Bitumen Shingles for Roofs | Durable & Waterproof
Roof shingles for garden sheds, wooden buildings and pitched roofs
Roof shingles, also known as bitumen roof shingles or felt shingles, provide a lightweight and decorative roofing solution for many pitched garden buildings. Installed in overlapping courses, they create a continuous roof covering while giving the building an attractive, traditional finish.
At Intergard you can find roof shingles for garden sheds, garden storage sheds, lodges, cabins and porches.
Roof shingles should be installed on a continuous, stable and suitable roof deck. The required roof pitch, overlap and fixing method depend on the specific shingle system. You can also view our roll roofing and green roof solutions.
Why choose bitumen roof shingles?
- Lightweight: a relatively light roof covering for many timber garden buildings.
- Decorative finish: available in different colours and styles depending on the product.
- Overlapping installation: courses are laid from the eaves upwards to help shed rainwater.
- Versatile: suitable for many sheds, cabins, lodges, porches and similar pitched roofs.
- Ideal for timber structures: the appearance works particularly well with wooden garden buildings.
What are roof shingles?
Roof shingles are individual roofing elements installed in overlapping courses to create a protective and decorative covering on a pitched roof.
The products commonly used on garden buildings are generally manufactured using a stable reinforcing carrier combined with bituminous material and an outer mineral-granule finish.
They may also be described as bitumen shingles, bitumen roof shingles, felt shingles or roofing shingles.
What are bitumen roof shingles made from?
The exact construction varies by manufacturer and product. Many shingles incorporate a reinforcing carrier such as glass fibre, a bituminous compound and a mineral surface finish.
The product specification should always be consulted for the exact construction, certification, dimensions and performance characteristics of the shingle you intend to use.
Roof shingles for garden sheds
One of the most common applications for bitumen shingles is roofing garden sheds.
Their relatively low weight makes them suitable for many timber garden structures, while the individual shingle format creates a more decorative finish than a simple roofing membrane.
Roof shingles for garden storage sheds
Shingles can also be used on many garden storage sheds, provided that the roof pitch, deck and structure are suitable for the chosen roofing system.
Always check the roofing requirements before installation rather than assuming that every shed roof is suitable for shingles.
Roof shingles for lodges and cabins
Bitumen roof shingles are also a popular option for timber lodges, cabins and similar garden buildings where a traditional pitched roof finish is required.
For other timber garden structures, you can also browse our complete range of garden sheds and garden buildings.
Roof shingles for porches and canopies
Depending on the construction, shingles may also be used on porches, small canopies and other pitched timber roofs.
Multi-sided or pyramid-style roofs can also be finished with shingles where the shingle system and roof construction allow.
Can roof shingles be used on a flat roof?
Roof shingles are primarily intended for pitched roofs.
On very shallow roofs, rainwater drains more slowly and the requirements for the underlying waterproofing system become more important. Shingles should therefore not automatically be considered suitable for a flat roof.
What roof pitch is required for shingles?
There is no single minimum roof pitch that applies to every bitumen shingle.
The permitted pitch depends on the shingle design, roof deck, underlay and installation system. Always follow the technical instructions supplied with the particular product.
Benefits of bitumen roof shingles
- Relatively lightweight: suitable for many timber roof structures.
- Decorative appearance: different colours and profiles may be available.
- Practical format: individual pieces make them suitable for many small roofs and roof shapes.
- Overlapping courses: designed to direct rainwater down the roof.
- Versatile application: useful for sheds, lodges, cabins, porches and other suitable garden buildings.
- Localised repairs may be possible: depending on the installation, individual damaged sections can sometimes be replaced.
Are bitumen roof shingles waterproof?
When correctly installed as part of a suitable roofing construction, shingles form part of a system designed to protect the roof against water ingress.
The final weather resistance depends on more than the shingles themselves. Roof pitch, underlay, overlap, fixings, eaves, verges, ridges and other roof details all play an important role.
Do roof shingles withstand rain and wind?
Bitumen roof shingles are designed for outdoor roofing applications, but the exact wind and weather resistance depends on the product and its installation.
In exposed or windy locations, additional fixing or adhesive may be required in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Are roof shingles resistant to sunlight?
Many bitumen shingles have a mineral-granule surface which helps protect the bituminous layer from weathering and solar exposure.
