Picking the right shed roofing material isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds.
Some options last for decades, others are easy to install on a weekend, and a few come down to how much you care about looks versus price. Plus, there are trade-offs in cost, lifespan, and even how much light your shed gets.
We’ll break down the seven best shed roofing materials and when each one makes the most sense.
Our Top 3 Picks
1. Bitumen Roof Felt
Best Budget Shed Roofing Material
Bitumen roof felt is one of the most common shed roofing materials. It’s affordable, straightforward to work with, and offers reliable protection against the elements.
Typically made from bitumen-soaked fibers reinforced with polyester or fiberglass, it can be found in several forms – self-adhesive, nail-on, or torch-on felt.
While it won’t last as long as premium options, it’s a practical choice for budget-conscious homeowners who need a solid, no-frills solution.
Features
- Waterproof and weather-resistant for reliable protection
- Lightweight rolls, easy to handle and install
- Multiple application methods (adhesive, nails, or torch-on)
- Affordable compared to other shed roofing materials
- Optional mineral surface coatings for UV resistance
- Fits flat, apex, or pent shed roofs
- Lifespan of 10–15 years with care
Pros:
- Very cost-effective option
- Straightforward installation, especially with self-adhesive felt
- Provides dependable waterproofing for small sheds
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Works with a wide variety of roof designs
- Simple to repair or replace damaged sections
- UV-resistant when mineral-coated
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan than premium materials (around 10 years)
- Can tear under heavy stress or extreme weather
- Limited aesthetic appeal (mostly dark, plain finishes)
- Torch-on application requires skill and safety precautions
- Can become brittle in prolonged heat without a top layer
- Less effective if water pools on the roof
2. EPDM Rubber Roofing
Best Long-Lasting Shed Roofing Material
If you’re looking for a shed roofing material that you won’t have to worry about replacing anytime soon, EPDM rubber is hard to beat.
This synthetic rubber membrane is known for its durability and seamless waterproof coverage. It’s widely used on flat or low-pitched roofs, making it ideal for sheds, workshops, and even summerhouses.
While it costs more upfront than felt, its 30–50 year lifespan makes it one of the most cost-effective options in the long run.
Features
- Single-ply rubber membrane (typically 1.14mm thick)
- Installed in large, seamless sheets for watertight coverage
- UV, ozone, and weather-resistant
- Flexible in low temperatures and during building movement
- Resistant to hail, abrasion, and thermal shock
- Life expectancy of 30–50 years
- Often backed by a 20-year warranty
- Low maintenance, easy to clean
- Repairable if punctured
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
Pros:
- Extremely long lifespan (30–50 years or more)
- Seamless waterproofing with no weak points
- Withstands harsh weather and temperature swings
- Very low maintenance needs
- Saves money over time by reducing replacements
- DIY-friendly with proper guidance
- Flexible and durable under movement
- Recyclable and eco-conscious
Cons:
- Limited aesthetic appeal (plain black/grey finish)
- Installation must be done correctly to avoid leaks
- Vulnerable to sharp objects or punctures
- Can retain heat in hot climates
- Adhesive-based installation can be tricky for some DIYers
3. Felt Shingles
Best Budget-Friendly Shed Roofing with Style
Felt shingles give you the affordability of traditional felt but with a more decorative finish.
Made from bitumen-coated sheets topped with protective granules, they come in a variety of colors and shapes – from hexagonal to scalloped designs – making them a good fit if you want your shed to look neat without breaking the bank.
While they won’t last as long as premium tiles or metal, they balance price, appearance, and practicality for small structures.
