Are you planning to build a shed? Or you already own one but wish to reroof it in the next few months. If so, you’re likely already thinking about the budget.
Unfortunately, it costs up to $1,500+, depending on the shed size and roof type. For instance, it costs $1,680 to reroof a shed large enough to house a boat.
We’ve discovered that you can significantly reduce costs by following a few proven strategies. Read on to discover how.
Cheapest way to roof a shed
MRS roll roofing is the cheapest way to roof a shed without compromising quality. The material is the cheapest and easiest to install, guaranteeing the lowest total installation costs. You simply roll it out and nail it down. Alternatively, consider asphalt shingles. DIY over professional roofing is another way to reduce total shed roofing costs.
How Much does Shed Roofing Cost?
The average shed roofing cost is $450. Alternatively, on average, expect to spend $3.75 per square foot, excluding labor costs. Meanwhile, if you hire a roofing professional for the project, you’ll pay $75/hour for labor costs alone.
This translates to roughly $600, given that shed roofing is a full-day job. However, expect to pay slightly more for reroofing projects where the professional must first tear off the existing roof.
Factors Affecting Shed Roofing Costs
The above figures are based on standard roofing projects. For instance, they assume standard three-tab asphalt shingles on a 120-square-foot shed. Therefore, the actual costs can be much lower or higher depending on specific shed materials, roof type, and other factors.
Let’s look at the most common shed roofing cost factors and how they impact the final cost.
- Type of roof and roof pitch: Common shed roof types are gable, gambrel or barn-style, skillion or lean-to, and slanted or shed roof designs. Simultaneously, you can build a pitched roof or a flat roof. Both factors greatly impact the total roofing costs.
- Shed roof materials: Different shed roof materials cost different prices. For instance, whereas traditional shed roofs are cost-effective, tile and shakes are expensive. Fortunately, the shed roofing material choice is mostly a personal preference, though it sometimes depends on the roof slope.
- Shed size: The larger the shed, the bigger the roof, and the more materials you need for the roofing project. More materials mean a bigger roofing budget. Therefore, consider building a smaller shed if you’re on a tight budget.
- Labor costs: We’ve already seen that professional roofers charge $75 for shed roofing on average. However, this figure is higher in some places and lower in others. It also depends on the roofer’s longevity and experience. Experienced roofers typically charge more.
- Painting costs: Yes, you can paint a shed roof. For instance, bitumen paint rejuvenates metal and felt shed roofs. It also offers protection from rain, impact, and the sun (including UV rays). Shed roof painting costs $1.20 to $2.72 per square foot, depending on various factors, including the type of paint, roof material, and roof style.
- Old roof removal and disposal costs: If replacing an existing roof, you must account for the cost to remove and dispose of the old roof. Roof removal and disposal costs depend on several factors, including the type of roof, roofing materials, and asbestos. However, expect to pay between $200 to $300. For instance, a quality trash removal service costs $360 on average.
- Additional repairs: Additional repairs may inflate the total roofing costs, with most homeowners paying an extra $150 to $750, depending on the type of repair. For instance, which parts require fixing? Is it the fascia board or felt? Or is it a soft, rotten deck? Also, how much repair work is needed? Note that repair costs only apply to reroofing projects.
How do I Build a Cheap Roof?
Given the above cost factors, you can use many methods to reduce shed roof building costs.
For instance, a tinier shed with a smaller roof means lower roofing costs. Similarly, you can reduce the total costs by avoiding add-ons such as painting.
However, assuming the size is non-negotiable and you don’t wish to paint, the three main strategies for building a cheaper shed roof are as follows;
- Choose a simpler roof design.
- Use cheaper shed roof material.
- Find ways to cut labor costs.
What’s the Cheapest Shed Roof Style?
Gable roofs, flat roofs, and shed-style roofs are the most affordable shed roof styles. Here’s what you need to know about each (we’ve indicated the installation cost per square foot in brackets);
Gable-Style Roof ($3.00 to $4.50/Square Foot)
Gable-style roofs are the most common shed roof design for a reason – they are the most affordable. The roof features two sloped roof sections on opposite sides, meeting at the apex of the roof, above the walls.
