When it comes to roofing outbuildings in the UK—like garden sheds, summer houses, or workshops—roof shingles are a popular choice. While shingles are rarely used on residential homes, they are perfect for smaller structures where full-scale roofing tiles might be unnecessary. Shingles offer durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing roofs at an affordable price.
Whether you’re after a rustic look with cedar or a cost-effective, no-fuss option with felt shingles, selecting the right material can impact longevity, appearance, and weather resistance. In this guide, we’ll compare cedar and felt shingles, covering cost, lifespan, looks, and maintenance to help you make an informed decision.
Felt Shingles: Practical, Cost-Effective Roofing for Garden Buildings
For low-maintenance, affordable roofing, felt shingles are a fantastic choice for garden buildings, sheds, or workshops. Easy to install and offering solid protection against the elements, these shingles are perfect for smaller structures.
We offer two popular brands of felt shingles: IKO Armourglass Plus Square Butt Shingles and Maple Leaf Roof Shingle Square Butt shingles, both designed for DIY projects and professional installations.
Why Choose Felt Shingles?
- Affordable & Accessible:
Felt shingles are one of the most cost-effective roofing materials, offering long-lasting protection without the high cost of premium materials like cedar. - Easy to Install:
Both IKO and Maple Leaf shingles are lightweight and easy to install, making them perfect for DIYers. Their simple fitting process saves both time and effort. - Waterproof & Durable:
Felt shingles are made from fibreglass and bitumen, offering reliable waterproofing. IKO Armourglass shingles are particularly noted for their UV-resistant, decorative mineral surface. - Versatility in Design:
Available in various colours and styles, these shingles allow you to customise the appearance of your outbuilding.
Products - Products in this Article
Why Choose Felt Shingles?
- Affordable & Accessible:
Felt shingles are one of the most cost-effective roofing materials, offering long-lasting protection without the high cost of premium materials like cedar. - Easy to Install:
Both IKO and Maple Leaf shingles are lightweight and easy to install, making them perfect for DIYers. Their simple fitting process saves both time and effort. - Waterproof & Durable:
Felt shingles are made from fibreglass and bitumen, offering reliable waterproofing. IKO Armourglass shingles are particularly noted for their UV-resistant, decorative mineral surface. - Versatility in Design:
Available in various colours and styles, these shingles allow you to customise the appearance of your outbuilding.
Brand-Specific Benefits
IKO Armourglass Plus Square Butt Shingles
- Long-lasting Performance:
These shingles offer proven waterproofing and UV resistance, making them durable in direct sunlight. - Lightweight & Easy Installation:
Ideal for DIYers, these shingles are simple to handle and install. - Fire Safety:
With a BROOF (t1) fire rating, these shingles provide additional safety.
Maple Leaf Roof Shingle Square Butt
- Corrosion Resistant:
Maple Leaf shingles are designed to resist rust and corrosion over time, ensuring a longer lifespan. - Improved Waterproofing:
The fibreglass and bitumen base provides excellent waterproofing. - Easy Installation:
Flexible and easy to install, even for those new to roofing.
Things to Consider
- Shorter Lifespan:
Felt shingles generally last around 10–15 years, shorter than cedar or slate. However, regular maintenance can extend their life. - Less Natural Appeal:
While functional, felt shingles don’t have the same aesthetic charm as natural materials like cedar.
In Summary:
Felt shingles from IKO Armourglass Plus and Maple Leaf are cost-effective and reliable for outbuildings. They’re easy to install, waterproof, and offer great value for DIYers and budget-conscious projects.
Cedar Shingles: A Premium Natural Option for Outbuildings
For a more refined and durable roofing option, Marley Cedar Shingles provide a top-tier solution. Made from sustainably sourced wood, these shingles offer both natural beauty and long-lasting performance—ideal for eco-conscious projects.
Why Choose Marley Cedar Shingles?
- Natural Beauty:
Crafted from premium Western Red Cedar, these shingles have a smooth, clean finish. Over time, they weather to a silver-grey patina, blending seamlessly into garden settings. - Incredible Durability:
Cedar shingles are graded as Blue Label, ensuring they are free from defects and built to last. With a lifespan of over 50 years, they are one of the most durable roofing options available. - Weather Resistance:
These shingles handle winter frost, high winds, and impact well, providing excellent protection in the UK climate. - Thermal Insulation:
Cedar has exceptional thermal insulation properties, keeping your garden room comfortable year-round. - Eco-Friendly:
PEFC-certified, Marley’s cedar shingles come from sustainably managed forests and have a low carbon footprint. - Versatile & Lightweight:
Despite their durability, Marley shingles are lightweight and easy to install, even on complex roof shapes.
Technical Highlights:
- Size: 400mm long, random widths (75mm – 350mm)
- Thickness: 10mm at the butt
- Minimum Pitch: 14°
- Coverage: Approx. 2.28–3.20 m² per bundle
In Summary:
Marley Cedar Shingles combine durability, sustainability, and natural beauty. They’re ideal for eco-friendly projects where long-lasting performance is key.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Shingle for Your Roof
Both Cedar Shingles and Felt Shingles offer great benefits depending on your needs. Cedar shingles, like Marley Timber Shingles, provide a natural, durable, and long-lasting solution, ideal for those looking for an elegant, sustainable roofing option.
On the other hand, Maple Leaf Roof Shingle Square Butt shingles offer a quick, affordable, and easy-to-install solution. These shingles are perfect for DIYers or anyone seeking a low-maintenance roof.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize longevity and natural beauty with cedar or a cost-effective, easy-to-install option with felt shingles. Both options provide excellent protection and value for your outbuilding project.
