Guide to Replacing Shed Roof Felt with EPDM

When repairing or replacing your shed roof, it's important to choose a material that will stand the test of time. Thin or poor-quality felt can quickly succumb to the elements, especially with the UK's unpredictable weather. At Roof Giant, we stock high-quality EPDM shed roof kits designed to stand the test of time while blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings of your garden.

EPDM shed roofs are an ideal alternative to old roofing felt and sheets as most professional-grade membranes can last around 20 - 30 years, with some lasting over 50 years with proper installation. They are also designed to be weather resistant and UV stable, which ensures their longevity and makes them a more environmentally friendly option. This guide will take you through the key stages of removing your old, damaged and worn roofing felt and how to replace it using an EPDM kit, such as the Skyguard shed roof kit or TRC rubber roof kit.

1. Remove any bargeboards, roof trims and decorative finials. These items are usually delicate so care should be taken if you wish to reapply them to your roof. You may wish to use a multi-tool or a flat pry bar to remove these items.
2. Your next step is to remove any old felt from the roof. First, you need to ascertain whether your existing shed roof is the classic nail only version or whether it has been glued down or hot bonded. If your shed is nail only, then it is relatively easy to remove. Simply use a flat pry bar or claw hammer to remove the clout nails and the old felt should peel off smoothly without damaging the existing shed timber.
3. If your shed roof is glued or heat bonded, you can use a digging spade/border spade with a flat edge to strip your old felt roof. Use the blade of the spade to get in between the wood and felt and use a controlled, repetitive motion at roughly a 30° angle to separate the felt from the timber.
4. Now you can move onto fitting your new roofing material. Unroll the EPDM membrane and allow roughly 30 minutes for it to relax. Simply unpack the membrane and position it over the roof deck, allowing it to overhang evenly on all sides. Ensure there is sufficient material overhang at the front and rear of the shed so the membrane can sit neatly behind the bargeboards, and allow for a drip overlap at the eaves. This will ensure that any rainwater will keep clear of the timber and fall into the guttering.
5. You will now need to apply the water-based adhesive that comes with the SKYGUARD EPDM Shed Roof Kit. Expose half of the roof deck by rolling or folding back the EPDM membrane and then secure using gaffer tape if needed. Apply the water-based adhesive with an old paint roller in stages from the ridge to the bottom edges. Ensure the adhesive remains wet when the EPDM membrane is laid back into position, allowing it to bond correctly. Remove any air bubbles using a soft brush.
6. Finally, apply a thin bead of silicone sealant to the perimeter and press the membrane onto it. Secure the edges of the EPDM membrane using either galvanised clout nails, a treated timber batten or a shed roof edge trim. The trim will ensure that the roofing membrane is secure and free from wind uplift. You can then proceed to cut off any excess rubber material from the roof by simply cutting it with some membrane scissors or a utility knife.
7. Before installing the membrane, ensure the roof deck is clean, dry and free from debris. A smooth deck surface will help the EPDM membrane bond properly and prevent damage over time. Remove any protruding nails or splinters that could puncture the EPDM membrane.

At Roof Giant, we stock a wide range of EPDM shed roof kits, adhesives and edge trims, making it easy to complete your roofing project with professional results.

• Even when working at low heights, there is still a risk of injury. Avoid becoming complacent and always work carefully and safely.
• Ensure that your roof is sound enough to lean on or bear some of your weight - you can check the inside of your shed to examine its construction and whether or not the timber is rotten.
• Check the surface of your stripped roof for any old nails that may perforate your new roof covering and remove them to avoid any damage to your new roof or yourself.