You can use pre-built trusses. Alternatively, to save costs, lay rafters from the wall to a raised ridge at the apex of the roof. Low-pitch roofs work best for sheds.
A major advantage of a gable-style roof is that it’s so easy to install you can do it yourself without much trouble. Additionally, gable roofs consume fewer roofing materials and are easier to insulate.
Flat Roof ($2.50 to $9.00/square foot)
Flat roofs are also very common because of their simplicity and ease of construction. Though almost flat, most designs have a small roof pitch to drain water. Therefore, these roofs resemble shed roof styles. However, the main difference is that the supporting shed walls are almost the same height.
So, why’s a flat roofer cheaper to build? Again, it comes down to material costs and the roof’s simplicity. A flat roof is a simple structure that’s easy to build. So you can do it yourself with ease.
In addition, shed roofs require very few roofing materials. For example, you require fewer roofing shingles, framing members, and roofing nails.
Shed Roof Style (About $3.75/Square Foot)
Shed roof styles are called so because it’s the traditional way to build a shed. Besides, it’s among the cheapest ways to build a shed roof.
Also known as the pent-style, a shed roof design is mainly characterized by a tall wall opposite a shorter wall. Rafters, which sit on the wall plates, span the space between the two walls, forming a single flat but sloped bed.
Shed roof-style slopes vary from 2/12 to 4/12. Alternatively, you can opt for skillion roofs with 6/12 roof pitches.
Like the other two options, shed roof styles are simple structures requiring few materials. They are also easy to install.
What’s the Cheapest Shed Roofing Material
You have many options here too. However, we recommend MSR roll roofing, asphalt shingles, and EPDM rubber roofing. Here’s what you need to know about each. Again, we’ve indicated the estimated cost per square foot in brackets.
1. Mineral Roofing Felt ($0.5 to 1.0/square foot)
Mineral Surface Rolls (MSR), known by various names like roofing rolls, rolled roofing, or MRS roll roofing, refer to bitumen-impregnated fibers supplied in rolls. So, it’s similar to regular asphalt shingles. However, it comes in flexible rolls rather than hard shingles.
The thin rolls are typically a meter wide and ten meters long. Alternatively, others are 36 inches wide and cover 100 square feet.
MSR roll materials are hands-down the most affordable roofs when building a shed. The felt material costs $0.5 to $1.0 per square foot, depending on the brand and quality. More importantly, you can spread it easily and nail it down with roofing nails and a standard nail gun.
2. Asphalt Shingles ($1/Square Foot)
Unfortunately, rolled shed roofing materials have a short lifespan, typically five years. Advanced MSR rolls last up to 15 years. But this still isn’t enough for some homeowners. Consider asphalt shingles if you desire an affordable alternative that lasts longer.
Although slightly more expensive than MSR rolls, asphalt roofing shingles perfectly compromise practicality and style. They are strong and durable, like galvanized steel shingles, but beautiful, like cedar shake shingles. Above all, it’s a readily available shed roofing material and cost-effective.
Asphalt roofing shingles cost about $1 per square foot, while the roofing nails cost about $25 for every 1000 pieces. However, you may need a professional to install the shingles properly.
3. EPDM Rubber Roofing ($3.25 to $14.75/Square Foot)
EPDM is an extremely durable synthetic rubber compound as the two primary components, ethylene, and propylene, are extracted from oil and natural gas.
Therefore, it offers a completely different roofing material to mineral roofing felt and asphalt roof shingles. Also, it’s one of the best choices for flat roofs.
Its two main selling points are ease of installation and weather resistance. EPDM roof sheets are supplied cut-to-size for easy installation. Moreover, they are glued to the roof deck.
So – no nails to worry about. Above all, EPDM doesn’t become brittle when exposed to UV or sunshine, unlike asphalt shingles and roofing felt. This property allows it to last much longer, typically up to 50 years.