This should not, however, be interpreted as a guarantee that the colour will remain completely unchanged throughout the life of the roof.
Are roof shingles frost resistant?
Performance in low temperatures depends on the construction and technical specification of the particular shingle.
The condition of the roof deck, correct installation and effective drainage are also important to the long-term performance of the complete roof.
How long do roof shingles last?
The service life of a shingle roof varies according to the product, roof pitch, installation quality, climate, orientation, ventilation and maintenance.
A general figure such as 15 or 30 years should therefore not be treated as a universal guarantee for every shingle roof.
Do bitumen shingles fade?
Any external roofing material is continuously exposed to sunlight, rain, temperature changes and airborne dirt.
As a result, its appearance may gradually change over time. Colour stability should therefore be assessed according to the specification of the particular product.
What roof deck is needed for shingles?
Shingles normally require a continuous, stable and sufficiently even roof deck that is compatible with the required fixing method.
Depending on the building, suitable timber sheet materials may form the roof deck. The surface should be clean, dry and securely fixed before installation begins.
How to install roof shingles
- Check the roof: make sure the structure, deck and roof pitch are suitable for the chosen shingles.
- Prepare the deck: the surface should be clean, dry, stable and reasonably even.
- Read the installation instructions: check the required overlap and fixing pattern.
- Start at the eaves: install the starter course in accordance with the chosen system.
- Work upwards: each course should correctly overlap the course below.
- Stagger the joints: follow the required pattern so that joints do not form continuous lines.
- Fix the shingles: use the specified roofing nails or other approved fixings.
- Finish ridges and edges: pay particular attention to ridges, hips, verges and roof junctions.
- Inspect the roof: check all overlaps, fixings and finishing details before completing the job.
What do I need to install roof shingles?
The exact materials depend on the chosen roofing system, but typical items may include:
- bitumen roof shingles;
- suitable roofing nails;
- a hammer or suitable fixing tool;
- a heavy-duty utility knife;
- a tape measure;
- a chalk line;
- bitumen adhesive where specified;
- roofing underlay where required.
How many nails are required per shingle?
There is no single fixing rule that applies to every shingle.
The required number, type and position of nails depend on the shingle design, roof pitch and wind exposure. Always use the fixing pattern specified for the product.
How much should roof shingles overlap?
A universal overlap such as 100 mm should not be applied to every shingle system.
The design of the individual shingle determines how much of each course must be covered by the next course. Follow the dimensions and alignment instructions supplied with the product.
How do you install the starter course?
The eaves form the starting point of the roof covering and should be completed carefully.
Depending on the roofing system, a dedicated starter strip may be supplied or a starter course may be prepared from compatible shingles. Always follow the specified method.
How do you finish a roof ridge with shingles?
The ridge must cover the joint between adjoining roof slopes.
Depending on the system, dedicated ridge shingles or pieces prepared from compatible shingles can be used. Each section should be correctly overlapped and securely fixed.
Can roof shingles be installed in cold weather?
Bituminous materials may become less flexible in low temperatures, while self-sealing strips may require specific conditions to bond correctly.
Check the recommended installation temperature for the particular shingle before starting work.
Roof shingles in exposed and windy locations
Correct fixing is especially important on buildings exposed to strong winds.
Some systems may require additional adhesive or a different fixing pattern in exposed locations. Always follow the instructions supplied for the product.
Roof shingles or roll roofing?
Intergard also supplies roll roofing for suitable roofing applications.
The main difference is the format and appearance:
- Roof shingles: individual overlapping pieces which create a highly decorative roof finish.
- Roll roofing: a continuous roofing material supplied in rolls.
The most suitable option depends on the roof design, pitch, construction and desired appearance.
Roof shingles or a green roof?
A green roof is a completely different type of roofing system, incorporating vegetation such as sedum on a specially prepared roof construction.
Before installing a green roof, the structural load capacity, waterproofing and drainage requirements must all be considered.
How many roof shingles do I need?
Start by calculating the surface area of each roof slope.
For a rectangular roof slope:
length × slope width = roof area in m²
For roofs with several slopes, calculate each area separately and add them together.
Allow additional material for cutting, ridges, verges and wastage. The amount required depends on the roof shape and shingle format.
