FEATURE: TIMBER & WOOD CARE


S winter months.


During the colder months when surfaces like glass windows and metal in the shed get cold, mildew can start to form. This can lead to mould growth on soft furnishings as the air holds moisture and becomes stagnant. Ways to prevent moisture build up include checking your roof, utilising appropriate storage and weather-stripping windows and doors. A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct says: “The winter weather in the UK is notoriously harsh to not just the plants in the garden but the sheds too. “If they’re not properly protected and looked after, wooden sheds can easily deteriorate and start to show signs of wear and tear - not ideal if they are being used for storage or as a socialising area. “There are a few simple and


cost effective things you can do to prevent mould and mildew from infiltrating a shed and ultimately increasing its longevity.” Here are the top eight tips from Garden Buildings Direct…


Treat timber regularly Many sheds come untreated so it’s important to treat the wood initially and then on a yearly basis thereafter - this is to protect the exterior against harsh weather and stop wood rot. Oil-based treatments will provide surface level UV protection, while pressure treating the wood provides a deeper protection to stop bugs and fungus. Over time many types of wood will start to crack and shrink so filling imperfections with a suitable wood filler can keep the damp away.


Remove damp items


Keeping perishables like paper, cardboard and material off the floor and walls of your shed will prevent them from sucking the moisture out of the timbers. Timber likes to breathe so make sure you’re allowing air space around all items in the building.


Seal windows and doors The windows and doors of a shed are weak points for drafts. Inspect your shed’s windows and doors, cold air may be wafting through the gaps. Make sure to seal them both inside and out, you can install foam weather stripping insulating tape


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heds and outdoor buildings need the same love and care as the rest of the garden, especially during the dreary


SIMPLE


WAYS TO AVOID A MOULDY SHED THIS WINTER


With cold winter weather hitting the UK, homeowners are being advised to protect their sheds to avoid damp and subsequent mould. The team at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have revealed their top tips to help Brits protect their sheds this winter.


for some extra warmth. This will prevent any winter drafts and will keep moisture outside the shed.


Insulate


Insulation helps to regulate the temperature of a shed and without it cold surfaces can get wet and soft furnishings become playgrounds for mould and bacteria. Basic insulation with a reflective surface is more than sufficient at keeping the heat inside. Solid foam insulation is a more expensive option but is a lot more effective for sheds that will be inhabited during the winter rather than ones used for storage.


Quality storage


When storing belongings in a shed during the winter time, it’s crucial to protect them appropriately. Using secure, weather proof, storage units


will prevent any damage to items inside the shed - otherwise leaving items such as tools exposed can lead to corrosion.


Keep air circulating Making sure that a shed is well ventilated can help to avoid the build up of moisture inside. If your shed doesn’t have vents installed already, opening the windows and doors every few days helps to stop the air from stagnating and causing damp spots.


Check the roof The roof is more often than not the primary cause of leaks within a shed. Regardless of whether the roof is made from felt or shingles, they are relatively easy to maintain and repair. Regularly clearing the roof of debris can help to stop holes forming in the


roof due to excessive build up.


Heat sources Utilising an efficient heat source is one way of actively reducing the moisture levels in a shed. Purchasing a wall mounted heater that can be plugged into the mains is the best way of controlling the temperature. Gas operated heaters are not advisable as they actually push out more moisture and therefore don’t help combat the damp. If mains power isn’t accessible, small disposable dehumidifiers can be a good alternative. Although they won’t heat the shed they help to draw the moisture from the air and stop mould from growing.


 Visit GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk to invest in a premium quality garden building.


MARCH 2023 DIY WEEK 27


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