When Should You Replace Your Shed Roof Instead of Repairing It?
30 March 2026Garden sheds take the full force of the unpredictable British weather, from heavy rain to strong winds and fluctuating temperatures. So, it’s no surprise that over time, traditional felt roofs often start to show signs of wear and tear.
Bitumen vs. felt
While small repairs can sometimes extend the life of a felt roof, replacing it with bitumen sheets is often the more reliable long-term solution – saving you time and money in the long run.
Not only do bitumen sheets offer improved durability and weather protection, but they can also be installed directly over your existing felt roof, making the upgrade quicker and easier than many DIYers expect.
To repair or not to repair, that is the question
If your shed roof has only minor damage, repairing the existing roofing may be enough to keep things watertight for a while longer. Small tears or lifted sections can often be secured with clout nails, patched with roofing felt, or sealed using a bitumen-based repair compound.
These types of fixes are generally quick and inexpensive, which makes them the often more appealing alternative to replacement – particularly if the roof is still relatively new or the problem area is small. However, once felt starts to deteriorate it can quickly become prone to further damage and any repairs are only a short-term solution.
Traditional shed felt is often chosen because it’s affordable and easy to install, but it can struggle with long-term exposure to wind, rain and UV.
If you’re dealing with multiple leaks, widespread wear, or felt that has already been patched several times, replacing the roof is usually the better option.
Bitumen – a durable alternative
If you’ve ruled out repairs, it’s time for a new roof, and upgrading to bitumen sheets is a decision both you and your shed will thank you for you later. Designed specifically for outdoor buildings like sheds, summerhouses, garages and workshops, these sheets offer several advantages over traditional felt roofing.
Firstly, they come with a much longer lifespan. Felt roofs can start to degrade after just a few years of exposure to the elements, especially if water begins to pool on the surface. Whereas bitumen sheets like ONDULINE CLASSIC are built to withstand the elements from high to low temperature, heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Backed by a 15-year warranty, CLASSIC sheets allow you to rest easy knowing your shed will look great and be protected for many years to come.
Another key benefit is low maintenance. Once installed, bitumen sheets require very little upkeep. They hold their shape well, resist tearing and are less likely to loosen over time compared with felt. For shed owners who want a reliable roof without constant repairs, bitumen is the way to go.
Made from approximately 50% recycled materials, depending on the product, Onduline sheets are also an eco-responsible roofing solution.
Easy installation
One of the biggest advantages of replacing felt with bitumen sheets is how quick and simple the process is – with no need for specialist DIY expertise or tools.
In fact, in many cases, you don’t need to remove the old felt roofing at all. As long as the timber roof deck underneath is still in good condition, bitumen sheets can be fixed directly over the existing felt for a fuss-free instant roof upgrade.
Bitumen sheets are lightweight and easy to handle, making them perfect DIY installations, especially first timers. Cutting them to size and fixing them into place is straightforward with standard tools, so you can complete your roof upgrade with confidence.
Don’t forget sleek and stylish
Beyond the practical benefits, replacing felt with bitumen sheets also enhances your sheds overall aesthetic. Felt roofs often begin to look worn and uneven as they age, whereas sheets such as ONDULINE EASYLINE create a neat, structured finish that can help refresh the look of the entire building.
With five contemporary colours to choose from, you can select the option that best complements your gardens look for a cohesive outdoor space. And with their UV resistant properties these roofing sheets will keep their colour and your building looking stylish for years. Compact in size, EASYLINE sheets are an ideal roofing solution for smaller sheds, garden buildings and even pet shelters.
If your shed roof is starting to show its age, replacing the felt with bitumen sheets is one of the easiest ways to improve the durability, performance and lifespan of your garden building. And with the ability to install the sheets directly over existing felt, it’s a project that many homeowners can complete themselves in one day.
For more information about Onduline roofing sheets, discover our full range here.
ONDULINE roofing sheets and accessories are available from a range of stockists. Find your nearest stockist here and our range of online stockists here.