Your shed is almost finished. You just need to add the roof. Before you get started on this critical piece, make sure that you’re fully prepared for the task by looking over these guidelines.
Double-Check Your Measurements
It’s possible to measure your roof from the ground by extrapolating from the length and width of your exterior walls, but for the most accurate measurements, you’ll need to get a ladder and climb on top. You’ll also need more knowledge than just how to operate a tape measure. For example, you’ll need to know the lingo before ordering any parts for your “plane” or “pitch.” You’ll also want to make sure that you’re measuring exactly in half-inches without rounding up or down.
Have the Right Tools
Gathering the right tools is half of a home improvement job. For roofing, you might need things like shingle removers, hammer tackers, nailers, pry bars, or utility knives. If you’re on a budget, you can often make do with substitutes like a garden fork in place of a shingle remover, but you’ll want to plan for these workarounds in advance. Don’t wait until building day to figure out what you need to get the job done.
Consider a Complete Replacement
If you’re doing a roof replacement rather than a brand-new installation, you’ll need to think about how thoroughly you want to refurbish things. Some people are only concerned with stripping away the old shingles and placing them with newer, stronger ones. Other folks take the opportunity to replace shingles, decking, and underlay membranes at the same time. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it just depends on the state of your shed and what actually needs to be done to it.
Ask for Help
If you’re nervous about laying your own roof, think about hiring a roofing company. They do sheds as well as houses, and they’ll complete the work quicker and more professionally than a DIY handyman. Depending on the specific services that they offer, you might be able to outsource more than just labor and materials, too. They might be willing to handle orders, clean-up, disposal, and more. You won’t know until you call and ask.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when you’re ready to add a roof to your shed. Home projects aren’t always easy, but they can be quite rewarding, especially when you take the time to do things right and build something that lasts.
