Projects

Roofing a Wood Shed

Project Overview

When it comes to keeping out water, roofing is an art. Most of this is done in layers: Roofing felt overlaps the sheathing, and shingles overlap the paper. Each row of shingles overlaps the one below, and a full shingle overlaps the joint between the sides of the shingles below it. In one way or another, each seam is sealed by another shingle. Any water that wants to get in will have to do what it is least inclined to do—flow uphill. Unfortunately, roofing supplies don't come in a shed kit.

6 Steps

Installing drip caps
Staple the felt to the sheathing
Install a starter course of shingles
Nail a row of full shingles on top of the starter course
Start the second row

Work your way up the roof

Show all steps »

Step 1

Installing drip caps

Install drip caps along the bottom edges of the roof, called the eaves. Nail at 10-inch intervals into the roof sheathing, using 2d (1 inch) roofing nails.

Step 2

Staple the felt to the sheathing

Start with a double layer along the eaves and work up toward the ridge - the peak of the roof. Overlap strips by about 2 inches at the edges and by 4 inches at the ends. Install drip caps along the rakes on top of the roofing paper. Drive 2d (1 inch) roofing nails every 10 inches.

Step 3

Install a starter course of shingles

Cut the tabs off a shingle. Nail the shingle in place with four nails so the shingle overlaps the drip cap on the end and bottom of the roof by 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Continue nailing cut shingles along the bottom row to create a solid strip of shingles at the bottom of the roof. Measure up the width of a full shingle from the drip edge and make a mark at each end of the roof. Snap a chalk line between the marks.

Step 4

Nail a row of full shingles on top of the starter course

Align the upper edge of the shingle carefully with the chalk line. Nail in place with galvanized roofing nails long enough to come out the bottom of the roof panel. Follow manufacturer's instructions for nails.

Step 5

Start the second row

The tabs of the second row overlap the solid portion of the first row. Snap a chalk line to mark the upper edge of the row. Begin the row by trimming 6 inches off the end of the first shingle. This positions the shingles so a tab covers the joints in the row below. Lay the rest of the row with full shingles.

Step 6

Work your way up the roof

Trim the first shingle of every row so it is 6 inches shorter than the first shingle of the previous row. Start the seventh row with a full shingle, and then begin shortening the first shingles in 6-inch increments again. Work your way all the way up the roof, then shingle the other side of the roof, using the same technique. Roof the ridge with 12-inch squares cut from standard shingles. Bend each over the ridge and drive nails 1 inch from each edge and 5 1/2-inches from the butt.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 5 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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