Waterproofing Your Wooden Shed

Moist, wet, and water leaks impose a problem on your wooded shed and the things stored inside it. With proper planning and consistent care, your shed will stand for the longest time as well as the tools and equipment shelved in. And one of the most important aspects of your shed’s maintenance is waterproofing

DISCLAiMER

astonshedsuk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate Designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk, ebay.co.uk, sheds.co.uk, keengardener.co.uk )

Why waterproofing should be a priority

Normally, pre-built wooden sheds or the pre-cut materials are already treated and coated with all-weather primer paint. However, the amount of coating applied is sometimes light and doesn’t stand that long, thus a separate waterproofing is recommended.

Sure, you’ll shell out some extra cash for the procedure, but we assure you that the duration and protection it can give your wooden shed is worth the investment. Read on as we discuss the proactive ways on how to waterproof your shed.

Shed waterproofing guide and things to expect

After reading this article, you will know the basics as well as the advanced techniques in waterproofing your wooden shed. We will cover everything from the bottom all the way to the roof of your wooden shed.

So if you’re now ready to take action, continue reading and start protecting your wooden shed from the elements with our guide.

  1. Start with the base
    Most likely, your shed is laid out on a ground that is susceptible to damp. That’s why the first thing is to ensure that your wooden shed has the correct base before installation or at least slightly detached from the ground. You have an option to buy a pre-built wooden base or you can construct a patio deck or a concrete slab.

 

A wooden base is fine, it can protect your shed from water by raising it and maintaining a gap from the ground. This way, air can circulate on the spaces thus avoiding moist. The type of timber that must be used should be treated with Tanalith so that it can resist wood rotting.

Meanwhile, a larger or bigger shed may require a patio deck or concrete as a base. Add in a damp proof layer, then on top of it are wooden beams or even base. This is definitely more expensive but worth it in the long run.

 

 


Among all the foundations and bases, the two above are the most used and best for waterproofing.  However, if you want to check out other possibilities, visit this site.

You might also want to check out these videos for tips on your shed foundation waterproofing. For your reference, check out this video from BillyOh.

 

  1. Treat the wood with stain

While shed suppliers offer some years guarantee against rot on their products, it is highly suggested that you apply wood stain at least once every year. The factory treatment is good only against insects and fungus, but the wood’s durability is not really considered. Yearly treatment is good enough to keep your wooden shed in excellent shape.

 

Before applying the wood treatment, survey first the in and out of your shed. It is recommended that you empty the shed first so that you can move freely while you’re applying wood treatment inside.

 

Opt for a good brand of quality water or alcohol-based stain. Whatever you choose is up to you, the only difference between water and the alcohol-based stain is that the first one dry quicker than the second. However, the spirit-based stain is easier to apply.

           

            For wood stain brands and type recommendation, head over to this top supplier website.

 2.Regularly inspect doors and windows

Changes in weather and other factors have an effect on the fittings of your shed’s door and window frames. You must regularly inspect them for cracks, contraction, expansion, and gaps. The spaces on these may cause water to penetrate the wooden shed.

The quick solution for window frame gaps is to fill them with foams, wooden spline, or even wood sealant such as builder’s caulking. For door frame gaps, you can use draft excluder tape around it.

It is recommended too to install a stopper at the bottom of your door so that rainwater or water splash can be minimized entry on your wooden shed.

 

You may also inspect the frames, window encasements, and doors for a possible rotten portion. If you find one, hollow out the affected part and apply it with wood filler. Finish by sanding and repainting.


            
For wood patching and repair, see this 4 part video by Ask the Builder for tips.     

 

 3. Regularly clean the gutters and drainage

            Always clear your wood shed’s gutters of dry leaves, twigs, nests, and dirt. This

is to avoid water build-up as they ran toward other parts of the shed. If you still don’t have gutter and drainage on your wooden shed, now’s the best time to install one. This way, you have a rainwater control system that can devoid water off your shed.    

Design your rainwater system in such a way that the water shall not pile up on the ground, but continue to flow toward the main drainage system. This is to avoid soil dampening on the are where your wooden shed is installed.

 4. Inspect and protect the roof

The roof is one of the major parts of your shed that requires waterproofing. Thus, see to it that is regularly applied with a good quality all-weather protective paint.

And since shed roofs are usually covered with roofing underlayments, and other components that degrade after some time,  have a yearly inspection on the roof for possible leaks. This can also occur on roof edges, nailed and screwed sections.

During the inspection, apply sealants on these sections, regardless if there is a leak or not.

5. Install proper vents and insulation

After considering all the steps above, you may also want to install a proper ventilation on your wooden shed. Humidity produces moist, thus to minimize that, installing a ventilator on any side of the shed can yield good results.

 

Another thing you can do to prevent moisture build-up inside your shed is by installing insulation. By minimizing heat inside your wooden shed, moisture build-up may not occur.

3 different ways to apply treatment or paint

Using a brush is the slowest method but produces a great finish

Using paint pads is a good option cover ng-more area faster than brushing

Spraying is the fastest option covering large areas quickly. Brushing is still required to finish off and blending any paint runs.

A final reminder on your waterproofing your shed

The tips we gave above on how to waterproof your wooden shed are pretty much basic but can guarantee you a longer life for your storage. In addition, your tools and equipment stored inside the shed are protected as well.

Our recommendation is you must take action now and don’t wait until there’s damage on the shed or just wait until your next maintenance activity.  By these simple actions, you can be assured that your wooden shed can last longer.

DISCLAiMER

astonshedsuk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate Designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk, ebay.co.uk, sheds.co.uk, keengardener.co.uk )

 

 

Categories

Archives

Please follow and like us:
error1
fb-share-icon
Tweet 20
fb-share-icon20