Brits are being advised to prepare their garden sheds, summer houses and outdoor buildings for the chillier months.
This is according to outdoor building experts at GardenBuildingsDirect who say without taking preventative measures, wooden outdoor structures could fall victim to damp, rot and even structural issues.
While preparing the buildings can be time consuming, it’s a much better option than having to fork out for a new shed or carry out countless repairs.
They recommend applying a wood preservative annually, having adequate ventilation and checking the roof is watertight and in good condition.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect said: “Protecting wooden sheds, summerhouses and other outdoor buildings will improve their longevity and save you from forking out for replacements.
“While it can be a time consuming job, it is an important one so checking the roof, doors and windows regularly will mean you find problems you can fix. Other tips like checking ventilation and applying a wood preservative are essential in keeping damp out.
“Failure to carry out these simple measures to waterproof your shed could result in damp, rot and structural issues.”
How to protect the shed this winter:
Check the roof
The roof will take the brunt of the weather so it’s important to check it’s in good condition. Roofing felt or felt shingles can deteriorate over time so pay particular attention and patch it if you can.
Make sure you pay particular attention to the edges and ridge lines and where roofing material is nailed into place.
Check the base
Make sure your shed is on a good base. If it makes contact with the ground, it can make the building damp.
A sturdy wooden base will do the job, lifting your shed off the ground and reducing the risk of damp and insects. For larger sheds, it’s worth considering a concrete base.
Windows and doors
Maintaining windows and doors will help keep the shed or outdoor building waterproof. Wood does shrink over time so cracks can appear around frames, giving water an easy way in.
Make sure to fill any gaps and cracks. Remember to check them for signs of rot. If you find soft, rotted patches, remove and fill with wood filler.
Clear gutters
If your outdoor building has gutters, clear out any debris like mud and leaves. Backed up water in the gutters can lead to minor flooding.
If you don’t have gutters, think about installing them. The runoff water can be collected in a water butt and used to water the garden.
Ventilation
Good airflow through a garden building is important to ensure it stays dry. Static vents on both sides of the building will do the trick. If you want to keep the bugs out, add a bug proof meshing to them.
Treat with wood preservative
Treating your shed will help protect it from the weather, wood rot, mould and algae. Do your homework and pick the preservative best for you. Make sure you apply annually to keep your outdoor building in good condition.
