10 Top Tips For A Winter-Proof Shed

Winter can be hard on our sheds and if left untreated can lead to serious structural damage. We want you to enjoy your wooden shed for many years to come so we have compiled these 10 handy tips to protect your building against the weather and the elements.

TREAT THE TIMBER

All of our garden buildings come pre-treated in a water-based red cedar base coat including a water-resistant preservative, however we recommend that you re-treat the wood with a high-quality treatment and reapply every 12 months to offer the greatest protection from the bad weather.

If you intend to paint the shed, use an oil-based wood primer as a base coat as this will repel water and make the paint easier to apply.

Stained Wood Panels

FIT A GUTTERING SYSTEM

A simple way to prevent rain water trickling down the walls and causing damage is to install some gutters. This allows the water to flow down a plastic pipe into the drain thus minimising contact with the timber.

Check the gutters are free of cracks, debris and weeds. This will ensure the water flows freely and doesn’t leak down the side panels.

SEAL THE WINDOWS

Apply a silicone sealant around the window panes, as this will prevent water from entering around the glass.

POSITION IN SUNLIGHT

Place your garden building in a location that gets plenty of natural daylight. This will allow the wood to dry out much quicker than if erected in a shady spot.

AVOID AREAS THAT FLOOD

Locations such as the bottom of a sloped driveway are most likely to flood, causing potentially major structural damage to your shed. Avoid this by positioning in the highest point in your garden.

USE A GRID

Our Shed Base Kit offers an ideal base for your shed. Allow a clear 6 inches between the soil and the shed base, as this will prevent rising damp.

Portable Shed Base Frame

CUT BACK IVY AND WEEDS

Creeping plants, vines and weeds can all creep between the timber joins and any cracks in the grain, increasing risk of rot. Plants can also harbour wood-boring insects.

LOOSEN TIMBER JOINTS

Wood is highly prone to swelling in damp conditions and if the joints are too tight, the timber will begin to crack under pressure. Loosening the joints a little in winter can help to protect against structural damage, although you will need to re-tighten those screws as it warms up again!

USE THICKER ROOFING FELT

Heavy snowfall will put a lot of extra weight and strain on your shed roof so try and avoid letting the snow build up. Clear the snow using a rake or broom to keep the load down. A THICK ROOFING FELT will offer extra protection against heavy snowfall so we recommend opting for good quality, thick felt.

Polyester Mineral Felt on Shed Roof

CHOP DOWN LOOSE BRANCHES

Be aware of any trees in close proximity to your garden building; they may buckle, sway or break during stormy weather and cause serious damage to the shed. Also watch for any loose tiles or slates that may get blown off and hit the shed.

Follow these bits of advice and your shed will survive many winters to come.