Monday, 16 November 2015

Lanlee Guide: How to Weather Proof Your Shed!


Weather Proofing Your Shed

Autumn is fast approaching and the high wind speeds, and large volume of rainfall that comes with it can take not just a toll on you, but also on your shed. To ensure the long life of your shed and protect it (and the items inside) from rotting and damp, it is important to maintain the roof, door and windows and to keep the shed waterproof.

Protecting the Roof


  
    Check Your Roofing System

It is important to remember that your roofing system, whether it is shed felt, felt shingles or some form of rubber roofing, does not last forever. In fact the typical shed felt is said to work for approximately only five years before it will start letting water pass through it. It is important to know how long your roofing system will last so  you not only know when to replace it, but can also save yourself spending a lot of time and money on repairs in the future.

   Repair Visible Cracks

You can repair minor cracks in the wood simply by using duct tape and wood filler. Applying wood filler from the outside of the shed, and placing duct tape over the crack from the inside will stop any leakages. Certain wood fillers (such as Cuprinols ‘Ultra Tough Wood Filler) can be sanded, painted, stained or varnished when dried to make the repair less visible.


Protecting the Windows and Doors
  

     Install a Rain Protector

To stop rain seeping through into your shed through your door a ‘rain protector ‘(AKA Rain deflector) should be fitted onto the top part of it. Rain protectors can be bought easily online and are often made of waterproof materials such as UPVC plastic and aluminium, however attaching a piece of inclined wood to the top of door would also work.
  
     Re-Seal Your Windows

If water is gathering around the edges of your windows they most likely need to apply a new layer of sealant. http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6630168_fix-window-leaks-removal.html has a step by step guide on how to fix window leaks which you may find helpful.

Protecting the Wood
     


    Add/ Reapply a Waterproof Coating

When buying a wood preserver the most effective ones tend to be breathable, stopping moisture getting in, but also allowing it to escape thus preventing damp and a build up of rot. Before applying wood preserver you should try to make sure that your shed is clean, dry and free from any type of paint. You should add a new coat about every 3-4 years to keep the walls weather proof.
    

     ‘Clean’ the Wood

It may sound trivial,  but by ‘cleaning’ the walls and roof of your shed you help to keep it weather proof and allow the whole shed to last longer. It is particularly important to do this after snowfall as melted snow can freeze into gaps and cause cracks to appear in the wood.



By doing all of these things your shed should be completely protected from the elements, however more serious cracks and rotting of the wood may require for parts of the shed to be replaced completely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9KdIQZX1fs A useful video on how to fit shed felt onto the roof of your shed.)


For more tips, or to buy any of the products mentioned in this post please visit our website http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling and like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LanleeSupplies/

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