I have bought roofing felt shed quality, clout nails and a large can of bitumen sealant. I have a 6x 6 pent roof shed and am trying to do it myself. do I use the bitumen paint as an adhesive for the felt and apply it to the old roofing felt before applying the new felt?

Jetsmum, March 2013

As the rolls are 1m wide you will only need two sheets
Rip off the old and remove any of the felt nails or if heads come off bang them down so no nails can penetrate the new.
Measure across the roof adding 50 mm to the measurement for a 25mm over lap on each edge. Cut the two sheets to size.
To make sure the first sheet is on straight and has the correct overlap at the bottom of the roof measure up from the bottom of the roof to 975mm and mark. Do same on roof other edge and mark a line across the roof so you have something to go by setting down the first sheet straight.

Lay first sheet to the line, ensure correct overlap at bottom and sides 25mm (1”) each overlap. Nail the first sheet along the top edge of the sheet 12mm in from the felt top edge and set each nail across the roof at 150mm (6”) intervals ensure the sheet is flat with no buckles.

At the bottom fold the corners in to a triangle shape nail to the to edge board/facia nailing along edge at 25mm (1”) intervals all the way across. Nail sides to edge board/facia. Apply mastic to the top edge of the first sheet across the roof in a 75 mm band does two things seals the edge and covers nails draw mastic on to the roof board about 25mm (1”). When mastic tacky lay second sheet on to the bare board and lift and lay on to the mastic. If you are doing this on your own roll the sheet squarely rolling it slowly over the mastic ensuring its going on straight. Firm down on to the mastic with a batten of timber or I used a wall paper roller. Not to heavy with it get to middle and go to other side to bring it right over. Watch the mastic though it ha a habit of jumping at you when you’re not looking. Now you have a flapping top that needs folding over to form the top overlap. Fold it over fold over the edges and if all straight go wild with more nails along the edges as with first sheet. Any excess felt at top trim off as if it starts to flap in the wind it will start tearing. You are still not sure then do a search on the web with ‘how to re-felt a shed roof’ I’m sure you will find sites with diagrams.
Its not as hard as it sounds or looks. It is easier with two people as well and on a no wind day because shed grade felt tears easy.

If on you own then at the 975mm mark/line paint a line of mastic across the roof 25mm wide below the line 100mm in from the each edge so you then can roll the sheet out on to the mastic and the mastic will stop the sheet moving when you set it right and nail it.

Hope this helps.. Go on give it a go you CAN do it.

bob, March 2013