Excessive rain, storms and hot summers are all a by-product of climate change across the world. Whilst we are collectively all trying to do our bit to combat the issue of climate change, there still remain practical considerations that need to be dealt with, not least protecting our property, including our sheds. Here we share some tips on protecting sheds from damp and storms, and also look at how to keep them cool during a hot summer.
One of the main causes of damp in a garden shed is condensation on the inside. This can be caused by single gazed windows, rising damp from a concrete base, leaks from guttering or roofing, and air that’s being heated or cooled inside via a heating or air conditioning system.
During wet and cold weather, dampness in a wooden shed will naturally worsen due to colder air outside and the fact that the shed will have less airflow due to being used less and the fact that windows will be closed most of the time.
Damp is a problem for garden buildings as it can lead to premature rot, mould growth and warping and sagging of timber. These effects can be hazardous, with the structure of the shed becoming unsound as a result.
So, how to protect a shed against damp?
Firstly, avoid putting damp items in there. From tools and bicycles to rags and brooms, anything that’s damp will add to the airborne moisture in the shed. So be sure to dry everything off thoroughly before storing it.
Secondly, keep it ventilated. Install vents, or regularly open the doors and windows. This will help to diffuse moisture from the inside to the outside.
Insulating a shed will help maintain its interior temperature and provide a layer to prevent condensation penetrating the surfaces. A pressure treated shed should not need to be insulated, so if your shed came treated, you should be fine in this respect.
Sealing gaps is another way to protect a shed against damp. Caulk the base, use a draught excluder and spray windows with expanding foam to close those holes.
Make sure your guttering is in good order so as to prevent moisture leaking in through the roof, and ensure the roof itself is intact.
With climate change has come a raft of storms. High winds or gales and lashing rain can wreak havoc on a wooden shed, so it’s vital to be prepared.
It’s vital that any repairs needed to a shed are carried out in good time. As soon as you detect the likes of loose doors or glazing, missing panels or a damaged roof or guttering, make it top priority to get these issues resolved.
A shed roof is one of the most prone elements to harsh weather conditions, especially high winds. It’s important to regularly check the integrity of your shed roof, both inside and out. If you spot any of the following, be sure to either take steps to fix the problem yourself, or get an expert in to resolve it for you:
Windows and doors need regular inspection too. Make sure no air is seeping in, and that all glazing is intact. You can draught proof your shed by installing foam weather stripping tape to prevent air and moisture from getting in.
Lastly, always ensure your shed as a robust base so that moisture cannot creep up from beneath it.
Heatwaves are a common symptom of climate change. To ensure your garden shed doesn’t get overheated during a shot summer, be sure to keep it well-ventilated.
Roof vents, door vents and window vents can all prove beneficial for airflow in a shed. If your shed is more of a garden studio or leisure room and you have power installed, you may wish to consider adding a ceiling fan or air conditioning unit to keep things cool as the mercury rises.
Adding shade is another way to reduce the internal temperature of your shed. You could do this by planting shrubbery nearby, although do be careful not to plant trees that may grow overly tall and shed branches which could damage the building. A sail shade is another way to block out the sun’s rays.
Do regularly open doors and windows during hot weather so that any trapped heat is allowed to flow out, and consider the colour of your shed too. Dark colours absorb heat, whereas light colours reflect it away.
If you are in the market for a garden shed or any other type of garden building, why not visit one of our dedicated show sites for inspiration? Our family run team is on hand to provide you with friendly, expert advice on choosing your perfect garden building.
You are also welcome to get in touch to discuss your individual garden shed ideas. We look forward to speaking to you.