Maintaining a shingle roof
Periodic inspection helps identify damage before it develops into a larger problem.
- Remove leaves, branches and accumulated debris.
- Keep gutters and drainage points clear.
- Check for loose, lifted or damaged shingles.
- Inspect ridges, verges and roof junctions.
- Avoid aggressive cleaning methods that could dislodge the mineral granules.
Can damaged shingles be replaced?
With many systems, an individual damaged shingle or a small section of roof can be replaced.
The ease of repair depends on its position, the fixing method and the condition of the surrounding roof covering.
Roof shingles for renovation projects
Bitumen shingles may also be suitable for certain roof renovation projects.
Before installing a new covering, check the existing roof deck carefully. Damaged, damp or unstable timber should not simply be covered over.
How to choose roof shingles
- Identify the building: garden shed, storage shed, lodge, porch or another suitable structure.
- Check the pitch: make sure the roof meets the minimum requirements for the product.
- Inspect the roof deck: it must be suitable for the shingles and fixing system.
- Choose the colour and style: match the roof covering to the garden building.
- Calculate the roof area: measure every roof slope.
- Allow extra material: include cutting, ridges, edges and wastage.
- Select the correct fixings: use the fixings specified for the chosen shingle.
- Follow the installation guide: respect the prescribed overlap, fixing pattern and roof details.
Buy roof shingles from Intergard
At Intergard you can find roof shingles and bitumen roofing solutions for a wide range of garden buildings and outdoor structures.
Browse our garden sheds, garden sheds, garden storage sheds, porches, roll roofing and green roof solutions.
Need help calculating the quantity or choosing the right covering for your garden building? Contact Intergard via our contact page.
Frequently asked questions about roof shingles
What are roof shingles?
Roof shingles are individual roofing elements installed in overlapping courses over a suitable continuous roof deck, primarily on pitched roofs.
What are bitumen roof shingles?
They are roofing shingles manufactured using bituminous material, generally with a reinforcing carrier and mineral surface finish.
Are felt shingles and bitumen shingles the same thing?
The terms are often used interchangeably in the UK for this type of lightweight decorative roofing shingle, although the exact construction can vary by product.
What buildings can roof shingles be used on?
They are commonly used on garden sheds, storage sheds, lodges, cabins, porches and other compatible pitched garden roofs.
Can shingles be used on a flat roof?
They are primarily intended for pitched roofs. Always check the minimum roof pitch specified for the chosen product.
What roof pitch do shingles need?
There is no universal minimum pitch. The requirement depends on the shingle and complete roofing system.
What surface should roof shingles be laid on?
They normally require a continuous, stable, dry and sufficiently even roof deck suitable for the fixing system.
Are bitumen roof shingles waterproof?
They form part of a weather-resistant roofing system. Final protection against water ingress also depends on pitch, underlay, overlaps, fixings and detailing.
How long do roof shingles last?
Service life depends on the product, installation, roof pitch, climate, exposure and maintenance, so one lifespan cannot be guaranteed for all roofs.
Do roof shingles resist UV light?
They are designed for outdoor use, but exact UV performance depends on the particular shingle construction and specification.
Do shingles retain their colour?
The appearance can gradually change due to sunlight, weathering and environmental exposure.
How many nails do I need per shingle?
The required number and position depend on the shingle design, roof pitch and wind exposure. Follow the product instructions.
Do I need bitumen adhesive?
That depends on the roofing system and location. Some products or exposed areas may require supplementary adhesive.
Can I install roof shingles myself?
Many garden-building shingle systems can be installed by an experienced DIY user, provided the installation instructions and appropriate working-at-height safety precautions are followed.
Can roof shingles be installed in cold weather?
Low temperatures can affect material flexibility and the bonding of self-sealing strips, so always check the recommended installation conditions.
What is the difference between roof shingles and roll roofing?
Shingles consist of individual overlapping pieces, whereas roll roofing is supplied as a continuous material in rolls.
Can a damaged roof shingle be replaced?
In many cases yes, depending on the location of the damaged shingle, its fixing method and the condition of the surrounding roof.
How do I calculate how many shingles I need?
Calculate the total area of all roof slopes and allow extra material for cutting, ridges, edges and wastage.
Does Intergard also offer green roofing?
Yes. Browse our green roof category for the available options.