How to put a roof on a garden house? Step-by-step instructions
Covering the roof of a garden house is a key construction stage that affects the durability of the entire structure.The right roofing material provides protection against damp, snow and strong, windy conditions. The choice of covering should take into account the roof angle, aesthetics and budget. In this guide, we will take you step by step through the process of roofing a garden house, discussing the materials, their properties and practical installation tips.
Preparation for roofing
Before you start work, check the condition of the structure thoroughly and prepare the necessary tools and materials.
Checking the roof structure
Before laying the roofing, it is a good idea to ensure that the entire structure is properly prepared. A solid roof will provide greater resistance to wind, snow and rain. There are several key aspects to consider:
- The roof truss is stable and well fixed – the truss is the framework that is responsible for transferring loads to the roof walls. Make sure that all components are securely connected and have no play. Otherwise, the roof may be weakened and the roof covering may shift or even be damaged in high winds.
- The roof surface is even and free of cavities – unevenness and damage can lead to leaks and problems with the installation of the roofing. Check that the boards or panels making up the substrate fit well and that there are no gaps through which water could enter.
- The roof has the correct pitch for the chosen covering – each roofing material requires a specific pitch to effectively drain water and snow. Checking the pitch will help us avoid drainage problems and reduce the risk of leaks.
Essential tools
Choosing the right equipment will not only make installation easier, but will also speed up the work and ensure a solid performance. Below is a list of essential tools:
– hammer,
– screwdriver, nails, screws
– level, tape measure and marking pencil
– saw for cutting the material
– sealing tape and assembly adhesive
– protective gloves and goggles
Choosing a roofing material
Each roofing material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is advisable to tailor the choice to the weather conditions most common in our climate and the pitch of our roof. The most commonly used materials are listed below.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Minimum roof pitch |
| Bitumen sheeting | Low price, easy installation, good insulation | Shorter service life, requires maintenance | min. 3° |
| Asphalt shingles | Aesthetics, flexibility, weather resistance | Requires primer, time-consuming installation | min. 15° |
| Corrugated sheet metal | Durability, easy to install, moisture resistant | Can be noisy in the rain | min. 5° |
| PVC/WPC sheets | Lightweight, low price, weather-resistant | May look less aesthetically pleasing | min. 10° |
| Ceramic roof tile | Durability, good thermal insulation | High weight, more expensive to install | min. 22° |
How to roof a garden house – step-by-step instructions
The correct installation of roofing is the key to durability and aesthetics. The choice of material influences the method of installation, but certain steps are common to most roof coverings.
Laying the insulation layer
Whichever material you choose, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the right insulation in place before installing your roofing to protect against moisture and improve the durability of your roof.
- Roofing membrane – protects the roof structure from moisture, condensation and wind, preventing damage to the timber.
- Sealing tapes – used at the membrane joints and at sensitive points on the roof, such as around chimneys and eaves, to eliminate the risk of leaks.
Roofing installation
Each type of roofing requires a different approach, so it is advisable to adapt the method to the material chosen.
Bituminous felt
1. Prepare the substrate – the best choice would be waterproof plywood or boards installed flush to provide a stable surface.
2. Unroll the tar paper strips, press them against the surface and fix them – tar paper nails or bitumen glue can be used for installation, which makes the fixing more durable.
3. Lay the subsequent strips overlapping (min. 10 cm) – this will ensure a tight seal and protect against water penetration at the joints.
4.Use pressure strips at the edges – this will prevent the roofing felt from being torn off by the wind and gradually peeling off.
Bitumen shingles
1. Install the formwork and roofing membrane – these will provide a stable base and an additional layer of protection against moisture.
2. Start the installation from the bottom edge of the roof – the first layer of shingles should be cut to ensure an even roof covering.
3. Nail the shingles with roofing nails and keep an overlap between the layers – this will ensure that subsequent layers adhere well to each other and become more wind resistant.
4. Protect the upper parts of the roof with ridge tiles – special ridge shingles prevent water from entering the highest part of the roof.
See how to install roofing shingles correctly step by step in the video below:
Corrugated sheeting
1. Fix easy and counter-battens to the roof structure – they will create a ventilation space, which prevents condensation under the sheeting.
2. Lay the sheets from the lowest point of the roof – this way of installation allows rainwater to run off effectively.
3. Screw the sheets to the battens with roofing screws – the screws should be placed at the bottom of the waves, which will increase the load resistance.
4. Seal the joints with bituminous tape – using tape on the joints provides additional protection against water and extends the life of the roof.
PVC/WPC panels
1. Lay the roofing membrane over the boarding – this will protect the structure from dampness and prolong the life of the roof.
2. Fix the boards using special screws – boards should be installed with a light overlap to prevent water ingress.
3. Seal the joints with roof silicone – silicone at the joints will allow better protection from rain and moisture.
If done correctly, these steps will provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish to your garden house roof, increasing its weather resistance and extending its lifespan while maintaining its aesthetics.
What is the optimum roof pitch?
The angle of a garden house roof is crucial to its durability and the effectiveness of water and snow drainage.The correct pitch also affects the choice of roofing material, as some materials require a specific angle to ensure proper waterproofing and longevity of the structure. In addition, the pitch of the roof influences wind resistance – flat roofs are more prone to snow accumulation and precipitation, while mache sides perform better in regions with heavy rainfall.
Recommended roof pitch depending on the material:
- Flat roof (3-10°) – ideal for moisture-resistant roofing materials such as bitumen felt or trapezoidal sheeting. Requires a suitable drainage system, such as additional gutters or a waterproofing layer.
- Medium pitch (10-25°) – works well with materials such as asphalt shingles, corrugated sheet and PVC/WPC panels that require light water run-off but do not need to be installed at a steep angle.
- Steep roofs (25-45°) – best for clay tiles and timber shingles, which drain water and snow effectively but require a solid roof truss structure. Steep roofs are often used in areas of heavy snowfall where snow accumulation on the roof could pose a risk to the building.
Getting the roof pitch right not only affects the aesthetics of the garden house, but more importantly its durability and effectiveness in protecting it from moisture and extreme weather conditions.
Roof ventilation – how to take care of it?
Insufficient air circulation can lead to a build-up of moisture under the roofing, which over time weakens the roof structure and shortens its lifespan. Particularly in garden houses, where wooden structures are often used, excess moisture can cause deformation of the elements and the growth of fungi and mould.
What solutions should be used?
- Ventilation slots in the ridge – these allow natural air circulation, which allows moisture to escape effectively. Located at the highest point of the roof, the vents allow warm and moist air to rise and escape to the outside.
- Vents in the eaves – help fresh air flow in, which then rises upwards, displacing accumulated moisture.Particularly important on lower pitch roofs where natural air movement is restricted.
- Roof membranes – modern materials that protect the structure from water infiltration from outside, but at the same time allow water vapour to escape from inside the building. This keeps the roof structure dry, preventing mould and weakening materials.
Summary
Roofing a garden house requires proper preparation and the selection of the right material. It is important to consider the pitch of the roof, the quality of the insulation layer and the correct installation. This will ensure that the garden house is durable, weatherproof and aesthetically pleasing for many years.
