The North East gets its share of strong winds and heavy rain, and garden sheds often take the brunt of it. After a storm, it is common to find felt flapping loose, a damp patch on the stored lawnmower or water pooling on the shed floor. The question is whether a quick repair will do or whether the roof needs re-felting completely. Having repaired plenty of sheds across Newcastle and the surrounding areas, here is how I would weigh it up.
First, check the damage
Once the weather has settled, have a careful look from the ground and from inside the shed. Avoid climbing onto the roof, as shed roofs are rarely built to take a person's weight. Look for:
- Felt that has torn, lifted at the edges or blown off entirely
- Splits and cracks in older, brittle felt
- Nails that have pulled through or rusted away
- Daylight showing through the roof boards from inside
- Dark, soft or sagging boards, which suggest rot
- Damaged fascia boards or trims along the edges
When a repair is enough
A patch repair can make sense if the felt is generally in good condition and the damage is limited to one area. Typical repairs include re-fixing a lifted edge, replacing a torn section or renewing the trims that hold the felt down. A repair is most worthwhile when:
- The felt is fairly new and still flexible
- The damage is confined to a small section
- The roof boards underneath are dry and solid
Bear in mind that patches can be a weak point, so they suit roofs that otherwise have plenty of life left in them.
When it is time to re-felt
If the felt is brittle, cracked in several places or has been patched before, a full re-felt is usually the better long-term option. Stripping the old felt also gives a chance to inspect the boards properly and replace any that have rotted. Re-felting is often the sensible choice when:
- Leaks are appearing in more than one place
- The felt crumbles or cracks when touched
- There are several old patches already
- Boards underneath need replacing
Choosing the right felt
Shed felts vary in thickness and durability:
- Standard sand-finished felt is the most basic option, suitable for small sheds and occasional use.
- Mineral-finished felt is thicker and more hard-wearing, with a granule surface that resists weathering.
- Torch-on or heavier-duty felts are used on larger outbuildings, and need specialist installation.
- Felt shingles give a tiled look and work well on sheds with a reasonable pitch.
Whichever you choose, proper fixing matters. Edges need to be secured well with clout nails and trims so the wind cannot get underneath, which is exactly what happens in a North East storm.
Rotten boards and frames
A new roof covering will not last on rotten boards. Soft or spongy sections should be cut out and replaced with new timber before re-felting. It is also worth checking the roof joists and the top of the wall frames, especially in corners where water collects. If the framework is badly decayed, a larger repair or replacement may be more practical than a new roof.
Do not forget the door and base
Leaks are not always from the roof. A door that has warped or dropped can let in rain, and sticking doors put strain on hinges and frames. Adjusting or rehanging the door, adding a drip rail and replacing worn hinges often helps. Check the base, too. A shed sitting directly on soil, or on a base that holds water, will rot from the bottom up. A level, well-drained base with bearers keeps the floor off the wet ground.
When to call a handyman
It is worth getting help when:
- The roof is too high or fragile to work on safely
- Boards, joists or frames need replacing
- The door no longer closes properly
- Fence panels have also been damaged in the same storm
Our shed repairs service covers re-felting, board replacement and door fixes across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland. If the storm has also taken out a fence panel or two, see our fencing page.
Keep your shed dry this winter
A quick check after each storm can catch problems early, before a small lifted edge becomes a soaked floor and rotten boards. Decide between repair and re-felting based on the age of the felt and the condition of the timber underneath. If you would like an honest opinion on your shed, call Andrew on 07960 485 880.
