How to install roof decking

This step by step diy project is about how to install roof decking. This article will show the main techniques required when installing the roofing sheets, as well as the front overhangs. In addition, fitting 1×6 trims to the ends rafters, as well as to the sides of the shed will add style and character to your project, so you should pay attention to the instructions presented below.

After building the roof structure of the L-shaped shed, you should install the plywood sheeting and cover it with asphalt shingles. From our experience, this step should not take a lot of time, but you certainly need to have a few skills, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, taking into account the complexity of the roof, you should take accurate measurements and work with great attention.

We strongly recommend you to use tongue and groove plywood sheets, if you want to get tight connections. Secure the sheets to the rafters with nails / screws every 8″. In addition, if you want to enhance the look of the shed by fitting trims, we recommend you to leave an overhang of about 3/4″ over the end rafters. Use a good miter saw to cut the ends of the trims before attaching them into place with finishing nails. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build an L-shaped shed roof, you need to use the following:

Materials

A – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 65 1/4″, 2 piece – 8″, 16 pieces – 5″ OVERHANG
B – 14 sheets of 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood – 4×8′ SHEETING
C – 360 sq ft of roofing felt TAR PAPER
D – 360 sq ft of roofing felt SHINGLES
E – 4 pieces of 1×6 – 66″, 2 piece – 209 1/2″, 2 pieces – 97″ TRIMS

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fit 1×6 trims to add character to your shed

Time

One Day

Part 1: How to build a workshop
Part 2: How to install siding on a shed
Part 3: How to build an L-shaped roof
Part 4: How to install roof decking
Part 5: How to build a shed door

Installing plywood sheeting

Installing a shed roofing

Installing the gable ends

The first step of the project is to build the gable ends of the L-shaped shed. In order to get the job done as a professional, you should cut the pieces of 5/8″ siding with a circular saw. Secure the exterior siding to the framing with 1 1/4″ finishing nails.

Overhang plans

Building a front overhang for the faces of the shed is not compulsory, but it will add character to your construction and it will protect the components from decay. Use 4 rafters to build the overhangs and fit 5″ blockings to reinforce the whole structure together.

Installing the overhangs

After building the overhangs, you should fit them to the shed and secure them into place with 3″ galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes trough the rafters and insert the screws into the shed rafters, after aligning the overhang at both ends.

Fitting the roof decking

Continue the woodworking project by fitting the plywood sheeting. In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to use 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood sheets. After cutting the sheets at the right size, you should fit them over the rafters and lock them into place with 2″ nails. If you want to install trims to the end rafters, the roof decking should overhang about 3/4″.

Fitting the roofing sheets

You can see in this image that you need to make a few cuts, otherwise the plywood sheets won’t fit into place properly. Take accurate measurements, if you want to get a professional result.

Fitting the trims

Install the 1×6 trims to the ends of the rafters, as well as to the ends rafters, as in the image. After cutting the trims at the right size, you should fit them into place and drive 1 1/2″ finishing nails into the rafters. Miter cut the ends of the rafters if you want to create joints with a nice appearance.

Fitting the 1×6 trims

Continue installing the trims to the back side of the L-shaped shed. Wok with attention and with great care, if you want to get a professional result.

Fitting the roofing felt

Cover the roof of the shed with roofing felt, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. In addition, cut a 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under.

Installing the asphalt shingles

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Place a starting course at the bottom of the roof, before installing the asphalt shingles. Always read the manufacturing instructions before starting the installation, as there are several aspects that differ.

The first course should star with a 3 tab shingle, the second course with a 2 1/2 tab , the third course with a 2 tab, the forth course with a 1 1/2 tab, the fifth course with a 1 tab, the sixth course with a 1/2 tab. Repeat the process from the beginning, starting with the seventh course.

Thank you for reading our project about how to install roof decking and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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