sections or roofs. This can create a very interesting architectural effect. It is also possible to subsequently roof extensions while keeping the effort as low as possible.
Material
Each material is suitable for different purposes and has different advantages and disadvantages. The materials for roofing are extremely diverse. Among them are:
Bitumen sheets and bitumen shingles
This variant is ideal for a variety of roofs as long as they have an inclination between 15 and 85 degrees. With smaller gradients, water can build up and puddles can form. This particularly applies to bitumen membranes. However, for steeper inclinations, an additional bracket must be attached to prevent shifting.
The advantages are the following points:
- easy to install
- low cost
- only foil is necessary as a base
- little effort
However, the lifespan of the material is not that long, so the roof covering has to be replaced comparatively often
Tin Roof
A cover with sheet metal is a stable and long-lasting alternative. However, the costs can vary greatly. In addition, the installation is not that easy. However, if you want a durable roof covering on your garden house, this is a good choice.
Roof foil (EPDM)
The EPDM roof film is extremely cheap and practical. The abbreviation stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. It is an artificial rubber that is extremely resistant to a variety of environmental influences.
Roofing felt
Roofing felt is a very similar material to bitumen. Benefits include:
- low cost
- easy installation
- relatively high resistance
Visually, the roofing felt is very simple and discreet. It is particularly suitable as a quick solution, but must be installed overlapping. It is also unsuitable for very flat roofs, as water can accumulate, which in the long term will push through the roof.
Roof tiles
These are a kind of combination of bricks and corrugated iron. Due to the number required, laying or assembly involves a relatively high amount of effort. Even with a small garden house roof, at least one day should be taken into account.
The costs are also comparatively high. Nevertheless, there are various advantages. Below:
- long durability
- high resistance
- visually appealing and decorative
Fiber cement
Boards or shingles made of fiber cement are long-lasting and can withstand weather influences for up to 40 or even 50 years. They are comparatively expensive, but also visually appealing and are particularly suitable for gable roofs but also for all other types of roofs.
Wooden shingles
The prices for wooden shingles are higher and the installation is also complex. However, there are several advantages associated with it. These are:
- very high durability
- low care
- extremely long service life
- good sealing
So the investment is worth it.
Tip:
Professional installation is recommended so that errors and resulting problems can be avoided. It may seem more expensive at first, but it pays off in the medium and long term and saves money.
KSK roofing sheets
KSK roofing membranes are particularly practical and wonderfully suitable for people without experience or manual skills. The self-adhesive variants ensure an efficient seal quickly and easily. However, the price per square meter is comparatively high and the appearance appears more practical than attractive.
Plastic or wave profiles
Corrugated profiles made of plastic, sheet metal or bitumen are very inexpensive and can be installed quickly. However, visually they are not to everyone's taste. However, they are a good option especially for the garden house and are ideal for flat roofs with a slight slope, as the profiles ensure excellent water drainage.
Price comparison
A general statement about the total costs cannot be made. Some materials do seem cheaper in the short term. However, a comprehensive comparison can show, for example, that wooden shingles with a service life of up to 80 years are the best choice in the medium and long term.
The respective expenditure for the materials should therefore always be related to the square meters and durability. In addition, other utensils and, if necessary, working time must be taken into account.
