Find out the most cost-effective solution for roofing your shed!

Looking to re-roof your shed, summerhouse, or workshop but want to stick to a budget? You’ve come to the right place, as today we’re answering the commonly asked question: what is the cheapest way to roof a shed?

There are a few different options, some well known and some perhaps lesser known, all with differing pros and cons so let’s take a look at these and break them down…

Cheap roofing option one: Felt

Felt is probably one of the most commonly used materials for re-roofing a shed, and there’s a few reasons why - a big one being budget!

felt roofing

Shed with felt vs Shed with Onduline roofing

Pros of felt roofing:

  • It’s the cheapest option out there It’s easy to pick up from most DIY stores
  • It’s fast and easy to install It’s flexible, suiting many roof styles and shapes

Cons of felt roofing:

  • It’s prone to wear and tear requiring high maintenance
  • You’ll probably find that your roofing will eventually leak
  • It’s not a long-lasting solution and will require re-roofing more frequently
  • It can look untidy and patchy with cover-up repairs
  • It can warp during hot temperatures

Overall, whilst felt is a cheap option, the cons definitely outweigh the pros here due to the lack of longevity this roofing will provide. The cheapest isn’t always the best, and the saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ springs to mind. A good option for your wallet but only if you’re willing to replace it not too far down the line. Let’s take a look at option number two…

Cheap roofing option two: Onduline bitumen roofing sheets

Another option is the Onduline system - these are our lightweight bitumen sheets that have exploded in popularity for many reasons…

shed with Onduline roofing

Pros of Onduline roofing:

  • Lightweight and watertight
  • Long lasting with a 10 year minimum guarantee
  • Weatherproof - they can withstand snow, heavy rain and heat
  • Noise-reducing, they will keep sounds in and out
  • Easy to install with no specialist tools required
  • Eco-friendly - made with roughly 50% recycled fibres
  • Free from asbestos and hazardous substances
  • Free from metal they will not rust or corrode
  • Can be installed on top of an existing felt roof
  • Can be installed on both wooden and metal building frames
  • Virtually maintenance-free - clearing debris will be the only task for years to come
  • AA fire rated option with BARDOLINE roof shingles

Cons of Onduline roofing:

  • More expensive than felt but in the long run will provide better value

Whilst still an affordable roofing solution, a bitumen roofing system from Onduline will cost a little more than a roll of felt, however, thanks to its durability you will end up saving money in the long-term as you won’t need to keep repairing or replacing. The pros massively outweigh the cons, making this a fantastic roofing solution for DIYers and professionals alike.

Cheap roofing option three: corrugated metal sheets

And finally, we also have the option of metal roofing sheets, but these aren’t always a suitable option, especially for homeowners…

metal roofing

Pros of corrugated metal sheets:

  • They’re durable and can withstand wind, sun and rain
  • They reflect the heat, keeping your building cooler
  • They are likely to last a long time, but repairs can be tricky and may require a specialist
  • Depending on the thickness and quality, they can be long-lasting
  • Most metal roofing can be recycled

Cons of corrugated metal sheets:

  • Their appearance is very industrial and not homely
  • They can be easily dented (not great in a hail storm!)
  • They can be very noisy, not suitable for your garden office or workshop!
  • They are the most costly option of the three
  • Could rust and corrode over time

Whilst a metal roof might be ideal for a warehouse or commercial building, it’s not the best option in a residential setting due to the high cost, noise, and overall aesthetic. They are also the least DIY-friendly of the discussed options, with repairs causing a bit of a headache!

So what really is the cheapest way to roof a shed?

If we take into consideration all of the pros and cons, weighing these up, it’s clear that the Onduline bitumen roofing  sheets come out on top due to their durability, low maintenance, resistance to bad weather and overall longevity. Whilst felt is technically the cheapest in terms of initial outlay, you’ll end up coughing up more in the long term when it inevitably succumbs to wear and tear. Whilst metal is a durable option, its higher cost, appearance and installation make this an unsuitable option for many.

Find out more about the Onduline product range here  

We hope you have found this round-up of the cheapest roofing options helpful. Maybe you’re now ready to get started on re-roofing your outdoor building? Don’t forget our lightweight and easy-to-install roofing can be purchased via our eShop, and select ranges are also available via The Range, Amazon, and Wickes. Check out our full list of stockists

Also, if you have any questions about our roofing, our team will be happy to help and you can contact us by calling 0207 727 0533 or emailing [email protected]

Discover the full range at onduline.co.uk

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