When looking after your shed, protecting it from damage by thorough damp proofing must be on top of your maintenance list. There are many cost-effective ways to ensure your shed stays dry, weatherproofed, and ready to use all year round.
In this blog, we discuss how you can damp-proof your shed, including how to waterproof a shed, how to build a waterproof shed, and how to waterproof a shed roof. All vital topics with the increasing rain seen throughout the UK recently.
How to build a waterproof shed
Below are all the essential steps you will need when learning how to waterproof a shed. These are supplied in A-Z alphabetical order. We have listed tasks related to waterproofing a shed roof after, so roof-related tasks are grouped together.
Add guttering
You can start the waterproofing process by adding guttering to your garden building. Add guttering to your wooden shed to redirect the rainwater away from the structure. Guttering prevents water from pooling around the base of the building, which can lead to rot and, eventually, structural damage. Proper guttering ensures that water is efficiently channelled away (into a water-butt), keeping your garden structure dry and, in turn, prolonging its lifespan.
Apply waterproof sealant
Damp-proofing a wooden shed starts before you install it. The most effective thing you can do to protect from rot is purchasing a pressure or dip treated shed. By only installing a shed with this type of manufacturer's treatment, you have saved yourself 50% of the effort of damp-proofing your garden building. You can achieve additional protection by adding guttering and sealing your shed with the best available waterproofer and sealant.
Caulk windows and doors
Once you have installed your shed, added guttering and applied sealant, the next step is to properly seal around windows and doors to prevent water seepage. Sealing around windows and doors with waterproof caulk is another way to keep moisture out, protecting your shed from dampness and potential damage.
Clear gutters
Remember, installing guttering alone is not enough to protect your shed. Once installed, keeping your guttering clean and clear of debris is another essential job to add to your regular maintenance list. If you ignore this duty, your shed guttering will quickly fill with garden rubbish (leaves and mulch), causing blockages and water overflow.
Clear surrounding debris
Another way to protect your shed is to ensure its surroundings are kept clear, which helps water drain away effectively. To keep the area clear, sweep up leaves and garden debris, such as grass cuttings, away from the base of the shed.
Clean roof
Waterproofing a shed roof is a hard yes in the damp-proofing stakes! But before you get out your ladder and venture up there, get your broom and leaf blower and clean your roof structure. Get rid of the dirt that has accumulated because a dirty roof encourages moss growth, which in turn soaks up water and causes your shed roof to leak (eventually).
Ensure door seals are tight
If you are interested in waterproofing a shed, the first thing you must do is ensure all door and window seals are tight. Slack seals cause leaks, which cause water damage, and we do not want that on our watch.
Install a damp-proof membrane
Next you should install a damp-proof membrane under the floor to protect against rising moisture. You should add the membrane over the shed base in the subfloor before you install the shed. The membrane when combined with other roof waterproofing measures is an important part of waterproofing a shed roof.
Install insulation
Apart from adding a damp-proof membrane to your shed’s subfloor, you can also add insulation. Why not read our in-depth blog about damp-proofing sheds using OSB insulation. By making the most of additional insulation, you can guard against water penetration and protect your shed from humidity, providing added protection and comfort by keeping moisture out.
Install ventilation
In the war against moisture damage and in advising on how to build a waterproof shed, we must mention proper ventilation. Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture build-up or condensation inside the shed, especially if you are using your garden building to house your hot tub. Even if you are not hot tubbing, proper ventilation will keep your storage shed bone dry, especially important when storing expensive garden equipment.
Paint exterior walls
Painting your shed's exterior walls not only spruces up the look of your garden building, but the paint actively guards against moisture damage. Adding an additional layer of waterproof protection to the outside of your shed extends its life and prolongs its use. Live shed life for longer by painting the shed's walls.
Repaint shed
A shed is much like a puppy. It is not just for Christmas; you need to carry out regular maintenance to your garden room. Once you have painted the exterior to protect it from water damage, this paint work must be refreshed every 3-5 years with regular inspections in between. Unlike a puppy, your shed does not need walking but needs consistent care to stay in top shape.
