Roll Roofing for a Shed: Install Methods and Lifespan
Roll roofing for a shed is mineral-surfaced asphalt roofing sold in rolls, usually about 36 inches wide and around 33 to 36 feet long, covering roughly 100 square feet before overlaps. It installs quickly, costs less than shingles, and works on lower slopes where shingles are not allowed. The trade-off is a shorter lifespan, often around 5 to 10 years, and a plainer look.
Asphalt tonnage calculator →When roll roofing makes sense
- Sheds, garages, workshops, and outbuildings.
- Low-slope roofs where shingles are not permitted.
- Budget or temporary roofs.
- Covers where looks matter less.
Codes commonly allow mineral-surfaced roll roofing on slopes down to about 1:12, while asphalt shingles typically need at least 2:12. See minimum roof pitch for asphalt shingles.
Exposed nail vs concealed nail
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Exposed nail | Nails along overlaps, sealed with cement | Steeper slopes, fast installs |
| Concealed nail | Nails covered by the next course and cemented | Lower slopes, better weather resistance |
| Double coverage (19 inch selvage roll) | Half the roll overlaps the course below | Very low slopes |
Concealed nailing tends to perform better because nail heads are not exposed to weather.
Installation steps
- Check and repair the roof deck; plywood or OSB should be sound and dry.
- Install drip edge at the eaves.
- Lay underlayment where the manufacturer calls for it. See asphalt roofing felt.
- Unroll and relax the roofing in the sun to remove curl, ideally on a warm day.
- Install the starter course along the eave with overlaps per instructions.
- Apply subsequent courses with specified overlaps, often about 2 to 4 inches for single coverage.
- Seal laps and nail heads with lap cement or asphalt roof cement.
- Finish the ridge with a strip of roll roofing folded over.
Install in mild weather; cold roll roofing cracks when bent.
How much do you need?
Divide roof area by the roll’s net coverage after overlap, which is listed on the label. A 10 by 12 foot shed with modest overhangs and a low pitch might need about 1.5 to 2 rolls.
Lifespan and maintenance
Roll roofing commonly lasts about 5 to 10 years, sometimes longer in mild climates. Inspect seams yearly, reseal lifted edges, and patch punctures promptly. For longer life on low slopes, consider modified bitumen or other membranes. See modified bitumen roof repair.
Roll roofing vs shingles on a shed
Shingles look better and last longer but need more pitch and more labor. Roll roofing is fast and cheap for low-slope or utility buildings.
Bottom line
Roll roofing for a shed is an inexpensive, quick roof for low slopes down to about 1:12. Use concealed nailing on low pitches, relax rolls before installing, seal all laps, and expect around 5 to 10 years of service.
Questions people ask
How long does roll roofing last on a shed?
Often about 5 to 10 years.
What is the minimum slope for roll roofing?
Codes commonly allow mineral-surfaced roll roofing down to about 1:12.
How much does a roll of roll roofing cover?
Roughly 100 square feet before overlaps.
Do I need underlayment under roll roofing?
Follow manufacturer and code requirements; many installs use it.
Is roll roofing better than shingles for a shed?
It is cheaper and works on lower slopes, but shingles last longer and look better.
Related guides
- Asphalt Roofing Felt (Tar Paper): 15 lb vs 30 lb, Uses and Synthetic Alternatives
- Asphalt Roof Cement: Uses, Limits, Wet vs Dry Formulas, and Whether It Works on Driveways
- Minimum Roof Pitch for Asphalt Shingles
- Modified Bitumen Roof Repair: Fixing Blisters, Splits, Seams and Flashing on Mod Bit
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