Shed Roof Repair Cost

How Much Does Shed Roof Repair Cost?

Shed roofs are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials.

Whatever the differences are...

Regardless of the different types of shed roofs, they all have certain features in common that have evolved over many thousands of years to keep the interiors dry and warm.

Due to the style of a roof, its construction principles, and the types of roofing materials, the cost of a roof replacement can vary significantly in some cases.

Fortunately, if the repair or maintenance work requires the removal of tiles or slates, these can often be safely stored and reused with only minor breakages.

Here we will go through the different costs to repair a shed roof, including the labour, supply and additional costs, the duration of the repair and the different types of repairs available.

Depending on the type of roof you have on your shed will affect the overall cost of the repair. Some sheds have different materials that are used depending on what they use their shed for.

Flat Roof Repairs

Basic felt solutions cost around £5 to £15 per square metre, with higher-end materials such as modern GRP (a type of fibreglass) costing up to £60 to £90 per square metre.

Labour costs may then range between £150 and £250 per day per worker. In general, we would expect a flat roof replacement for a typical shed to cost between £200 and £500.

Tile Replacements

In the most basic cases, you may have a missing or damaged roof tile that allows water to enter your shed. If this is the case, a roofer can replace a handful of cement, clay, or slate tiles for around £100, and it can be done relatively quickly, typically in a few hours.

Repairing a tiled roof will help to prevent leaks caused by slipped roof tiles. The cost of replacing roof felt beneath tiles will be incorporated into the overall tiled shed roof repair costs.

Flashing Repairs

Lead flashing protects the edge of your roof where tiles meet brickwork. If this is damaged for any reason, it can cause the same problems as missing tiles, allowing rain into your shed.

Repairing damaged flashing should cost about the same as replacing missing tiles - replacing a metre or so of flashing should cost between £100 and £200.

Sagging Roof Repair

Sagging roof repair costs vary; if extra weight is the issue, additional joists or rafters can be added to shore up the extra weight, which can cost between £300 and £800, depending on the number required.

Is your shed roof beyond repair?

When a roof sags as a result of water damage, the internal structure is irreparably damaged. If this is the case, the entire roof must be replaced, which can cost between £500 and £1,000, depending on the size of the property.

Shed Roof Repair Prices

The table below will break down the costs to have your shed roof repaired.

The type and size of the shed, the number of tradespeople hired, ease of access, and the location of your property are all cost-influencing factors when hiring someone to repair a shed roof.

The location can have a significant impact on your overall cost. Prices in the southeast of England (particularly London) will be higher than the national average in most areas.

The opposite is true in areas such as the north of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

What Are The Supply Costs of Repairing a Shed Roof?

Unlike our homes, which are frequently cared for and attended to, the shed at the back of your garden is often overlooked.

A shed's roof can deteriorate if left to the elements and the ravages of time. If left unattended, it could even become dangerous – and costly to repair!

Numerous issues necessitate the repair of our sheds. Sagging, exposed timber/aged Roofs, and leaks are all popular issues that sheds carry. So, if you want to do your repair, we'll go over the supplies you'll need to fix your shed roof here.

When a torn or damaged shed roof is left alone, it can allow water in, causing damage not only to the shed but also to anything left inside. Fortunately, these tears can be repaired quickly and easily with a few simple tools.

You will require: a hammer will cost you £3 - £10, a tape measure will cost you £9 - £30 depending on the type you want, and a screwdriver will cost you £7 - £13.

A utility knife will cost you £1 - £3, tacks will cost you £1 - £3, a ladder will cost you £30 - £50, and of course, some new roofing felt suitable for your shed roof will cost you £20 - £30 per m².

If your roof is sagging, you will need new rafters, especially if your existing ones have been damaged by water ingress, which will cost you £17 - £30, as well as installing new purlins.

Purlins will cost you £15 - £50 depending on how much you need, struts, and angle brackets are all good options.

When repairing your shed roof DIY, it is important to keep in mind that the better the quality, the longer it will last, so although it is cheaper to get low-quality materials, it will not last as long.

The table below will break down the supply costs you will need to repair your shed roof.

What Additional Shed Roof Repair Costs Are There?

When it comes to having your roof repaired, additional costs might pop up and add to your overall cost.

To prevent this from happening, here we will go through the different additional costs for a shed roof, so you know what to expect when it comes to having your shed roof repaired.

However, remember to add up the costs of any shed repairs and maintenance to check whether the cost of a new shed installation would be more economical in the long run.

