A shed guru has spilled the beans on keeping your wooden shed snug and sound through winter's weather assault. Sam Jenkinson, from garden building retailer Tiger, revealed: "Ventilation is essential in preventing wood rot in sheds as it helps to control moisture, which is a primary cause of wood rot, however, it often gets overlooked.
"Proper airflow removes excess moisture from the air and wood structure, reducing condensation which can lead to fungal growth if not dealt with. Fungal growth hugely increases the likelihood of wood rot, so ensuring continuous air circulation and ventilation keeps the shed dry and prevents the environment from becoming too humid.".
On top of that, he suggested that slapping on some wood preserver is one of the "best" ways to keep rot at bay. Mr Jenkinson explained: "When applying your wood preservative, make sure your shed is completely dry as to not trap any moisture. "Next, clean the surface and inspect for any damage such as signs of rot, decay, or cracks in the wood that may need to be repaired before treatment. Remove any hardware and lightly sand the surface as this will enhance the treatment's absorption.".
The final bit of advice was to "apply the wood preservative with either a brush or roller", and treating your shed should be a set date in your annual diary. He also warned shed owners to give the windows and doors a once-over, watching out for spots that are "unusually soft", reports the Express.
Any gaps should be sealed with products like sealant, expanding foam or builders' caulk; any decaying spots must be removed using a screwdriver and patched up with wood filler. "Once you've done that, sand the area down so the filled area is flush with the rest of the wood and repaint/re-stain," Mr Jenkinson recommended.
