For decades, roofing felt has remained the most popular roofing material for garages, sheds and outbuildings. But today it is being actively replaced by more modern and durable analogues. The reasons are obvious: classic roofing felt serves 5-7 years, requires regular repairs and cannot withstand temperature changes. And modern materials offer service life from 15 to 50 years, better waterproofing and strength.
If you are planning to re-roof or are building a new building, it is important to choose a material that will not only replace roofing felt, but also surpass its performance. In this article we will look at 7 best alternatives with detailed comparisons on price, installation and durability. We will also answer the key question: which material is suitable for your type of roof - flat or pitched.
Let us note right away: the choice depends not only on the budget, but also on the roof design. For example, for flat roof weldable materials are ideal, and for pitched - flexible tiles or corrugated sheets. But first things first.
1. Bituminous shingles (soft roofing) - the best substitute for pitched roofs
Bituminous (or flexible) shingles are modern alternative to roofing felt, which combines aesthetics and practicality. The material is fiberglass impregnated with modified bitumen with stone topping. Suitable for sloped roofs from 12° (minimum 1:5).
Key benefits include:
- 🏆 Service life - 25-50 years (5-10 times longer than roofing felt).
- 🎨 Design — imitation of natural tiles, wide range of colors.
- 🔇 Soundproofing - absorbs the noise of rain and hail.
- 🧩 Easy installation — laid on a continuous sheathing without welding.
But there are also nuances. Bituminous shingles not suitable for flat roofs (a slope is needed!), and also requires high-quality ventilation of the under-roof space. Otherwise, bitumen may melt in summer and crack due to frost in winter.
Price: from 600 rub/m² (budget brands like Shinglas) to 2500 rub/m² (premium series Katepal or Icopal).
2. Corrugated sheeting - cheap, fast, but noisy
If you need the most budget substitute for roofing felt for the roof of a garage or utility room, corrugated sheeting is one of the best options. These are corrugated steel sheets with zinc or polymer coating. Suitable for sloped roofs from 8°.
Advantages of corrugated sheets:
- ⚡ Installation speed — the roof can be covered in 1 day.
- 💰 Low price - from 300 rub/m² (galvanized) up to 800 rub/m² (with polymer coating).
- 🔧 Strength — can withstand snow loads of up to 300 kg/m².
However, the material has serious disadvantages:
⚠️ Attention: Corrugated sheet practically does not absorb noise — during rain or hail, a strong roar will be heard in the room. Also, the metal is susceptible to corrosion in places of cuts and fastenings.
To extend service life (up to 20-30 years) choose corrugated board with pural or plastisol — these coatings are resistant to scratches and rust.
3. Euroroofing felt (new generation roofing felt)
If you are looking direct replacement for roofing felt, but with improved characteristics, please note euroruberoid (aka bitumen-polymer roll material). This is not the Soviet roofing felt, but a modern analogue with a reinforcing base made of fiberglass or polyester.
Differences from classic roofing felt:
| Characteristics | Regular roofing felt | Euroroofing material |
|---|---|---|
| Service life | 5-7 years | 15-25 years |
| Temperature range | from –10° to +40° | from –40° to +120° |
| Tensile strength | up to 30 kgf | up to 80 kgf |
| Installation | for bitumen mastic | fusing with a gas torch |
Euroroofing felt is ideal for flat roofs and roofs with a minimum slope (from 2°). Popular brands: TechnoNIKOL, Bikrost, Linocrom. Average price - 250-600 rub/m².
Important nuance: For high-quality installation you need a professional tool (gas torch) and experience. If fused incorrectly, the material may swell or peel off.
Before laying euroroofing felt, clean the roof of the old coating and prime the surface with a bitumen primer - this will improve adhesion and prevent peeling.
4. Membrane roofing - premium replacement for flat roofs
If the budget is not limited, but the priority is maximum durability and tightness, membrane roofing will be the best choice. This polymer or rubber roll materials, which are welded with hot air into a single sheet without seams.
Advantages of membranes:
- 🕒 Service life - up to 50 years (manufacturer warranty - 20-30 years).
- 🌡️ Temperature resistance – from –60° to +120°.
- 💧 Absolute waterproofing — withstands water pressure up to 5 m (relevant for existing roofs).
- 🔄 Elasticity - does not crack when the building shrinks.
There are three types of membranes:
1. PVC - the most affordable (from 800 rub/m²), but are less resistant to UV radiation.
2. TPO — middle price segment (1200-1800 rub/m²), optimal price/quality ratio.
3. EPDM - premium option (2000-3500 rub/m²), based on synthetic rubber.
⚠️ Attention: Membrane roofing requires a perfectly level base. If the roof has differences of more than 5 mm, screed or leveling with OSB boards is necessary.
5. Ondulin - lightweight and easy to install
Ondulin (or onduvilla) are corrugated sheets of cellulose impregnated with bitumen. The material is 4 times lighter than corrugated sheeting and easier to install. Suitable for sloped roofs from 5°.
Pros of ondulin:
- ⚖️ Weight — 6 kg/m² (corrugated sheeting — 25 kg/m²).
- 🔨 Installation - cut with a hacksaw and secured with special nails.
- 🛡️ Corrosion resistance - does not rust, unlike metal.
- 💧 Waterproof — withstands snow loads up to 960 kg/m².
