21 Best Shed Roofing Materials - Complete Guide to Choosing the Right One

The roof is a crucial part of every shed as it protects everything inside from the weather. Above all, it has to be waterproof and durable. A quality shed roof should also be reliable, cost-effective and attractive.

There are many shed roof materials to choose from, which is great for options but can make the decision overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about each shed roof material, what makes it perfect for your needs and the detailed pros and cons of each.

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8 Most Important Factors When Choosing a Shed Roof Material

Before diving into specific materials, understand these critical factors that determine which roofing is best for YOUR shed.

1. Waterproofing

Your shed stores valuable items that need to stay dry. The roofing material must be waterproof and, depending on your location, withstand snow and ice buildup.

Waterproofing is also affected by installation method. Some materials must overlap to create a continuous surface for water runoff. Others use nails or screws (creating potential leak points), while some use tape or adhesive with no holes at all.

2. Appearance

Your shed plays a role in your property's aesthetics. An unattractive roof isn't pleasant to look at for you or your neighbors and could affect your home's appraisal value.

If you live in an HOA-controlled area, check for restrictions on roofing materials. Also verify with your municipality for any local requirements.

3. Durability

Durability depends heavily on your local weather conditions. Ideally, shed roofing should withstand water penetration and strong winds for maximum protection.

The most durable shed roof coverings tend to be metal, cedar, asphalt shingles and felt—tried and tested materials known to last. Many newer materials can match this durability.

4. Lifespan

You want your roof to last as long as possible without replacement. Balance this against your budget—longer-lasting materials typically cost more upfront but save money over time.

5. Price

Consider your budget carefully. Cheap materials might need repairs or replacement quickly, costing more long-term. Spending more upfront on quality materials provides better longevity and protection.

The cheapest option is roofing felt, but it's not as weatherproof or durable as other materials.

6. Ease of Installation

Some materials are weekend DIY projects; others require professional installation. Shingles are relatively easy and can be done in a few hours.

Some materials (like steel roofing) require special fasteners that add to cost. You may also need underlayment, drip-edge, or roof vents—ensure these are compatible with your chosen material.

7. Maintenance

Maintenance requirements vary dramatically. Metal roofs require almost no maintenance when installed correctly. Cedar shakes are prone to rotting or splitting and need regular servicing.

If your free time is precious, choose low-maintenance options like steel or asphalt shingles.

8. Roof Pitch

Your roof's pitch determines which materials you can use. Sheds can have flat roofs or pitches up to 20+ degrees.

If you live somewhere with lots of snow or rain, a steeper pitch is essential. Different materials have different minimum pitch requirements.

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21 Most Popular Shed Roofing Materials

Here's a detailed breakdown of every major shed roofing option, with specifications, pros and cons for each.

1. Felt Shingles

Felt shingles are a popular alternative to roofing felt. Available in a range of colors and patterns, they're easy to install using nails, screws, or adhesive.

Pros: Cost-effective, easy to install, wide variety of options, handles extreme temperatures well

Cons: Shorter lifespan, frequent maintenance needed, underlayment and fasteners add cost

2. Metal Roofing Shingles

Metal shingles combine durability with aesthetics. They interlock together and look just like traditional shingles while offering superior protection.

Pros: Exceedingly durable, visually attractive, reflects heat

Cons: More expensive than many options, can be noisy during rain

3. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are easy and cheap to install—just a hammer and roofing nails. Very durable and widely available.

Pros: Very affordable, extremely durable, easy installation

Cons: Not particularly attractive, won't work on flat roofs, absorbs heat

4. Wooden Shingles

Cedar is the best wood choice—highly durable and beautiful. A natural material that appeals to environmentally-conscious homeowners.

Pros: Very attractive, natural material, very durable

Cons: Not waterproof, UV damage can be an issue

5. Rubber Shingles

Rubber shingles are increasingly popular—easy to install, very durable and eco-friendly (made from recycled tires). Resistant to impacts, UV light and fire with manufacturer guarantees up to 50 years.

Pros: Immensely durable, extremely long-lasting, very easy to install

Cons: Can smell rubbery, not suitable for high-wind areas

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6. Composite Shingles

Made from recycled rubber and plastic, composite shingles are eco-friendly and mimic the look of premium materials like cedar and slate at a fraction of the cost.

Pros: Very eco-friendly, looks like cedar/slate, durable, cheaper than real slate/cedar

Cons: Can be expensive, relatively new (less long-term testing)

7. Three-Tab Shingles

A classic, budget-friendly option that's been proven over decades.

Pros: Not expensive, very long-lasting, simple to install

Cons: Visually unappealing, can't use on flat roofs, heats up in summer

8. Wood Shakes

Hand-cut wood shakes have a rougher texture, non-uniform appearance and are thicker than shingles. Beautiful but less weatherproof.

Pros: Rustic and attractive, increases property value, reflects heat

Cons: More expensive, not weatherproof

9. Board-and-Batten Shed Roof

Solid wooden boards with thinner strips (battens) covering the gaps. Boards come in 6", 8", or 10" widths; battens are typically 3" wide. Available in pine, cedar, or redwood.