Features
- Bitumen-coated felt with embedded granules
- Lightweight and flexible sheets or strips
- Available in black, green, red, and other styles
- Easy installation for DIYers and tradespeople
- Protective against rain and UV damage
- Suitable for flat or pitched shed roofs
- Sold in interlocking strips or overlapping pieces
Pros:
- Affordable compared to tiles or metal shingles
- Waterproof and UV-resistant
- Lightweight, reducing structural stress
- Easy DIY-friendly installation
- Available in multiple colors and patterns
- Simple to repair or replace when needed
- Provides a more polished look than plain felt
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan than premium roofing options
- Needs more frequent maintenance over time
- Can tear or crack with age or impact
- Not suitable for permanent residential roofs
- Vulnerable if left exposed before installation
- Doesn’t handle heavy foot traffic well
4. Wood Shingles & Cedar Shakes
Best Premium Shed Roofing for Natural Style
If you want your shed roof to look as good as your home’s, cedar shingles and shakes deliver timeless appeal. Shingles are machine-cut for a smooth, uniform finish, while shakes are hand-split for a rustic, textured look.
Beyond appearance, cedar’s natural oils make it resistant to rot and insects, and when properly maintained, these roofs can last 30–40 years or more.
The trade-off? They’re pricier than most shed roofing materials and demand regular upkeep.
Features
- Made from cedar, offering natural decay and insect resistance
- Shingles = smooth, uniform; shakes = rustic, textured, thicker
- Lifespan: 30–40+ years with maintenance
- Shakes are more durable but harder to install than shingles
- Provide natural thermal insulation, regulating shed temperature
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable, often sustainably sourced
Pros:
- Distinctive aesthetic with upscale, natural character
- Long-lasting compared to asphalt or felt (30+ years)
- Cedar’s oils protect against rot and pests
- Adds thermal insulation for cooler summers and warmer winters
- Can handle severe storms and high winds
- Environmentally friendly, renewable resource
Cons:
- High upfront cost, especially for shakes
- Require ongoing maintenance (cleaning/treating every 2–4 years)
- Fire risk unless specially treated
- Susceptible to splitting, curling, or darkening if neglected
- Shakes require professional installation and extra underlayment
5. Polycarbonate Sheets
Best Shed Roofing for Light & Versatility
Polycarbonate sheets are a great choice if you want a shed roof that lets in natural light without compromising on strength.
Made from a highly durable thermoplastic, they’re virtually unbreakable and available in solid, corrugated, or multiwall styles. Lightweight and easy to work with, polycarbonate is especially popular for greenhouses, workshops, and utility sheds where daylight and safety matter.
But, they are noisier in heavy rain and may not suit traditional garden aesthetics.
Features
- Impact-resistant thermoplastic that’s virtually unbreakable
- Offered in solid, corrugated, and multiwall designs
- Transparent or translucent to allow daylight in
- Lightweight and DIY-friendly installation
- UV-resistant to prevent yellowing or cracking
- Provides thermal insulation (especially multiwall)
- Fire-resistant (melts rather than ignites)
- Easy to cut and size with standard tools
Pros:
- Exceptionally strong and safe (won’t shatter)
- Admits natural light, reducing lighting needs
- Easy, lightweight installation for DIYers
- Good insulation in multiwall versions
- Resistant to UV damage and weather wear
- Wide range of colors, finishes, and styles
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Recyclable and long service life
Cons:
- Scratches easily, affecting long-term appearance
- May become brittle in very cold climates over time
- Plastic look may not suit all garden sheds
- Shorter lifespan than tile or metal (10–20 years)
- Noisy during rain or hail
- Less insulating than insulated metal panels
- Needs careful fitting to allow for expansion/contraction
6. Asphalt Shingles
Best Shed Roofing for a Classic Look
Asphalt shingles are a go-to shed roofing material for homeowners who want a balance of cost, appearance, and ease of installation.
They’re made from a fiberglass or felt base coated in asphalt and topped with protective granules. Available in 3-tab (basic) or architectural (thicker, more dimensional) styles, they can give a shed the same polished look as a house roof.
While not as durable as metal or tile, they’re reliable and versatile enough for most shed projects.
