Author Topic: Roofing for flat shed  (Read 3004 times)

mcasey

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Roofing for flat shed
« on: September 05, 2016, 07:59:31 PM »
Hi everyone.

I've got a (almost) flat 16' x 16' shed that needs new roofing.  The rolled roofing I used on it (about 50% overlap between each sheet) has given up after about 8 years.  The stuff I used on it this last time is clearly not as good as the rolled roofing that was on it prior to it (which lasted around 20 years!).  I'd like to use something that would last a bit longer than 8 years this time, but not sure if there is an easy DIY product.  At least the rolled roofing is relatively easy!    Something like this looks like it would work nicely:

http://www.permaroof.co.uk/shed-roof-kit

However, that's a UK product, and I'm in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Anybody have any suggestions?  Whatever I use must be able to withstand many freeze/thaw cycles each winter.  Even a recommendation on a superior rolled roofing product would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Cheers,
Mike


zolotiyeruki

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2016, 07:36:41 AM »
What about corrugated roofing?  You might need to build up a bit more of a slope, but that stuff will last a long time.

Jack

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2016, 07:43:09 AM »
What about corrugated roofing?  You might need to build up a bit more of a slope, but that stuff will last a long time.

Or better yet, standing seam.

mcasey

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2016, 03:22:43 PM »
Adding more of a slope would be...problematic (lots of work).  I've thought of it, and if I did add a slope, I'd probably just go with asphalt shingles, although the options both of you mention are worth looking at.

One corner of the shed is slightly higher than the rest of the shed, it's not a typical peaked-in-the-middle roof.  It's also a lot more substantial than your typical shed, we think it was a former blacksmith's shop.  Yes, it's that old, perhaps older than the house itself!  :P

Cheers,
Mike



TexasRunner

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2016, 04:11:46 PM »
Metal building drafter here.  I would add 12" to the higher end of the flat shed and use metal panels (screw down or standing seam, both are better than flat).  That will get you a .75:12 (.625:1) roof which is fine for standing seam and OK for screw down if you don't puncture it and use mastic on the high ribs.

Just put a 12" (or .33 meter) board on one end and get smaller members as you go across.  5 boards, a few support boards and metal panel should run you under 500$ (650C +/-) and fix the issue permanently.  Maybe as little as 300. 

Fishindude

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2016, 05:25:17 AM »
EPDM Rubber is pretty foolproof on a flat roof, and pretty easy to install.
I like what is referred to as "fully adhered" meaning fully glued to the substrate, in which case you will need good roof sheathing to glue to, then secure the perimeter edges with an aluminum retainer bar.   Go with 60 mil thickness and you can get 10-15 years out of it.   I'd probably go with white rather than black if you are in a hot area.

Check out website   www.flatroofsolutions.com
You can purchase everything you need there, plus get some instruction.

mcasey

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2016, 03:32:22 PM »
Thanks again.

I realize I should have included a photo!  See attachment.

As you can see by the way the roof lines up with the shingle rows, the roof is actually bowed a bit; it's not quite flat in multiple ways, which makes adding more slope to it more painful than it would be otherwise, as there wouldn't be many straight-forward cuts to make up any framing.  The back parts (which you can't see) are rather flatter. 

I like the idea of EPDM rubber, I think I might need to do some more poking around (I'd looked previously, but without much luck).  Unfortunately, www.flatroofsolutions.com doesn't ship to Canada, so it won't work for me.



Fishindude

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2016, 08:21:22 AM »
Just do a search for "rubber roof materials" and you will find somebody that sells that stuff, it is very common.   I'll bet Lowes and Home Depot can get the material?
Regarding the sagging area.  If you have a "dip" in the roof that ponds water that is no good.   That needs to be corrected, or no type of roof will perform for long.   You will need to either straighten out the structure, or build up the dip with insulation material prior to install of new roof membrane.

mcasey

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #8 on: September 08, 2016, 07:20:46 PM »
Fortunately there are no areas in which the water ponds, the slope is designed in such a way that runoff is assured everywhere.

Fishindude

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Re: Roofing for flat shed
« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2016, 06:34:53 AM »
TPO Roofs are good, but the average guy can't work with this material as the seams are heat welded, rather than "glued".
EPDM is a much more simple product to work with.  You can get it in white too.