Repair cracks or holes
Repairing cracks or holes in garden buildings is a must. You must repair cracks or holes in your shed to stop water ingress; it is as simple as that. Fill or seal the cracks or holes promptly to prevent water from entering and causing damage to your shed.
Replace rotten wood
If you find any rotten wood, replace it as soon as you can. Wet wood will quickly become infested with woodlice and other wood-eating creatures like termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and even bees. To avoid becoming an insect nursery, deal with any rotten wood right away, this will maintain the shed’s strength and structural integrity.
Rustproof metal fixings
One of the valuable lessons in how to build a waterproof shed is to use only stainless steel or galvanised nails and screws. Over time, you might like to go over these fixing with sealant to enhance the rustproof properties, but if you start as you mean to go on, you will save time and money.
Treat wood with preservative
Treating wood regularly protects against rot and moisture damage. However, there are differences between wood preservatives, sealants, and wood conditioners. Here is why you need all three:
- Wood conditioner – prepares the timber for staining or painting and helps create a weatherproof layer
- Wood preservative – penetrates the wood to protect against rot and fungal decay caused by moisture damage
- Wood sealant – creates a waterproof barrier on the wood’s surface
It is often cheaper in the long run to overdo the preventative treatments than repair later.
Use silicone sealant on joints
If in doubt, silicone it out, that is our motto, not one created by silicone manufacturers. However, the moral of the story remains the same: Use silicone to seal joints to stop water from penetrating the shed's structure. Fill it, seal it, and keep your shed dry and serviceable throughout its lifespan. Now, that has to be a shed win-win!
Waterproofing a shed roof
The following tasks are directly linked to preventing water ingress, repairing damage, and waterproofing a shed roof.
Install roof felt
Waterproofing a shed roof is vital, and another way to tackle the elements is taking advantage of the protective benefits of roof felt for guarding the shed against rain and snow. Manufacturers design shed roof felt to serve as a waterproof material in the UK, providing a strategic defence against weather damage and deterioration.
Replace damaged roof felt
When working out how to waterproof a shed, replacing damaged roof felt is your number 1 priority, along with the following:
- Replace rotten wood as soon as you find it
- Rustproof metal fittings and fixing from day one
- Seal everything that can be sealed against water penetration
- Treat the entire shed with wood preservative every 3-5 years
- Always use silicon on all the joints in your shed
If you follow our advice, you will not go far wrong. You may even find your shed last much longer because of this process.
Repair roof leaks
Much like repairing cracks or holes in your shed, if the roof leaks, fix it. Your shed will remain watertight if you regularly maintain it, and as the roof is first in the line of weather defences, a leaking roof is a big no.
Seal around roof edges
We have written extensively about how sealing roof edges helps prevent water from leaking into the shed. Waterproofing a shed roof involves attention to detail, and sealing your new felt roof is part of the rigorous regime required to prolong the life of your shed and get maximum value and use out of your garden structure.
Final thoughts about how to waterproof a shed
Waterproofing your shed is key to protecting it and making it last. Learning how to waterproof a shed is a combination of techniques like guttering, sealing windows and ventilation. If you are learning to build a waterproof shed, using treated wood and rustproof fixings will give you a good barrier against water damage.
Waterproofing your shed roof with roof felt will give you peace of mind against heavy rain and snow. Regular maintenance, clearing gutters and sealing roof edges is key to keeping your shed dry and in top nick for years. Follow these and you’ll be safe and sound.
Contact us
We have finished our article about “How to waterproof a shed”, but maybe you need further information. Buy Fencing Direct can advise on aspects of how to build a waterproof shed or supply you with a brand new shed from our range.
Why not contact us in these ways to discuss any related aspects to this article:
- Phone calls – call us at 0333 003 0515
- E-mails – use our contact form to send emails
- Text chat - our live chat app enables you to message us. This is through an app with an orange icon, which can be accessed at the bottom left of the screen