Features
- Fiberglass or felt base coated with asphalt and mineral granules
- Available in 3-tab and architectural shingle styles
- Wide range of colors to complement home exteriors
- Lightweight and suitable for most shed roofs
- Typically paired with underlayment for added moisture protection
- Lifespan of 10–20 years on sheds
Pros:
- Affordable compared to metal, tile, or slate
- DIY-friendly and relatively quick to install
- Damaged shingles can be replaced individually
- Classic look that blends with house roofing
- Works on a variety of shed sizes and roof pitches
- Lightweight for smaller structures
- Provides reliable protection when properly installed
- Resistant to UV exposure and moderate weather
Cons:
- Lifespan shorter than metal or tile (10–20 years)
- Vulnerable to storm damage and extreme weather swings
- Petroleum-based, not the most eco-friendly choice
- Not ideal for flat or very low-pitched roofs
- Color fading and granule loss over time
- Potential for algae streaking in humid areas
7. Clay Roof Tiles
Best Premium Shed Roofing for Longevity
Clay roof tiles are the heritage option – timeless, durable, and built to last a lifetime. Made from natural fired clay, they’ve been protecting buildings for centuries, and with proper installation, they can easily outlast most modern shed roofing materials.
Their distinctive look adds a traditional charm that’s hard to replicate, though they come with higher upfront costs and require a shed structure strong enough to handle their weight.
Features
- Fired clay, natural and recyclable material
- Available in plain, pantile, Roman, bullnose, and other styles
- Excellent weather resistance: waterproof, frost-proof, fireproof
- UV, mold, and insect resistant
- Provides natural thermal insulation for sheds
- Lifespan: 50–100+ years with proper care
- Suitable for pitched roofs (15°+)
Pros:
- Classic, high-end aesthetic that improves with age
- Extremely long lifespan, often over 50 years
- Color weathers naturally rather than fading
- Durable against weather, wind, and heat
- Low maintenance, with easy tile-by-tile repairs
- Excellent insulation for year-round comfort
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
Cons:
- Very heavy; requires a reinforced shed structure
- Expensive upfront and needs skilled installation
- Brittle under impact (branches, foot traffic)
- Complex fitting process, best left to professionals
- Not ideal in harsh freeze-thaw climates
- Requires adequate roof pitch for drainage
Comparison: Best Shed Roofing Materials & Types
| Criteria | Bitumen Felt | EPDM Rubber | Felt Shingles | Wood/Cedar | Polycarbonate | Asphalt Shingles | Clay Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Long lifespan | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| DIY-friendly | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Works on low-pitch or flat roofs | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lightweight on structure | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| High curb appeal | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Low maintenance | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Strong weather resistance | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Lets in natural light | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Quiet in rain | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wide colour or style choices | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
How to Choose the Best Shed Roofing Material
When picking a roofing material for your shed, it’s less about the “best” overall option and more about what fits your shed design, climate, and budget.
Here are the key criteria to weigh before making a choice:
Roof Pitch
The slope of your shed roof is one of the first things to check.
Flat or very low-pitch roofs (under 10°) need seamless, waterproof options to avoid leaks and ponding. EPDM rubber and bitumen felt are ideal here, since they create watertight surfaces. Polycarbonate sheets also work well on gentle slopes.
By contrast, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or cedar shakes need pitched roofs (10°+) where rainwater runs off easily.
- Best: EPDM, Bitumen Felt, Polycarbonate
- Less suitable: Clay Tiles, Cedar Shakes, Asphalt Shingles on low slopes
Weather and Durability
Think about your climate. Harsh sun, storms, or freeze-thaw cycles demand materials that resist wear.
EPDM stands out for all-round durability, handling UV, hail, and temperature swings. Clay tiles last a century in mild climates but can crack in repeated freezing. Wood shingles hold up well in storms but need upkeep in damp areas.
Felt products (bitumen or shingles) are more vulnerable in extreme weather and may need replacement sooner.
