The roof covering decides whether everything below it stays dry. Many garden buildings arrive with a basic covering that is fine for a tool shed but worth upgrading for a bar full of electrics, glassware and cushions.
Mineral felt
Standard shed felt is cheap and quick to fit. Basic grades are the shortest-lived option and can tear in wind. Thicker, better grades last longer. Fix it carefully with the right nails and battens, and lap joints in the right direction so water runs over, not under, them.
Felt shingles
Shingles give a tiled look and suit summerhouses and pub-style buildings. They are fixed individually, take longer to fit and usually need a solid roof deck. They can last longer than basic felt.
Rubber (EPDM) membranes
A single sheet of rubber membrane can cover a whole small roof with no joints. It suits flat and low-pitch roofs and is popular as an upgrade. It needs careful preparation, the right adhesive and proper edge trims.
Sheet roofing
Corrugated or profiled sheets, in bitumen, metal or plastic, go on quickly. Metal can be noisy in rain and may suffer from condensation underneath if not ventilated or lined. Clear sheets let in light but also heat.
Choosing for a bar
- For a pub look, shingles.
- For a low-pitch bar shed, a rubber membrane.
- For a pergola or open bar, sheet roofing or polycarbonate.
- For noise, avoid bare metal over seating.
Details that matter
- Drip edges and trims so water clears the walls.
- Gutters and downpipes leading somewhere sensible.
- Ventilation to reduce condensation under the roof.
- A sound roof deck; rotten boards make any covering fail.
Work at height
Roof work is where DIY injuries happen. Use stable access, work in dry, calm weather and don't stand on roof boards that aren't designed to take your weight. If in doubt, pay someone.
Planning
Changing the roof covering rarely affects planning, but changing the roof shape or height can. See planning.
Climb a stepladder this weekend and look at the roof edges. Lifting felt, rotten fascia and blocked gutters are the early warnings.
Quick answers
What is the longest-lasting shed roof?
Rubber membranes and good-quality shingles generally outlast basic felt, provided they are fitted properly on a sound deck.
Why is my metal-roofed bar dripping inside?
Probably condensation under the sheets. Ventilation or an anti-condensation lining helps.