EPDM roofing costs $3.25 to $14.75, depending on the type. However, the average price is $4.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Rubber shingles are excellent alternatives to an EPDM roof. But they are more expensive.
Note: A metal roof is another good option. But avoid wood shingles like cedar or pine shingles. Clay and concrete tiles are also expensive. Finally, though they last many years, concrete interlocking tiles are outdated roofing materials.
Ways to Minimize Shed Roofing Labor Costs
Now, let’s look at ways to reduce shed roofing labor costs. Of course, the first option that comes to mind is DIY. But it’s not the only way to lower installation costs.
DIY
Labor charges constitute about 50% of professional roof installation costs. Unfortunately, it’s a lot more for shed roofing.
For instance, a 120-square-foot shed only needs about $120 worth of roofing felt plus $50 worth of fasteners. However, you often pay at least $400 for professional roofing.
You can save the extra $200+ if you do it yourself. You can save $500+ when building a large shed.
Do Some of the Work
Unfortunately, DIY roofing is intimidating, even when it’s a tiny shed. Therefore, many people prefer to hire a professional. If you choose this route, work alongside the roofer to reduce costs.
For instance, you can become the right-hand man. Alternatively, become the general contractor in charge of sourcing all materials. Both options allow you to save a little along the way.
Shop Around for Affordable Contractors
Another cost-saving strategy for hiring a professional contractor is to shop for the best affordable professionals. For instance, some experienced roofers can help you save costs by recommending affordable materials.
But more importantly, remember the most expensive professionals aren’t necessarily the best. So instead, focus on each contractor’s work history. A more affordable professional with a great track record is the way to go.
Shop for Discounts and Offers
Discounts and offers can save you hundreds of dollars if you shop wisely. The best way to go about it is to search local contractors online, compare them, and shortlist the ones offering discounts. Then contact them and negotiate.
Do the same when shopping for materials. Discover local hardware stores offering discounts and compare the final prices. You may be surprised to shed up to 30% of the total budget.
Additional Tips to Reduce Shed Roofing Costs
Choosing cheaper roof designs, more affordable materials, and cheaper contractors are the best ways to reduce shed roofing costs. But they aren’t your only options.
The following are other strategies to consider;
- Time the roofing project right: Roofing contractors are busiest in late summer and early fall. So, you want to avoid roofing during these periods. For instance, you can save 10% to 20% of the costs by roofing in early spring.
- Use your insurance: Are you reroofing? If so, your insurance may pay for the project. This is often the case if the process is necessitated by unforeseen circumstances, such as missing shingles due to a strong wind or serious leaks occasioned by heavy rainfall.
- Prepare early to shorten the roofing time: Most roofers charge per hour. This often means that any preventable delays can unnecessarily inflate the total bill. Therefore, early and adequate preparation can save you a lot of money. For instance, gather all the necessary materials, clean the roof, and choose a sunny day for the project.
- Repair or replace? This only applies to reroofing projects. However, it can save you several hundred. Only replace the roof if it’s old (past the lifespan of the roof material) or badly damaged beyond repair. Otherwise, a few repairs can restore the roof’s function and beauty at a fraction of replacement costs.
How to Build a Shed Roof
Building a shed roof is easy. The following are typical tools and materials and a step-by-step guide for the whole process.
Requirements
- Rafters
- Circular saw
- Roofing shingles
Installing Shingles on a Shed Roof: Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose a roof style: As we’ve seen, gable roofs, flat roofs, and shed-style roofs are the most affordable roofs. However, you can also opt for more beautiful shed roof designs, like the pyramid or hip style.
- Determine the best roof pitch: Pitched roofs are excellent for rainy climates. However, you must get the pitch right. A 3/12 (three-in-twelve) pitch is standard for pitched shed roofs. However, you can go up to 6/12 pitches.
- Mark the rafter locations: We recommend following the standard code. Alternatively, follow the wall studs. Shed wall studs are 20-24 inches apart on-center (from the center of one stud to the center of the next). Proper rafter spacing is critical for supporting the roof weight.
