What would you do with this shed/garage roof

Martian2035

I recently moved into a new house, which has a wooden-framed shed attached to the side. It's not in great shape, but I'm insulating and boarding out the interior to create a usable space.

I'm not sure what to do with the roof though. There are definite signs of historic leaks, but the repair patchwork appears to have prevented any more recent ingress (I've attached kitchen paper to the problem areas which have remained perfectly dry over the last month despite poor weather). However, as I'm working on the interior I'd like to ensure the roof is offering top protection. It looks old, and has clearly needed significant repair.

What would you do with this? Preferably something I can do myself as somebody who is fine at DIY, but far from an expert?

I considered PVC corrugated roofing sheets - has anyone got experience with them? My biggest concern is creating a watertight bond between the roof and the main house wall.

GDB2222

To get a good joint to the main house, you need lead flashing, let into the mortar joint between two rows of bricks. 

How is it currently joined?

casper_gutman

How do the house walls look on the inside? Any peeling wallpaper or blown paintwork?

In theory, driven rain will penetrate the gable wall of the house somewhat and run down the inside of the outer skin of brickwork. This isn't usually a problem as the outer brickwork is exposed to the outside environment and can dry out in the wind etc, but when the lower part of the wall has been enclosed - as it has been here, by the lean-to - there's a small but non-zero risk of damp problems at the bottom of the wall.

When a lean-to type extension is built properly, cavity trays are supposed to be inserted in the house wall. This would be overkill here, and I wouldn't bother, but you should be aware of the possible issue and keep an eye on things.

Norman_Castle

I'd replace the missing gutter to keep that wall dry then keep fixing the roof when needed. It looks quite cheaply built so I wouldn't spend a lot replacing the roof.

Rosa_Damascena

What do you plan to use the shed for? And what is on the other side of the external wall?

You can guess where I am going with this...

Martian2035

casper_gutman said:

How do the house walls look on the inside? Any peeling wallpaper or blown paintwork?

The interior looks good to the best of our knowledge. We've done some decorating against that wall and everything has seemed strong and solid. Thanks for this information - not something I was aware of, and good to know!

Martian2035

Rosa_Damascena said:

What do you plan to use the shed for? And what is on the other side of the external wall?

You can guess where I am going with this...

For the shed - nothing too much, just looking to make it into a more usable space than it is currently. Expect to have a sofa, bookcase, bit of storage etc.

The other side of the external wall is the lounge and kitchen.

FreeBear

Martian2035 said:

Rosa_Damascena said:

What do you plan to use the shed for? And what is on the other side of the external wall?

You can guess where I am going with this...

For the shed - nothing too much, just looking to make it into a more usable space than it is currently. Expect to have a sofa, bookcase, bit of storage etc.

It is a cheap (very cheap) construction using a concrete fence post, plywood, and an assortment of timber offcuts - It will never make a decent habitable space. Use it as a shed to store the lawnmower and put the money saved to one side. Look to the future and plan on constructing a proper extension (my opinion, sorry if it comes across a bit harsh).

Rosa_Damascena

Martian2035 said:

Rosa_Damascena said:

What do you plan to use the shed for? And what is on the other side of the external wall?

You can guess where I am going with this...

For the shed - nothing too much, just looking to make it into a more usable space than it is currently. Expect to have a sofa, bookcase, bit of storage etc.

The other side of the external wall is the lounge and kitchen.

Do you mean a man-cave? I can't imagine relaxing in such an environment but I know that some men love it.

Personally I would get an architect out to design something to aspire to.

casper_gutman

I wouldn't put books in a shed. Damp air will do them no good at all!

Mistral001

The roof actually looks like the best part of the shed.  If there are no leaks then I would leave it alone.  The walls do not look very waterproof.  The missing gutter will probably cause lproblems.  So a new gutter I would have thought was essential to prevent the side wall becoming saturated with roof run off water.  Lets face it this is a garden shed and nothing more.  Good for storing tools and as a workshop.