General Shed Maintenance

There are various small repairs and maintenance activities that it makes sense to combine with having your shed roof repaired. These include:

• Replacing rotten rafters in the shed roof.
• Reinforcing the frame of the shed.
• Adding roof insulation.
• Treating timber with preservatives.
• Sealing any gaps around windows and doors.
• Repairing or replacing locks for security.
• Clearing vegetation around and above the shed.

These extra tasks may not be relevant to your shed, but it's worth checking if anything else needs to be done while you've got a tradesman onsite.

Shed Guttering

Gutters on sheds can serve two purposes: removing moisture from the roof of your shed and helping you direct water effectively.

If you're repairing your shed roof because of previous water damage, it makes sense to check whether installing shed gutters would reduce those problems in the future.

On the other hand, you may just want to ensure that water from the roof of your shed is directed into water butts or a specific area of your garden. Gutters can also be useful for this.

The cost of guttering will depend on the material you choose and whether you hire a professional to install it. The cheapest option is likely to be uPVC, with costs of £10 to £25 per metre on average.

Soffits and Fascias

Installing soffits and fascias on your shed can also reduce the amount of moisture that gets inside.

Prices start from £2 per metre for uPVC soffits and £4 per metre for fascias in uPVC.

Other materials are available, such as aluminium and timber, that may fit better with your shed's aesthetic.

The overall cost of soffits and fascias will rise if you get a tradesman to install them for you.

Tradesman Costs for Repairing a Shed Roof

Repairing a shed roof is not a good do-it-yourself project for everyone.

Along with the safety concerns associated with roof replacement or structural repairs, such as fall hazards and working near power lines, this work requires the use of power and pneumatic tools that some homeowners may not have or understand how to use.

If the foundation is concrete, you will need a professional to break it up and prepare the soil to pour a new foundation while preserving the structure's integrity.

A local roof repair professional can tell you whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.

In this section, we will go over the various labour costs of having your roof repaired by a professional.

Roofers typically charge based on the type of job they're doing, rather than the time it will take - whether it's a simple repair, replacing elements like flashing or building a completely new roof.

A roofer's hourly rate is typically around £30 per hour. The exact price you pay will be determined by the individual roofer, their experience, and the specifics of the work you require.

It is recommended that you speak with local roofers and ask for a breakdown of their costs to get accurate prices in your area.

Once a tradesman has inspected the work, they should explain the problem in detail and show you detailed photos.

This is especially important with roofing issues because the homeowner is unlikely to have been able to assess the affected area themselves due to safety and accessibility concerns.

If you can see photos and ask detailed questions about them, you're much less likely to be duped into thinking something is a bigger (and more expensive) job than it is. You should then be given an estimate for the cost of your shed roof repair.

Numerous factors can influence the cost of hiring a roofer, including where you live, which will influence how much you pay for a roofer, as well as equipment such as skips and scaffolding.

If you live in London or the surrounding areas, you can add 10% to 20% to any of the average prices we've quoted.

It is always beneficial to obtain a personal recommendation. Inquire with family, coworkers, and friends if they have recently had work done on their roofs.

Someone in your social circle may be happy to recommend someone they have used in the past or who they know personally.

Bear in mind that some roofers may concentrate on larger jobs like installing new roofs on homes or replacing tiles on house roofs instead of working on sheds.

How Long Does It Take To Repair a Shed Roof?

The length of time it takes to complete the work may or may not affect the overall cost, and it will ultimately depend on how the tradesperson works.

In some cases, a contractor will be paid a fixed amount from the outset, whereas in others, they may be paid by the hour. In this section, we will go over the various timeframes for repairing your shed roof.

Roofers, for example, typically take two to five hours to repair broken roof tiles, while re-cementing ridge tiles can take two to three hours.

Repairing a roof valley can take four to six hours for a tradesman, while dry ridge repairs can take up to two days. The duration may vary depending on the size of your shed and the number of broken tiles.

It's important to keep the roofer's schedule in mind. If there has been a storm in your area, they may be unable to begin your project right away due to the large number of customers who require the same services.

It will also take some time to review the quotes and choose the best company. After you sign the contract, it will be a few days before the roofers can begin work on your project.

If the leak is minor, it can be repaired in two hours. Some roofs require more time to repair than others. Tile roofs, for example, take longer to install than shingle roofs.

Types of Shed Roof Repairs

There are many types of shed roof that all have different methods of repair.

Here, we will go through the different types of shed roof repairs and their pros and cons so you can understand which roof repair will suit your shed more.

Damaged Shingles or Underlayment

If your shingles or underlayment are damaged, you'll probably notice it when you're in your shed. When you look up, you'll notice a drip or a noticeable stain on the sheathing.

Repairing a damaged underlayment is often as simple as repairing a hole or ripped shingle or another outer layer of roofing material. This usually does not necessitate a complete roof teardown.

