Hot to Winter-Proof your Garden Buildings

Knowing how to prepare your shed for winter should be one of your main priorities when it comes to getting your property winter-ready. The cold temperatures, frost and snow can cause damage to any outdoor building, including your garden house or shed. In this article, we’ll show you how to effectively protect your garden shed or outdoor building from moisture damage, rot and mould during the chilliest months of the year. This article will tell you how you can winter proof your garden! 

Check for Cracks

One of the best ways to prepare your shed for winter is to carefully examine it for cracks or small holes. Inspect the walls, doors, windows and roof for internal or external cracks. These are susceptible to further damage during winter. If you find any damage, use a wood glaze on the exterior walls to prevent penetrative moisture. You may need to replace roofing felt or glass if the roof and windows are defective.

Move Perishable Items

Remove perishable items, especially from the floor, as these are likely to become destroyed by very cold temperatures. Move cardboard, paper or material items off the ground and walls to enable the timber to breathe.

Switch Off Water

Turn off the water in any outdoor building and ensure taps are opened to drain the remaining water. This prevents pipes from freezing or bursting from extreme frost. 

Use Excellent Insulation

Heating may not be suitable for your garden house so use the best insulation you can to keep the cold and frost out. Seal any windows and install a foam insulating tape in your shed.

Place Your Building or Shed Away From Trees

Trees are potential weather hazards which can be blown onto roofs and guttering. Ideally, your outdoor building should be placed at the highest point in your garden. If your garden is a completely flat surface, raise it off the floor using bricks or an alternative platform.

Keep a Barrier Between The Ground And Building Floor

Rising damp is the main cause of rot. Prevent this by stopping groundwater from being absorbed by the floor. The best way to do this is to use a barrier between the ground and shed or building floor.

Ventilate When You Can

Musty smells can linger when an outdoor building is locked up for months. Try opening windows for a short period when you can. This will help to ventilate the interior to ward off any smells.

Remove Snow Off The Roof

Snow can pile up on the roof of your outdoor building, causing it to weigh down and potentially buckle. Clear snow with a rake or broom to avoid any risk of roof damage.

Keep Your Items Secure

Winter is a prime time for thieves to enter your garden, particularly as it goes dark early. Keep your belongings safe by putting a padlock on the door. You could also fit an alarm and use movement-activated lights to stop criminals in their tracks.

Wipe Down Mould

Wipe away any patches of mould to stop it from spreading. A diluted bleach mixture in a spray bottle will efficiently clear away mould growths.

Rust-Proof Your Lock

Spray your lock and bolts with oil to prevent rust from setting in. You won’t have to deal with a stiff lock when it comes to using your building in spring.

Protect Your garden Shed Today

Now you know how to effectively prepare your shed for winter, you can make a start by following our handy tips. It’s never too late to protect your outdoor building from the colder weather and ensure it stays damage-free.

If you want help to winter proof your garden then contact us today!

About The Author

Jack Noon is the owner of Dower Datech a family company specializing in damp proofing and property preservation in the East Midlands and the surrounding areas.