Cons:
- Service life - 15-20 years (less than bitumen shingles).
- Fades in the sun (loses color after 5-7 years).
- Flammable (class G4 - highly flammable material).
Price: from 400 rub/m² (standard Ondulin DIY) to 1200 rub/m² (premium series Onduvilla).
Check the roof slope (minimum 5°)|Buy special nails with rubber washers|Prepare the sheathing in increments of 45-60 cm|Take into account the overlap of the sheets (1-2 waves)-->
6. Liquid rubber - seamless waterproofing
If you need 100% tight without seams or joints, pay attention to liquid rubber — bitumen-polymer mastic, which is applied by spraying. After hardening, it forms a monolithic elastic coating.
Where it is used:
- Flat roofs (including used ones).
- Repair of old roofing felt (can be applied over it).
- Waterproofing of foundations and basements.
Benefits:
- 🔗 Seamless coating - no risk of leaks.
- 🧪 Chemical resistance - not destroyed by oils, salts, acids.
- ⏱️ Quick application — 100 m² in 1 hour (using a sprayer).
Disadvantages:
- High price - from 1500 rub/m² (with work).
- Requires professional equipment (difficult to apply without a sprayer).
- Service life - 10-15 years (less than membranes).
⚠️ Attention: Liquid rubber not suitable for roofs with a slope greater than 25° - may drip during application. It also requires a perfectly dry surface before work.
7. Composite shingles are a premium replacement for luxury roofs
If you are looking the most durable and aesthetic material, composite tiles (for example, Gerard or Decra) is an ideal choice. This is a multilayer material based on aluminum with stone chips, imitating natural tiles.
Benefits:
- 🏆 Service life — 50+ years (warranty up to 30 years).
- 🔥 Fire safety - class A (non-flammable).
- 🎨 Design - exact imitation of ceramic tiles or slate.
- 🌪️ Wind resistance — withstands gusts up to 200 km/h.
Cons:
- Price - from 2500 rub/m² (4-5 times more expensive than bitumen shingles).
- Weight — 6-8 kg/m² (requires reinforced sheathing).
- Difficult installation — special fastenings and experience are required.
Composite tiles are suitable for pitched roofs with a slope of 12° and is used in premium construction.
For most outbuildings (garage, shed), euroroofing felt or corrugated sheeting are optimal - they are cheaper and easier to install. For residential buildings, it is better to choose bitumen shingles or membrane roofing (if the roof is flat).
Comparison table: which material to choose?
| Material | Service life | Price (rub/m²) | Roof slope | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bituminous shingles | 25-50 years | 600-2500 | from 12° | Residential buildings, cottages |
| Corrugated sheet | 15-30 years | 300-800 | from 8° | Garages, outbuildings |
| Euroroofing material | 15-25 years | 250-600 | from 2° | Flat roofs, repairs |
| Membrane roofing | 30-50 years | 800-3500 | 0-15° | Operated roofs |
| Ondulin | 15-20 years | 400-1200 | from 5° | Country houses, gazebos |
When choosing, focus on:
1. Roof type (flat or sloped).
2. Budget (from 300 to 3500 rub/m²).
3. Loads (snow, wind, mechanical impacts).
4. Aesthetics (if the roof is visible from the street).
How to calculate the amount of material?
To find out the amount of material needed, measure the roof area (including overhangs) and add 10-15% for overlaps and trim. For rolled materials (euroruberoid, membranes), take into account the width of the roll - the standard size is 1 m, so the length of the roof should be a multiple of this value to minimize waste.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing roofing felt
Is it possible to lay new material on top of old roofing felt?
Depends on material:
- ✅ You can - liquid rubber, some types of membranes (provided that the old coating is intact and not swollen).
- ❌ You can't — corrugated sheeting, bitumen shingles, ondulin (complete dismantling of the old layer is required).
Before laying new material necessarily Clean the roof of debris, remove swollen areas and prime the surface.
What is the cheapest material for a garage roof?
Top 3 budget options:
- Galvanized corrugated sheeting — from 300 rub/m².
- Eurorubberoid Bikrost — from 250 rub/m².
- Ondulin Smart — from 400 rub/m².
Ideal for garage euroruberoid - it is cheap, easy to install and does not require complex lathing.
How to replace roofing felt on a roof with a 5° slope?
For a minimum slope (2-10°) the following are suitable:
- 🔹 Euroroofing material (surfaced).
- 🔹 Membrane roofing (PVC or TPO).
- 🔹 Ondulin (subject to continuous sheathing).
Corrugated sheeting and bitumen shingles don't fit — require a slope of 8° and 12°, respectively.
Is a vapor barrier necessary for modern roofing materials?
Yes, if the roof insulated or there is a living/heated space underneath. Vapor barrier prevents:
- 💧 Condensation inside the roofing pie.
- 🍄 The appearance of mold and rot.
- ❄️ Wetting of insulation (if any).
For cold roofs (garage, shed) vapor barrier not required.
Which material is the quietest when it rains?
Top 3 for sound insulation:
- Bituminous shingles — absorbs up to 30 dB.
- Membrane roofing (especially EPDM).
- Ondulin - noisier than tiles, but quieter than corrugated sheets.
Worst option for noise - corrugated sheet (noise level up to 50-60 dB in rain).