If the leak has been present for a long time, you may also need to replace the sheathing beneath.

Pros

• Simple repair
• Easy to notice

Cons

• If it has been left for too long, it can result in roof teardown

Roof Sheathing or Plywood Repair

You don't want either the standard OSB roof sheathing or the plywood to be exposed to moisture.

A hole in your roofing material or a leak at the edge of a roof vent will damage the sheathing beneath, but not always to the point where it must be replaced.

Sheathing and plywood can both withstand some moisture penetration before needing to be replaced.

You can see the extent of the damage by removing the outer roofing material and underlayment from above. If the OSB or plywood is soft, it must be removed.

Also, if there is visible sagging on your roof, particularly between the rafters, your sheathing is deteriorating, and it is time to replace it; no inspection is required.

If you need to replace a section of plywood, you must remove all of the material on that piece. For most sheds, this entails removing some or all of the roof. Depending on the material of your roof, it may be simpler to remove and replace the entire roof.

Pros

• Affordable
• Simple job

Cons

• Can lead to further issues

Rafter Repair

If you leave a leak for a long time, not only will the OSB need to be replaced, but so will your roof rafters. In this case, it is not always necessary to replace the entire roof. You must first repair the sheathing, as described above.

When it comes to repairing the rafter, you may be able to simply sister it with the existing damaged rafter.

This entails cutting it to the exact dimensions of the other rafters, then affixing it so that it butts up against the damaged rafter. Of course, make certain that the rafter is securely fastened to the shed and not the damaged rafter!

If you have more than one damaged rafter, a shed roof teardown is most likely in your future. A visual inspection of your shed roof regularly is always a good idea – simply walk into your shed and look up!

Keep an eye out from above as well – you should inspect the top of your shed at least once a season to ensure a shingle hasn't flown off or a screw has become dislodged.

Pros

• Can see the issue easily

Cons

• Expensive
• Hard to repair

Felt Shed Repair

Because it is inexpensive, bituminous shed felt is used in the majority of UK sheds. However, shed felt doesn't last very long, only 3-5 years for the cheapest variety, and you often don't realise it's leaking until it's too late.

This indicates that the roof deck and timbers may have begun to rot, and the contents of the shed may have become water-damaged.

The most commonly used material for a shed repair to this type of roof is EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Methylene), which is an artificial rubber. It is tough, stretchy, and long-lasting.

EPDM is supplied as a single sheet cut to the size of your shed, ensuring that there are no nail holes or lap joints that could lead to leaks.

EPDM is slightly more expensive than standard roofing, but when you consider the cost over its potential 30+ year life, the labour savings of not having to repeatedly re-cover your shed roof, and the reduced damage to the contents of your shed, it works out much cheaper.

Pros

• Cheap to buy

Cons

• Not durable

FAQs

Q: How do you waterproof a shed roof?

A: Aside from the type of shed roof covering you choose, perhaps the most important factor in determining how waterproof your shed roof will be is proper installation.

The substrate should be properly fitted and applied, and if you have a large garden shed, you should think about installing a gutter. This ensures that any rainwater is safely transported away from the roof.

Q: What is the most durable shed roof?

A: Metal roof tiles are the most durable material for a shed roof, as they are guaranteed to last around 40 years. They have a steel core that protects the shed roof in all types of weather conditions.

However, metal tiles are rarer on shed roofs than EPDM rubber, which itself has a lifespan of up to 30 years.

Q: How long does a felt roof last?

A: A felt roof is a highly durable type of felt with a life expectancy of between 5 and 10 years. It can last for a longer period depending on how well it is maintained.

Premium felt has a longer life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years.

Q: What can cause a leak?

A: Roof leaks are the most common reason for roof repairs or replacements.

• Tears in the felt.
• Condensation build-up.
• Timbers that have rotted beneath the felt.
• Poor sealing or overlaps.

All of this is due to weathering from frost, snow, wind, and rain. Some are even the result of pests like birds and insects.

Q: How can I lower shed roof repair costs?

A: One of the most effective methods is to hire dependable tradespeople who can accurately assess the scope of the job and complete it professionally and on time.

You may also be able to save money by choosing mid-range roof felt instead of premium options, or doing some of the work yourself.

Sources

1. https://www.secrets-of-shed-building.com/shed-repair.html
2. https://plasticinehouse.com/shed-roof-repair/
3. https://castileroofing.com/roof-replacement-how-long-does-it-take/

Author: Emma M

I am a Liverpool-based freelance writer with a degree in Media and Communications. I specialise in product reviews, home improvement and DIY content. I am also experienced in social media management and content marketing.