- Best: EPDM, Clay Tiles (mild climates), Cedar Shakes
- Less suitable: Standard Felt or Felt Shingles in stormy regions
Light and Interior Use
If you’re using your shed for potting plants or as a workspace without electric lighting, light transmission matters.
Polycarbonate sheets are the standout here – they let in natural daylight while keeping rain out. Solid materials like clay, wood, or asphalt block light, meaning you’ll need artificial illumination.
- Best: Polycarbonate
- Less suitable: Clay, Asphalt, Cedar
Aesthetics
Some shed owners want their roof to blend seamlessly with their garden or even match their house. Clay tiles and cedar shakes are the premium options here, offering natural, high-end finishes.
Asphalt shingles are a good middle ground, giving a traditional house-like look at lower cost. Felt and EPDM are practical but plain, so they suit utility sheds rather than decorative garden buildings.
- Best: Clay Tiles, Cedar Shakes, Asphalt Shingles
- Less suitable: Bitumen Felt, EPDM
Budget
For tight budgets, bitumen felt, felt shingles, and asphalt shingles keep costs down.
EPDM and polycarbonate sit mid-range, offering longer value. Clay tiles and cedar shakes are at the premium end, with high upfront costs but exceptional longevity.
- Best: Bitumen Felt, Felt Shingles, Asphalt Shingles (budget)
- Less suitable: Clay Tiles, Cedar Shakes (premium investment)
Maintenance and Installation
If you want low maintenance, EPDM and clay tiles are top choices once installed.
Polycarbonate also requires little more than cleaning. Felt products need regular checks and replacements, while cedar requires ongoing treatment every few years.
For DIYers, felt, felt shingles, asphalt, and polycarbonate are straightforward. Clay and cedar are heavy and complex, often requiring professional installation.
- Best for low maintenance: EPDM, Clay, Polycarbonate
- Best for DIY: Felt, Felt Shingles, Asphalt, Polycarbonate
- Less suitable for DIY: Clay Tiles, Cedar Shakes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest shed roofing material?
Bitumen felt is generally the most affordable option for shed roofing. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and offers basic waterproofing, though it won’t last as long as premium alternatives like clay or EPDM.
Can I put new shed roofing over old roofing?
In some cases, yes – for example, asphalt shingles can sometimes be layered if the existing roof is sound. However, for most materials it’s better to strip the old roof first to avoid moisture traps and ensure a clean installation.
What is the cheapest shed roofing material?
Bitumen felt is generally the most affordable option for shed roofing. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and offers basic waterproofing, though it won’t last as long as premium alternatives like clay or EPDM.
Can I put new shed roofing over old roofing?
In some cases, yes – for example, asphalt shingles can sometimes be layered if the existing roof is sound. However, for most materials it’s better to strip the old roof first to avoid moisture traps and ensure a clean installation.
Do I need underlayment for a shed roof?
It depends on the material. Asphalt shingles usually require an underlayment for extra moisture protection, while EPDM or polycarbonate sheets are installed directly. Underlayment is a good safeguard if you want added durability.
How long should a shed roof last?
Lifespan varies widely. Budget felt may last 10 years, asphalt shingles around 15–20, polycarbonate 10–20, cedar 30–40, EPDM up to 50, and clay tiles well over 50 years with the right structure and maintenance.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, no single shed roofing material works for everyone.
A felt roll might be all you need for a budget garden shed, while EPDM rubber makes sense if you want to fit it once and forget about it for decades. Clay tiles and cedar give you that premium look, but only if your shed can handle the weight.
Polycarbonate sheets earn their place when natural light matters, and asphalt shingles sit neatly in the middle for an affordable, classic finish.
If you’re leaning toward asphalt, tile, or metal but aren’t sure which direction makes sense, book a free appointment. We’ll look at your shed, weigh the pros and cons, and recommend the best fit before you spend a dime.