I hear you on the moss—seems like it’s a constant battle up here. I’ve put copper strips on my main roof and they do help, but for a shed? Honestly, unless you’re storing something sensitive, I’d probably skip the extra cost and hassle. Those recycled shingles are a smart budget move for outbuildings, even if they don’t last forever.
Honestly, unless you’re storing something sensitive, I’d probably skip the extra cost and hassle.
I get where you’re coming from, but have you ever had to deal with a shed roof that started leaking right over your tools or mower? Even with outbuildings, a little prevention can save a lot of hassle down the road. Those recycled shingles are decent for sheds, but if you’re in a really damp area, sometimes even the cheap stuff gets mossy fast. Ever tried zinc strips instead of copper? They’re usually cheaper and work about the same for moss control. Just curious how long your recycled shingles have lasted so far—any curling or granule loss yet?
Even with outbuildings, a little prevention can save a lot of hassle down the road.
Definitely agree on prevention being worth it, even for a basic shed. I went cheap with some leftover three-tabs once, and ended up regretting it after a couple of winters—curling at the edges and a few spots where the granules just washed right off. Haven’t tried zinc strips yet, but you’re right, they’re more affordable than copper and people around here (PNW) seem to have decent luck with them for moss.
Honestly, recycled shingles are hit or miss in damp climates. I’ve seen some last five years with no issues, but mine started showing wear after three. If you’re storing anything you care about—even just a mower—it’s worth doing at least a basic underlayment, especially if your roof pitch is low. Small upcharge, but way less stress when the rains hit.
It’s a balance, for sure. If you’re just tossing in rakes and buckets, maybe the cheapest route works... but I wouldn’t risk it for anything with a motor or blades.
If you’re storing anything you care about—even just a mower—it’s worth doing at least a basic underlayment, especially if your roof pitch is low.
Yeah, I learned this the hard way with my first shed. I figured “eh, it’s just a lawnmower and some tools,” but a year in, I had water seeping in right at the corners. Went back and added underlayment and it’s been dry ever since. The extra $30-40 up front is so worth it compared to dealing with rusted gear. Live and learn, I guess.
Worth asking—does underlayment really make that much difference if you’re just using the shed for basic stuff? I get that nobody wants a rusted mower, but in my case, I built a little 8x10 out back with leftover shingles and OSB right on the frame. No underlayment. We’re in central Texas, so it’s dry most of the year and honestly, I haven’t seen any leaks after three summers. I do keep the mower up on bricks just in case, but so far so good.
I’m not saying it’s a bad idea to add underlayment, especially if you’ve got a low pitch or live somewhere wet. But sometimes it feels like every project turns into “add this, upgrade that,” and suddenly a $500 shed is pushing $1,000. Kind of makes me wonder if the risk is really worth the extra cost for every single situation. Maybe it’s more about your local weather than anything else? Or maybe I’ve just been lucky so far and should knock on wood.
Curious if anyone’s actually had gear ruined from skipping underlayment, or if it’s more of a “better safe than sorry” thing people say. Not trying to be cheap—just trying to figure out where to draw the line between smart spending and overdoing it.
