A new wooden garden shed makes a great multi-purpose storage area. The space can be used to house gardening tools, plant pots, fertilisers, and patio furniture; it can even provide a safe haven for over-wintering delicate plants. However, if your new wooden garden shed is to remain useable, it must be fully waterproof. So, how do you make sure that your shed and its contents are protected from the elements? Read on to find out.
Everything you need for this job is available at good DIY stores, or directly from your shed supplier like Coasteel Buildings Sunshine Coast & Gympie.
Initial construction tips
Where you choose to place your wooden garden shed will determine just how easy it is to keep the water out. Site your shed at the top of sloping ground, rather than at the bottom, and make sure it's raised up on a brick substructure. This will prevent rainwater from running down the slope into the shed and will also stop damp from creeping up the wood from the soil. Raising your shed will also deter wood-eating insects like termites and borers, which are attracted by damp conditions.
Before you begin using your new shed, it's a good idea to treat it with an all-over timber water-repellent treatment to help it stay dry. Timber treatments are quick and easy to apply using a paint brush and will offer your shed some protection from the elements.
Roofing
The best way to waterproof your shed roof is to cover it with roofing felt.
First, clean the shed roof of any debris and dirt by brushing it off with a stiff yard brush. Roll the felt along the roof, working from the bottom upwards, tacking the material down as you go. Finish off by nailing the felt firmly to the roof using felting nails. Leave a few centimetres of felt overhang to allow rainwater to drip off and prevent pooling.
Insulation
Insulating the inside of your shed can be very effective at keeping moisture out. If your shed has windows, you could apply temporary double-glazing sheets or bubble-wrap to the glass/Perspex and seal the window frames using plastic bathroom sealant. The whole of the inside of the shed can be insulated using a breathable lining or membrane.
Insulation not only keeps your shed dry inside, it also keeps it warm during periods of very cold weather, making it an ideal environment for storing fragile plants during the cooler months of the year.
Waterproof paint
In addition to protecting your wooden garden shed with water-repellent treatment, it's a good tactic to paint it too. This not only gives your shed more aesthetic appeal, it creates a second barrier against rain. Choose an outdoor-specific, waterproof paint designed for the job.
In conclusion
Waterproofing your new wooden garden shed not only helps to keep the contents safe from water damage, it can also keep your shed looking great for many years to come. Why not prolong the life of your new garden shed by following the tips given above?
