Felt Shingles

Felt Shingles: The Attractive and Practical Roofing Choice for Outbuildings, Sheds, and More

When it comes to choosing the right roofing material for garden buildings, sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, playhouses, or even garages, felt shingles have earned a strong reputation for being both practical and attractive. Blending the durability of bitumen-based roofing technology with the visual appeal of tiled or slate-like finishes, felt shingles offer a smart, long-lasting solution that is increasingly popular across both domestic and commercial roofing projects.

Felt shingles, sometimes referred to as bitumen shingles or roof shingles, are manufactured from a base of glass fibre or polyester matting that is coated in oxidised bitumen. This bitumen core is then surfaced with weather-resistant mineral granules or stone chippings, giving the shingles their distinctive textured finish and colouring. The result is a roofing product that looks remarkably like traditional tiles or slates but comes in lightweight, flexible strips that are easy to install even for a DIYer.

One of the biggest advantages of felt shingles is the sheer variety of styles and colours available. Whether you prefer a classic black, rustic red, forest green, slate grey, or even multi-tonal finishes that replicate the natural variance of clay tiles, there’s a shingle design to suit your structure. They are often available in square cut, hexagonal, beaver tail, or scalloped shapes, allowing you to personalise the look of your garden building or shed roof while maintaining practical weatherproofing.

Because they’re made from bitumen, felt shingles provide a high level of water resistance, making them particularly well-suited to the UK’s unpredictable and often rainy climate. They’re designed to withstand wind uplift, UV degradation, and moisture ingress, which are all essential properties for any outdoor structure. Unlike sheet felt that’s rolled out in larger sections, felt shingles are layered in an overlapping format, creating a built-up, tiled effect that helps shed water efficiently from the roof surface.

Installation is another area where felt shingles shine. Lightweight, easy to cut, and quick to apply, they can be installed without the need for heat or complex tools. Most shingles are fixed using roofing nails or tacks and are layered from the bottom up to ensure consistent water flow down the roof. Many come with self-adhesive backing strips or are installed using cold-bonding bitumen adhesives to provide extra grip and resistance to wind. Unlike heavy tiles or slates that require reinforced roof structures, felt shingles can often be applied directly to wooden roof decks with minimal preparation.

Because they are a dry-fix solution, felt shingles are also ideal for buildings where torch-on or hot works would be inappropriate or unsafe. That includes log cabins, children’s playhouses, home offices, and other timber-framed or flammable structures. This makes them one of the most user-friendly roofing materials for DIY installations, especially for customers without specialist roofing experience.

Another key benefit is their visual appeal. While traditional roofing felt offers great protection, its appearance can sometimes be plain or industrial. Felt shingles, on the other hand, add character and a more finished look to any outdoor building. For garden offices or summerhouses where aesthetic value is important, they’re a stylish option that complements landscaping and architectural choices.

In terms of durability, modern felt shingles typically last anywhere from 15 to 25 years depending on the quality of the product, the exposure to weather, and how well they are installed. Premium shingles that feature thicker bitumen layers or enhanced mineral surfacing often offer longer life spans and better colour retention over time. For structures located in more exposed or coastal locations, using higher-grade shingles with improved wind resistance and UV protection is a wise investment.

Maintenance is minimal once the shingles are in place. Because they are fixed in individual tabs and sealed tightly together, there is little opportunity for wind to lift them once properly installed. Occasional inspections to check for any loose edges or debris buildup are generally sufficient to keep the roof in good condition. And because the shingles are individually replaceable, small repairs are simple to carry out without disturbing the rest of the roof covering.

Environmentally, felt shingles also present some advantages. Many modern products are manufactured using recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of their life cycle. Their lightweight design means they’re easy to transport and install with lower carbon costs than heavier roofing products, and because they don’t rely on large-scale extraction of natural stone or clay, they offer a more sustainable choice in certain applications.

Shingles are also versatile enough to be used on a variety of roof designs, including mono-pitch, apex, hipped, and even some curved roofs with appropriate preparation. Their flexible design means they can conform to unusual roof shapes and junctions where sheet materials may struggle. Edge trims, ridge caps, and eaves protectors are all available to help finish a shingle roof to a high standard.

For homeowners who are considering replacing an old shed roof or upgrading the look of their garden building, felt shingles represent a strong middle ground between basic roofing felt and more expensive tile or slate systems. They are widely stocked at roofing merchants and specialist suppliers and are available in kits or bulk packs depending on the size of your project.

It’s important to choose the right shingles for your needs. Cheaper options may still offer good weather resistance, but for longer-lasting results and a better finish, premium shingles are worth the investment. Always ensure the surface beneath the shingles is dry, smooth, and in good condition before installation. Using a suitable underlay felt beneath the shingles can also improve the performance of the system, particularly on roofs with lower pitches.

In summary, felt shingles are a highly adaptable, visually appealing, and weather-resistant roofing material that is perfectly suited to a wide range of outbuildings and domestic projects. Whether you’re restoring an old garden shed, finishing off a newly built home office, or simply want your summerhouse to stand out, shingles offer the right balance of durability, style, and ease of installation. For both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, they are a dependable, good-looking, and long-lasting solution that doesn’t compromise on performance or price.

