How to Re-Roof a Shed: Materials, Steps, Costs, and Tips

Re-roofing a shed improves durability, prevents leaks, and can update the look of outbuildings. This guide walks through assessing the existing roof, selecting materials, required tools, step-by-step installation, cost estimates, safety and permit considerations, and maintenance tips. It focuses on practical, actionable guidance for typical American backyard sheds.

Material	Pros	Cons	Estimated Lifespan
Asphalt Shingles	Affordable, easy to install	Moderate lifespan, can be heavy	15–25 Years
Metal Panels	Durable, lightweight, fire-resistant	Higher upfront cost, noise in rain	30–50+ Years
Roll Roofing	Cheap, fast for low-slope roofs	Shorter life, less attractive	5–10 Years
Rubber/EPDM	Great for low slopes, watertight	Can require adhesive, pricier	20–30 Years
Cedar Shakes	Attractive, natural insulation	Expensive, needs maintenance	30–40 Years

Assessing The Existing Shed Roof

Start With A Thorough Inspection from ground level and, if safe, from the roof. Look for rot, sagging, water stains inside the shed, and the condition of decking and framing.

Determine Whether A Full Tear-Off Is Needed. If decking is soft, moldy, or delaminated, a complete removal of old roofing and replacement of sheathing is necessary.

Measure Roof Pitch And Square Footage. Pitch affects material choice; low-slope roofs often require roll roofing or rubber membranes, while steeper pitches accept shingles or metal. Measure length and width of planes and add 10% for waste.

Choosing The Right Roofing Material

Select Materials Based On Budget, Slope, Climate, And Aesthetics. Consider durability in local conditions—freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, hail, or high heat change performance expectations.

Asphalt Shingles

Good For Typical Pitched Sheds. They are economical and available in many colors. Use architectural shingles for better durability and appearance on visible sheds.

Metal Roofing

Excellent For Longevity And Low Maintenance. Standing seam or corrugated panels shed snow and last decades. Ensure proper fastening and use a breathable underlayment to prevent condensation.

Roll Roofing And EPDM

Suited To Low-Slope Or Flat Shed Roofs. Roll roofing is cheapest for short-term fixes; EPDM rubber provides a durable, watertight solution with long life for flat or nearly flat roofs.

Cedar Shakes

Chosen For Appearance And Insulation. Cedar adds curb appeal but requires proper installation, ventilation, and periodic maintenance to prevent rot and moss growth.

Tools And Supplies Needed

Basic Tools Include Hammer, Pry Bar, Circular Saw, Roofing Nailer, Tape Measure, Chalk Line, And Ladder. A helper improves safety and speed for lifting large materials.

Supplies Depend On Material Choice. Typical list: underlayment (felt or synthetic), drip edge, flashing, starter shingles or strips, ridge vents or cap shingles, roofing nails, sealant, and replacement sheathing if needed.

Step-By-Step Re-Roofing Process

Preparation And Safety

Start By Clearing The Area And Putting On Safety Gear. Use fall protection for roofs above typical ladder height, gloves, safety glasses, and proper footwear. Protect landscaping and property with tarps.

Tear-Off Or Overlay Decision

Tear-Off Is Preferred When Existing Roofing Is Damaged. Building codes often limit overlays to one layer of shingles. Overlays can save time but may shorten the new roof’s life and hide deck issues.

Deck Repair And Sheathing

Replace Soft Or Damaged Sheathing. Use plywood or OSB of adequate thickness for span and local code; ensure a smooth, square surface and proper nail spacing.

Install Drip Edge, Underlayment, And Flashing

Install Drip Edge Along Eaves And Rakes Before Underlayment. Use synthetic underlayment for better performance. Flash valleys, chimneys, and roof-to-wall intersections with self-adhering membrane or metal flashing.

Install Roofing Material

Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions For Fastening And Overlaps. For shingles, stagger starter courses and maintain proper exposure. For metal, ensure panels are fastened to purlins or solid sheathing and allow for thermal movement.

Finish With Ridge Caps And Sealants

Proper Venting And Ridge Caps Complete The System. Seal nail heads and transitions with recommended sealants and check for any exposed gaps that could leak.

Ventilation And Insulation Considerations

Good Ventilation Prevents Moisture Buildup And Extends Roof Life. Even small sheds benefit from intake vents at eaves and exhaust at the ridge or gable ends to keep attic spaces dry.

Insulate Only If The Shed Is Climate-Controlled. For tool storage, minimal insulation is sufficient; for workshops, insulate and ventilate to control condensation and protect stored items.

Estimating Cost And Time

Costs Vary By Material, Roof Size, Roof Pitch, And Whether A Tear-Off Is Needed. Typical DIY asphalt shingle re-roofing on a small shed can cost $200–$1,000 for materials; metal panels or EPDM will be higher.

Labor Adds Significant Expense If Hiring Pros. Contractor labor for a small shed may range from $300–$1,500 depending on complexity. Obtain multiple quotes and check references.

Timeframe Depends On Scope. A small shed roof tear-off and re-roof by an experienced DIYer can take a weekend; contractors may finish the job in a day depending on scheduling.

Permits, Codes, And Hiring A Contractor

Check Local Building Codes And Permit Requirements. Local jurisdictions may require permits for structural changes, and failure to obtain them can complicate insurance claims or future property sales.

When Hiring A Contractor, Verify Insurance And References. Request proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation, get a written contract with timeline and warranty details, and confirm disposal of old materials.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Skimping On Underlayment Or Flashing Often Leads To Leaks. Proper layering and attention to transitions are more important than cosmetic choices.

Ignoring Roof Pitch Restrictions For Materials Can Cause Failures. Some shingles require a minimum slope; EPDM is better for low slopes. Follow manufacturer specifications.

Overloading The Shed Structure With Heavy Materials Without Reinforcement Can Cause Sag. Check framing and add supports if planning heavy cedar or multiple overlay layers.

Maintenance Tips To Extend Roof Life

Inspect The Roof Twice Per Year And After Storms. Look for loose fasteners, lifted shingles, punctures in metal, and blockages in gutters or vents.

Keep Vegetation Away From The Roof Surface. Trim overhanging branches to prevent abrasion and accumulations of leaves that trap moisture and encourage moss.

Address Small Repairs Immediately. Replace damaged shingles, re-seal flashing, or patch EPDM tears with manufacturer-approved materials to avoid larger failures.

When To Replace Framing Or Upgrade During Re-Roofing

Use Re-Roofing As An Opportunity To Inspect Structural Integrity. If sheathing or rafters show rot, termite damage, or excessive deflection, replace or sister rafters and sheathing before re-roofing.

Consider Upgrading To Better Ventilation Or A Higher-Performance Decking Material. Adding a breathable underlayment or insulating the roof deck can improve the shed’s lifespan and functionality.

Cost-Saving Tips And Eco-Friendly Options

Salvage Usable Materials When Possible. Good metal panels or flashing can be reused. Dispose of only what’s necessary to reduce costs and waste.

Choose Recyclable Or Long-Life Materials To Reduce Long-Term Costs. Metal roofs and longer-life membranes reduce replacement frequency and landfill waste.

Summary Checklist Before Starting

• Inspect Decking And Framing For Damage.
• Measure Roof Area And Pitch Accurately.
• Select Material Suitable For Pitch And Climate.
• Gather Tools, Safety Gear, And Materials.
• Check Permits And Local Codes.
• Plan For Ventilation And Future Maintenance.

With Proper Planning, Material Selection, And Attention To Detail, Re-Roofing A Shed Can Be A Cost-Effective DIY Project Or A Small Professional Job That Adds Years Of Protection.