How to Choose a Roofing Material for Your New Shed

The roofing system you choose for your shed contributes to its overall appeal and is also vital to protect interior contents from damage caused by the elements. In this post, we'll discuss the most common roofing materials used for shed roofs. Each differs in price, maintenance requirements and appearance, so your choice should be determined by which of these factors is most important to you.

• Three-tab shingles. The standard three-tab asphalt shingle is an inexpensive option for a shed roof. These shingles are easy to install, which makes them one of the best do-it-yourself roofing options, and typically include warranty coverage of up to 30 years. However, the flat look of three-tab shingles may not coordinate with the architectural shingles commonly found on houses.

• Architectural shingles. Architectural shingles feature two or more layers of asphalt laminated together. They are heavier than three-tab shingles and can carry lifetime warranties. Architectural shingles bring a great depth of color and texture to a roof, which is why they are commonly used on residential structures. They are more expensive than three-tab shingles but have a longer lifespan.

• Cedar shakes. Cedar naturally resists insects and UV damage, and can last for up to 35 years with proper maintenance. Its traditional, upscale appearance is appealing to many homeowners. The cost of wood shakes is roughly double that of architectural asphalt shingles.

• Metal. A metal roof is durable, lightweight and lasts longer than shingles and shakes. Metal roofing systems won't rust and are extremely resistant to the elements. In laboratory tests, high-quality metal will remain watertight even during wind-driven rain of over 110 miles per hour. The initial cost of a metal roof is high, but many systems are warranted for 50 years or more.

Give Your Shed Roof a Clean, Finished Look

LP Outdoor Building Solutions® offers a complete line of high-quality engineered wood products for outdoor buildings. For your shed, LP ProStruct® Roof Sheathing with SilverTech® will work with any of the above roofing choices. It also creates a durable radiant barrier that reduces the sun's energy through the roof panel. This helps to keep your shed cooler for storing items or working inside. SilverTech's highly reflective surface also helps enhance lighting for better visibility.

For guidance in selecting the best shed roofing components for your needs, along with expert installation services, we invite you to visit an LP shed dealer near you or call (888) 820-0325. Once you have decided on the roof that best fits your needs, find out more about how to build a shed foundation.