FAQ: Felt Shingles

1. What are felt shingles?
Felt shingles are a lightweight, flexible roofing material made from a bitumen base (often reinforced with glass fibre or polyester) and coated with coloured mineral granules. They are designed to mimic the look of traditional slate or tiles while providing waterproof protection for pitched roofs, especially on sheds, cabins, and garden buildings.

2. What are felt shingles used for?
They’re most commonly used on outbuildings such as sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, playhouses, workshops, garages, and garden offices. Their aesthetic appeal and weatherproof performance make them ideal for small to medium-sized pitched roof projects.

3. Are felt shingles waterproof?
Yes. When installed correctly, felt shingles provide a watertight roofing solution. Their overlapping design helps shed rainwater effectively, and the bitumen content offers excellent resistance to moisture.

4. How long do felt shingles last?
Most felt shingles last between 15 to 25 years depending on the quality of materials, the pitch of the roof, the level of exposure to weather, and how well they were installed.

5. Can I install felt shingles myself?
Absolutely. Felt shingles are one of the most DIY-friendly roofing materials. They can be applied with basic tools such as a hammer and roofing nails, and many have self-adhesive strips for easier installation. That said, professional installation may offer better long-term results, especially for larger or more complex roofs.

6. What tools do I need to install felt shingles?
Basic installation requires roofing nails or tacks, a hammer, a utility knife for trimming, and a tape measure. You may also use bitumen adhesive or cold-applied bonding compounds for added weather resistance and edge sealing.

7. Do felt shingles need an underlay?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. A layer of roofing underlay felt beneath your shingles will provide an extra layer of waterproofing and improve longevity, especially on roofs with lower pitches or high exposure to rain and wind.

8. What roof pitch is best for felt shingles?
Felt shingles should be installed on roofs with a minimum pitch of around 15 degrees (approx. 1:4 slope). Using shingles on roofs with lower pitches can increase the risk of water pooling and ingress.

9. Are felt shingles available in different colours and shapes?
Yes. Felt shingles come in a wide range of colours including black, red, brown, green, and grey. Common shapes include rectangular, hexagonal, beaver tail, scalloped, and diamond-cut styles — allowing for custom designs that suit both modern and traditional aesthetics.

10. How are felt shingles fixed to the roof?
They’re fixed using roofing nails through pre-marked nailing lines, usually into a wooden roof deck or OSB board. Some shingles have a self-adhesive strip on the back that helps bond them in place, especially in warm weather or when heat-activated by sunlight.

11. Do I need to finish the ridge or edges with special products?
Yes. The roof ridge should be finished with ridge shingles (or cut from standard shingles) to provide a clean, waterproof seal. You can also use matching verge strips, edge trims, or sealants to weatherproof roof edges and prevent wind lift.

12. Are felt shingles suitable for commercial buildings?
They are mostly designed for residential or garden buildings, but felt shingles can be used on light commercial structures like kiosks or garden centres, provided the roof meets pitch and size guidelines. For larger commercial buildings, more robust roofing systems like torch-on felt or metal may be more appropriate.

13. What’s the difference between felt shingles and standard roofing felt?
Standard felt comes in roll form and is installed as continuous sheets. Felt shingles are cut into strips and overlapped like tiles. While both are bitumen-based, shingles provide a more decorative finish and often better resistance to wind uplift due to their layered structure.

14. Are felt shingles fire-resistant?
Most felt shingles offer basic fire resistance and comply with industry safety standards, but always check the manufacturer’s specifications. Some premium shingles include fire-retardant additives or coatings.

15. Do felt shingles fade over time?
Over time, exposure to UV rays may cause some fading, especially with cheaper shingles. However, premium shingles with high-quality mineral surfacing maintain their colour better and resist weathering for longer.

16. Can I replace individual shingles if they get damaged?
Yes. One of the advantages of shingle systems is that damaged or worn tiles can be removed and replaced without having to redo the entire roof. This makes repairs quicker and more cost-effective.

17. Are felt shingles eco-friendly?
Many modern felt shingles incorporate recycled materials and are themselves recyclable at the end of their life. Their long lifespan and lightweight design also make them more sustainable than some heavier roofing options.

18. Where can I buy high-quality felt shingles?
You can find felt shingles at most builders’ merchants, specialist roofing suppliers, and trusted online retailers like GetYourselfFelt.co.uk, who offer fast local delivery, trade discounts, and expert advice.

19. Can I use felt shingles in coastal or exposed areas?
Yes, but it’s best to choose reinforced, high-performance shingles designed for strong winds or heavy rain. Always secure shingles with proper fixings and seal vulnerable edges to prevent wind lift and water ingress.

20. Is planning permission needed to install felt shingles?
Generally not, especially for garden buildings and sheds. However, if the building is listed, in a conservation area, or part of a larger renovation project, always check with your local planning authority.