- Measure and cut the rafters: Measure the rafters to size and cut them using a circular saw. Rember to cut a birdsmouth notch at the end of each rafter. Then, using plywood gusset plates, assemble the rafter halves into trusses.
- Install the rafters: Attach the end rafters to the shed’s wall plates using 8D finishing nails. Again, use three nails on each side and ensure the birdsmouth notches sit securely over the wallplates. Then set the remaining rafters on the roof with the help of a string running at the top ridge from one end rafter to the other.
- Install the decking: Measure, cut, and set the decking material over the rafters. We recommend 7/16-inch OSB decking. Then secure the decking to the rafters using 8D flashing nails.
- Install the fascia boards: Fascia boards cover the exposed ends of the rafters, providing additional protection against strong winds. We recommend 2×4 or 2×6 boards. Ensure the boards run the entire length of the roof. Again, use 8D finishing nails to secure them.
- Install the underlayment: Felt paper is the best underlayment material for shed roofs as it’s affordable but offers exceptional waterproofing qualities. Staple down the felt material every 2-4 feet.
- Install the asphalt shingles: Lay them on the roof and nail them to the decking board from the bottom of the roof upward, one shingle column at a time. Secure each shingle at the top using three one-inch roofing nails.
Dangers of Building a Cheap Shed Roof
Finally, we must warn you that going cheap can be very expensive in some circumstances. Therefore, you must be extremely cautious as you plan your budget roof. Common consequences of an extra cheap shed roof include the following;
- Low appeal
- Fewer warranty options
- Frequent and costly repairs
- Health and safety concerns
- A shorter roof life
Cheapest Way to Roof a Shed FAQs
What is the Best Material to Cover a Shed Roof?
Roof tiles and roofing shingles are the most popular shed roofing materials because they are durable and beautiful. However, EPDM is the best shed roofing material pound-for-pound. It’s waterproof, doesn’t crack or split, and is affordable. Above all, it lasts up to 50 years.
What is the Cheapest Shed Roof Structure to Build?
A gable-style roofing felt structure is the most affordable choice for shed roofing. First, gable-style roofs are simple to build and easy to DIY. They also require fewer materials. Additionally, roofing felt is cheap and easy to install. Also, it’s easy to DIY. So, the two give you an unbeatable combination.
What is the Easiest Shed Roof to Build?
Skillion (lean-to) shed roof structures are the easiest to build. You can DIY-build a freestanding skillion shed outbuilding in a day. However, the structure equally suits sheds built up against other structures, such as houses, garages, or barns. Gable style and flat roofs are other simple roof frame structures you can easily build yourself.
What’s the Best Lightweight Shed Roofing?
Polycarbonate sheets are the best, lightest shed roofing materials. It’s a strong and resilient thermoplastic structure. But more importantly, it’s extremely lightweight. Interestingly, polycarbonate roofing sheets are highly durable. They are also easy to cut and shape, quick to install, and come in a wide range of colors to suit every need.
What’s the Best Waterproof Shed Roof Covering?
Rubber roof materials are the most waterproof shed roof covers, as rubber is naturally water-resistant. Water doesn’t affect it at all. This makes rubber shingles and EPDM rubber roofs the best choices when shopping for waterproof roofing material. Metal shingles are another great choice. Unfortunately, asphalt felt absorbs water.
When Reroofing a Shed, Can I Leave the Old Shingles On?
Yes, you can leave the old shingles on when reroofing a shed. It’s one of the ways to lower the reroofing costs further, as it saves materials and labor costs, specifically the charges for tearing and disposing of the old roof. However, a roof overlay makes inspection and roof maintenance difficult. It also causes faster roof degradation.
Summary
You can build a shed roof on a budget. However, it requires critical thinking and careful planning. For instance, you first must identify affordable roof designs and materials. But more importantly, you must find savvy ways to lower labor costs. Hopefully, you’ve learned enough from this guide to embark on your project confidently.