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Shed Care and Maintenance Guidelines
Timber sheds are the traditional choice for your garden shed, but will require consistent maintenance to ensure the lifespan of your shed.
Preservation of wood that’s outdoors is vital, from wind, rain and snow, right up to the extreme heat of summer, together with insects, moisture/rot and salt, timber sheds must be able to withstand all these elements.
Wood treatments prevent decay and by repelling water, discourage the growth of moulds and fungi. Even if the wood is pressure treated this is protection against rot and infestation, and is not a water repellent, therefore it is recommended that a water repellent product also be used to maintain the best care for your product.
- Preservative – is a chemical application that helps to prevent decay, deters insects and prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria. Preservatives are usually spirit based.
- Water-based treatment – is the next most common method, it’s an effective barrier against the elements, but doesn’t generally prevent insect attack.
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
- Check base is level, intact and free from rot. Make sure any paving slabs are secure and not loose or wobbling.
- Check there is nothing under your shed between the bearers preventing ventilation. If there is, clear it to prevent damp.
- Check the roof – is the felt secure, free from tears and wear and properly fixed down? Clear any leaves and debris from the roof.
- Check that the windows are intact. Check both window and door frames are free from rot etc., repair or fill gaps that might have occurred due to shrinkage to prevent penetration of water therefore potentially causing rot and deterioration.
- Check around the shed to ensure it is clear from plants, tree branches etc., providing airflow around the shed, helping to keep it dry and free of damp.
- Apply wood preservative or paint to keep the shed’s timber intact, strong and protected from the elements and threat of rot, mould, insects etc.,.
- Check there are no obvious signs of damp, if there are find the source and make sure it’s prevented in the future. Preventions : wood treatment, fitting guttering to direct water to a butt or drain.
- Check that the floor isn’t too worn. If it shows signs of wear, replace or cover with board to help secure it.
- Check joints and corners for gaps and damp. Any gaps, fill to keep out rain and wind using silicone or expanding foam. Any damp, think about better protection from outside (wood treatment, guttering etc) and/or heating and ventilation inside, as well as sealing those gaps.
Please remember that wood is an organic material with a natural moisture content and is prone to changes in appearance including shrinkage, warping and splitting particularly in extremes of temperature. These are natural timber properties they are not considered as defects and are beyond our control and responsibility. However, in most cases, these imperfections will not impact the integrity or function of your product and/or can be rectified.
Note: The above information is given in good faith but for guidance only. However, if alternative methods are used it may result in the shed becoming damaged and we cannot accept any responsibility for this.
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