Protecting your Wooden Garden Shed in Winter
Wooden garden sheds are incredibly useful and practical, providing a great outside storage space in your garden.
However, it’s important to remember that wooden sheds are often exposed to harsh weather conditions, especially during winter. This can lead to decay, signs of wear and tear, and even flooding. With this in mind, it is vital that you keep your shed well-maintained if you want your belongings to stay dry and protected.
To ensure your wooden garden shed stays dry during the cold, wet winter months, it’s important to take the relevant steps before winter arrives.
Winter issues for wooden garden sheds
Along with plummeting temperatures, frost, snow, wind, and rain can all be problematic for your shed. Some of the key issues that your shed might face during the winter include:
- Water damage – The winter months are typically wetter than other times of the year, and with increased amounts of water, there is a higher risk of it seeping into the shed and causing rot and decay. This can be even more problematic if the water freezes, as it can lead to structural damage.
- Roof damage – Large amounts of snow sitting on the roof can cause damage, breakages, and collapse. High winds and the resulting debris can also be problematic for an unprotected roof.
- Frost damage – When temperatures plummet, frost and ice can cause damage to the shed’s windows, hinges, and locks due to the shrinkage of materials.
The good news is, that although there are many potential dangers for wooden sheds during the winter months, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage occurring.
How to prepare your wooden garden shed for winter
Here are our top tips for ensuring your wooden garden shed is ready for the winter months ahead.
Repair your roof
If you want your shed to stay watertight, it is important that the roof is well maintained. So, before winter arrives, check your roof for any holes, tears, or damage, and make sure you repair it as soon as possible. For example, holes can be patched with extra felt, or you might need to replace the roof felt completely.
Treat and protect the wood
A treatment will help protect the wooden shed from a range of issues, such as fungi, mould, stains, and insects. A wood protector can also be applied on top of the treatment; this will help repel water during the winter months and prevent it from damaging the wood or, in severe cases, leaking through into the shed and causing damage.
Check windows and doors are watertight
You’ll also need to check that your shed’s windows and doors are fully watertight. Check around the doors and windows for any gaps, damage, or decay. If the seals are beginning to rot, reseal them. And, if any of the panes of glass are damaged or broken, these should be replaced.
Check the gutters
The majority of sheds have gutters. To keep your shed in the best possible condition during the winter months, it’s important to keep the gutters clean and free from leaves. This ensures that water can run off the roof easily, preventing flooding, which can result in rotting and decay.
Oil locks and hinges
Your shed will likely remain closed for longer periods during the winter months, meaning locks and hinges can become stiff and difficult to open. Applying oil to them now will help prevent them from seizing up, meaning they’ll open nice and easily throughout the winter and when the warmer, dryer weather arrives in the spring.
Check the floor and base
The floor and base of the shed are other key areas for maintenance. Start by checking for any obvious damage or damp patches. Walking over the shed’s floor will also help identify any potential issues with the floor bearers and the base.
How to make the most of your wooden garden shed in winter
As well as carrying out maintenance in the run-up to winter, there are several steps you can take during the winter months to ensure you make the most of your shed, including:
Ensure you have appropriate storage
As well as ensuring your shed is fully watertight, having appropriate, secure storage for the contents will also help protect it over the winter. If you’re storing tools in your shed, a plastic toolbox will ensure they remain fully dry and eliminate the risk of rusting. Any fabrics or furnishings should also be kept in waterproof containers during this time.
Insulation
If you use your shed as a workshop and want to continue to use it over the winter, ensuring it is well-insulated is key to making the most of the space during the cooler months.
Maintain good airflow
Winter isn’t all cold, wet days. On drier, sunnier days, take some time to open the door and windows of the shed to let in some fresh air and avoid the build-up of dampness.
Why choose Timclad Ltd?
Here at Timclad Ltd (York Timber), we design and craft the very best timber garden furniture for your space, regardless of size, appearance, or particular personal needs.
Whether you’re looking to set up a brand new garden office space for a hybrid working schedule, or you simply require a handy tool shed for that particular hobby – trust us to satisfy your exact requirements.
Delivery and installation are always handled by our trustworthy experts and can be booked throughout Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. We endeavour to supply the exact materials you need to create any bespoke timber garden buildings, leaving nothing left over for you to deal with.
Having overseen a diverse range of projects involving timber, we can be contacted every step of the way and are more than happy to assist. Your satisfaction is our priority.
Get in touch with a member of our team today to find out how we can help you.