How to stop your shed rotting this winter
As we move into the winter months, there are many things to consider about your home and outdoor spaces.
If you do not take proper precautions, you could discover come spring that part of your garden shed is rotting and you’ve lost valuable storage space.
Rot can weaken a sheds structure, damage anything you have stored inside – including garden furniture, tools and outdoor toys.
This can lead to high costs in the spring, which could have been easily avoided.
Ensure your shed stays strong during the months ahead with these top tips from gardening experts at The Posh Shed Company and Andrew Haydon, a Gardening and Shed Care Expert at Simply Plastics.
1. Clear the gutters and roof
The first step to getting your garden shed ready for winter is to clear out any dead leaves and debris from the gutters and the roof.
When the debris accumulates, it will collect and pool water which will cause damp spots.
At best, the damp spots will create higher moisture levels inside the shed, damaging its contents, at worst – you’ll also risk rotting the timber structure.
2. Cut back any foliage
Similarly, you will also need to make sure you cut back any overgrown foliage and branches so they are not resting on your timber.
Any foliage touching your shed will risk the creation of damp spots.
Plus, larger vegetation could potentially damage the structure of the sheds in high winds and storms.
3. Treat the wood
If you have a dip-treated shed, it is crucial to treat the wood.
Applying a wood preservative paint each year will protect the timber from moisture, insects and funghi.
It’s also recommended to do an annual application of a wax or oil-based weatherproofing finish.
A clear, dry day is best for treating your shed so that the oil has time to soak in and penetrate the timber, giving it long-lasting protection.
Apply it on a rainy day and you’ll risk the treatment being washed off before it has had chance to work its magic.
4. Seal any gaps and cracks
Andrew explains: “Even the smallest gap in a wall or floorboard can pull winter damp straight into the structure, and once moisture gets into the wood, decay sets in surprisingly fast.
“A careful check around the base, corners, and joints of a shed usually reveals hairline openings that people don’t notice in summer.
“Seal these using a weatherproof exterior sealant to create a tight barrier against rain, frost, and rising ground moisture, which should help stop rot from getting a foothold.”
5. Inspect the roof
Next you will need to check the integrity of your roof, searching for any cracks or damage.
Replace the old or broken felt to prevent leaks and ensure the interior of your shed and its contents remains dry and safe all winter.
Andrew adds: “Cracked or missing panes don’t just make sheds and greenhouses draughty, but they also let in damp, frost, and pests that can ruin tools, plants, and furniture stored inside.
“Ignoring broken glazing often leads to bigger problems, sometimes forcing homeowners to replace the entire shed at a cost of £500 to £1,200.
“People underestimate how quickly frost and moisture spread through a shed with faulty windows, but Acrylic panes are a stronger, safer alternative to glass, and they’re far better at keeping the chill out.”
6. Consider what you store
Some shed designs will let more air and moisture in than others, so think carefully about what you want to store in your shed.
Valuable garden tools, for example, could attract rust over the damper months.
7. Add moisture absorbers
Andy believes this is an easy win: “Desiccants are an easy win for sheds, and products like silica gel, calcium chloride, or even a bowl of baking soda will draw moisture directly from the air and keep humidity at a lower level.
“They work particularly well in corners or below shelving, where damp tends to settle.”
8. Monitor humidity levels
Andy adds: “Anyone using their shed as a workshop or storing electrical tools should treat humidity as seriously as temperature, as high humidity can ruin tools, making them damp and rusty by the time Spring comes around.
“A small digital hygrometer gives a clear reading of how damp the space is and highlights when you need extra ventilation.”
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