{"id":31492,"date":"2025-11-24T11:12:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T11:12:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=31492"},"modified":"2025-11-25T11:09:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T11:09:24","slug":"how-to-stop-your-shed-rotting-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/garden\/how-to-stop-your-shed-rotting-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to stop your shed rotting this winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we move into the winter months, there are many things to consider about your home and outdoor spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do not take proper precautions, you could discover come spring that part of your garden shed is rotting and you’ve lost valuable storage space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rot can weaken a sheds structure, damage anything you have stored inside – including garden furniture, tools and outdoor toys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can lead to high costs in the spring, which could have been easily avoided.<\/p>

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Ensure your shed stays strong during the months ahead with these top tips from gardening experts at The Posh Shed Company<\/a> and Andrew Haydon, a Gardening and Shed Care Expert at Simply Plastics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Clear the gutters and roof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first step to getting your garden shed ready for winter is to clear out any dead leaves and debris from the gutters and the roof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the debris accumulates, it will collect and pool water which will cause damp spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At best, the damp spots will create higher moisture levels inside the shed, damaging its contents, at worst – you’ll also risk rotting the timber structure.<\/p>

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2. Cut back any foliage <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, you will also need to make sure you cut back any overgrown foliage and branches so they are not resting on your timber. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any foliage touching your shed will risk the creation of damp spots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, larger vegetation could potentially damage the structure of the sheds in high winds and storms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Treat the wood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a dip-treated shed, it is crucial to treat the wood. <\/p>

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Applying a wood preservative paint each year will protect the timber from moisture, insects and funghi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also recommended to do an annual application of a wax or oil-based weatherproofing finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A clear, dry day is best for treating your shed so that the oil has time to soak in and penetrate the timber, giving it long-lasting protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply it on a rainy day and you’ll risk the treatment being washed off before it has had chance to work its magic.<\/p>

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4. Seal any gaps and cracks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Andrew explains: “Even the smallest gap in a wall or floorboard can pull winter damp straight into the structure, and once moisture gets into the wood, decay sets in surprisingly fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“A careful check around the base, corners, and joints of a shed usually reveals hairline openings that people don\u2019t notice in summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Seal these using a weatherproof exterior sealant to create a tight barrier against rain, frost, and rising ground moisture, which should help stop rot from getting a foothold.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Inspect the roof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next you will need to check the integrity of your roof, searching for any cracks or damage. <\/p>

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Replace the old or broken felt to prevent leaks and ensure the interior of your shed and its contents remains dry and safe all winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrew adds: “Cracked or missing panes don\u2019t just make sheds and greenhouses draughty, but they also let in damp, frost, and pests that can ruin tools, plants, and furniture stored inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Ignoring broken glazing often leads to bigger problems, sometimes forcing homeowners to replace the entire shed at a cost of \u00a3500 to \u00a31,200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“People underestimate how quickly frost and moisture spread through a shed with faulty windows, but Acrylic panes are a stronger, safer alternative to glass, and they\u2019re far better at keeping the chill out.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Consider what you store<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some shed designs will let more air and moisture in than others, so think carefully about what you want to store in your shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valuable garden tools, for example, could attract rust over the damper months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Add moisture absorbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Andy believes this is an easy win: “Desiccants are an easy win for sheds, and products like silica gel, calcium chloride, or even a bowl of baking soda will draw moisture directly from the air and keep humidity at a lower level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“They work particularly well in corners or below shelving, where damp tends to settle.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Monitor humidity levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Andy adds: “Anyone using their shed as a workshop or storing electrical tools should treat humidity as seriously as temperature, as high humidity can ruin tools, making them damp and rusty by the time Spring comes around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“A small digital hygrometer gives a clear reading of how damp the space is and highlights when you need extra ventilation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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READ MORE<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n