If the building structure is still relatively good and only the roof of the arbor is damaged, it is worth it from a financial perspective to put on a new roof. You also save yourself a trip to the building authority, because a new house often has to be approved again. Reason enough to grab a hammer and nail yourself and completely renovate the garden house roof.
How can I replace the roof of my garden house?
To renew the roof of a garden house, you should check the existing building structure, replace the basic structure and battens if necessary, create a stable substructure and then lay roofing felt or bitumen shingles. Don't forget to install a gutter.
When does it need to be renewed?
Smaller, damaged areas through which moisture penetrates can in many cases still be sealed. In this way, the decay of the roof can often be delayed for a long time. It must be replaced in any case if the entire roof structure has serious defects.
What condition is the roof in?
- First check how the old roof was constructed and what materials were used.
- The assembly instructions can be extremely helpful here.
- In addition to the roof covering, do the basic framework and battens also need to be replaced?
- Using this inventory, you can get the materials you need (€123.00 on Amazon) at the hardware store.
The stable base
A new roof needs a stable substructure made of intermediate rafters and planks. If they appear dilapidated, be sure to replace them. This means that the roof can also carry high snow loads if necessary and has enough stability for subsequent re-roofing. Depending on the construction method, the new battens and/or the roof cladding made of OSB panels are attached above this.
Covering the new roof
- First, a sanded sub-base is nailed onto the substructure.
- Attach gutter mounting plates to the horizontal edges of the roof.
- If you have a pitched roof, also install verge sheets on the sloping sides of the roof.
- Lay roofing felt or asph alt shingles overlapping from bottom to top.
- Screw on new ridge plate.
Why no roof tiles?
Without a doubt, roof tiles or concrete roof tiles look extremely attractive as roof coverings for the garden house. However, they are heavy and therefore require a very stable substructure. In addition, laying roof tiles is significantly more complicated than nailing roofing felt or bitumen shingles.
Don’t forget the gutter
So that the water does not run unhindered from the garden house, it is recommended to install a rain gutter. Suitable plastic gutters and downpipes with a small cross-section can be purchased at any hardware store.
Tip
Sometimes the roofing of older garden houses still contains asbestos. This substance must be completely removed and, as it is harmful to he alth and the environment, disposed of according to regulations. Be sure to wear suitable protective clothing when working with asbestos!