Pros: Visually appealing, various installation options, impact resistant

Cons: Extremely expensive, not weatherproof, requires regular maintenance, may need professional installation

10. Asphalt Shed Roofing Felt

Felt coated with asphalt on both sides, plus a granular coating for protection. Comes in rolls for easy installation.

Pros: Very cheap, quick installation/replacement, impact resistant, works on flat roofs

Cons: Shorter lifespan, not attractive, heat absorption issues, UV/weather damages granular layer

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11. Corrugated Shed Roofing Sheets

One of the most durable options. Panels come in 27"-48" widths and 8' or 10' lengths. Can be ordered to run vertically to minimize seams. Most include special coatings for longevity.

Pros: Most durable option, works on shallow pitches, reflects heat

Cons: Not the cheapest, challenging installation

12. Clay Shed Roof Tiles

Clay tiles add curb appeal and have been used for centuries. Moisture penetration can be an issue, requiring weatherproof underlayment.

Pros: Stunning appearance, lasts decades, clay or concrete interlocking options

Cons: Very heavy (shed must be sturdy), underlayment essential, very expensive

13. Concrete Shed Roofing Tiles

Modern version of traditional clay tiles. Tremendously hard-wearing but very heavy—the shed structure must support significant extra weight.

Pros: Fireproof, energy efficient, extremely durable

Cons: Requires substantial structural support, costly, somewhat fragile

14. Plastic Shed Roof Tiles

A modern, lightweight option that anyone with basic DIY skills can install.

15. Polycarbonate Shed Roofing Panels

Super-strong plastic that withstands harsh weather. Popular for greenhouses and anything needing transparent cover. Available in 6', 8', 10' and 12' lengths, ~26" wide and now in various colors.

Pros: Blocks UV light, handles extreme temperatures, easy installation

Cons: Dents and scratches easily, less durable than other materials, requires correct fasteners

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16. EPDM Rubber Roofing Membrane

Popular for commercial buildings, especially flat/low-pitch roofs. Made from recycled rubber, comes in rolls. Apply adhesive, roll out the membrane, cover seams with special latex tape.

Pros: Very affordable, extremely long-lasting, very lightweight

Cons: Impact damage and punctures possible, not attractive

17. Fiberglass Mineral Surface Roll (MSR) Shed Roofing

The cheapest and easiest shed roofing to install. Most homeowners can do it themselves. Thinner and less durable than asphalt shingles.

Pros: Least expensive roofing material, cover a shed in under an hour, easy to cut

Cons: Only a few colors available, less durable than shingles, short lifespan, HOAs may not allow

18. Exterior Grade Plywood (CDX)

Popular for water resistance, structural stability and low cost. CDX indicates construction grade for exterior applications.

Pros: Water resistance improved by pressure-treating, easy to install, relatively attractive

Cons: Can't withstand prolonged water exposure, more expensive than OSB

19. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Budget-friendly option. Use OSB3 grade for roofing. Strong, versatile and cost-effective. Add roofing felt on top to increase lifespan.

Pros: Very affordable, easy to install, more environmentally friendly

Cons: Not attractive, rotting issues with prolonged moisture exposure

20. Plastic Polymer Roofing Shingles

Made mostly from recycled plastic. Not the best for visual appeal. Only around for a few decades, so long-term durability is still being determined.

Pros: 100% recycled materials, lightweight, fire and wind resistant, mold/moss/lichen won't grow

Cons: Can be expensive, relatively new and not fully tested

21. Artificial Grass Turf Shed Roofing

Not the first material people think of, but surprisingly functional. A great alternative to a living "green roof" without the hassle of planting and watering. Underlayment is essential; attach turf to it.

Pros: Very lightweight, almost no maintenance, no watering needed

Cons: Not eco-friendly, quality turf is expensive, severe weather causes fading/damage

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Complete Shed Roofing Materials Comparison Chart

How to Choose the Best Shed Roofing Material

Start with your climate threats. In Texas, that's primarily heat, hail and driving rain. Metal handles all three exceptionally well, which is why we use it on most builds.

Consider the shed's purpose. A storage shed nobody enters can tolerate a hotter interior than a workshop or office. This affects whether heat reflection matters.

Think about visibility. A shed tucked in the back corner doesn't need architectural roofing. A pool house visible from every window might justify matching your home's aesthetic.

Budget honestly. A cheap asphalt roof saves money today but needs replacement in 15 years. Metal costs more upfront but outlasts you. Calculate total cost of ownership, not just purchase price.

Conclusion

There are many different materials you can use on your shed roof. Finding the right one can be challenging because they all have advantages and disadvantages.

The cheapest option for a shed roof is felt shingles or MSR roll roofing. They're relatively long-lasting and uncomplicated to install.

For maximum durability, corrugated metal roofing or EPDM rubber membranes offer 50+ year lifespans with minimal maintenance.

For best appearance, wood shakes, composite shingles, or clay tiles provide stunning aesthetics—at a higher price point.

Whatever material you choose, don't forget to paint or seal it. Proper finishing reduces corrosion and prolongs the life of your shed roof significantly.

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