Waterproofing shed walls isn’t something that you should have to do. When buying a shed, it should come with a guarantee advising that it is going to be waterproof for at least a few years. However, other factors might mean your shed is allowing rainwater in and reducing its lifespan. Some of the main issues that reduce a shed’s water resistance are:
- Poor quality timber
- Position of the shed
- Water retention of ground underneath
- Lack of appropriate wood treatment
This guide explores these in depth and explains the preventative measures you can take to stop water from damaging your shed.
Table of contents:
- Why waterproof your shed walls?
- How do I waterproof my shed walls?
- Water entering the shed from one side
- Damp and musty shed after rain
- Water entering the shed from all sides
- How can I prevent water ingress?
- Final thoughts
Why waterproof your shed walls?
If enough water penetrates your shed walls, it can lead to serious damage. Here are the main issues:
- Wood rot – the wood can start to decay, become brittle, and break away from the structure
- Warping and sagging – When wood gets wet, it expands and will impact the overall structure of the shed. You may find opening and closing the door more difficult
- Condensation – Can happen on the inside of the shed, causing mould and mildew to grow on your belongings
- Rising damp – where the base of the shed absorbs moisture from the ground beneath, causing damage to the lower walls
If sheds are in exposed positions, they may be more likely to let wind-driven rain penetrate the walls. Wind and rain will batter the side of a standard garden shed in an exposed position, so this could be one reason why your shed isn’t as waterproof as you’d like.
Add to this poor-quality timber (which will have inconsistent grain and knots that could let water in), or tongue and groove boards without enough overlap, and you’ve got a recipe for leaks! If your shed is often subjected to rain, then the timber will shrink and swell. This could impact the overlap of tongue and groove boards.
How do I waterproof my shed walls?
To waterproof shed walls, consider where the rain is coming in and work from there.
Water entering the shed from one side
If water is coming in from just one exposed side, you could buy some cheap water-resistant shiplap or cladding and fix this to the exposed side of the shed. It may not always look the best but it’ll waterproof your shed walls. Options like wood shingles will improve the appearance of this quick fix!
Damp and musty shed after rain
In this case, a timber treatment provides a water-repellent coating is your best bet. It even refreshes the colour of the wood. It won’t stop water from entering the shed through splits and cracks in the timber, but it will stop the inside of your shed from being damp and musty after a rainy spell.
Water-entering-the-shed-from-all-sides
Poor-quality timber can affect the longevity of your shed. If water is entering your shed from all over, from cracks and splits, your shed is worth replacing. The cost of persistent maintenance and fixes will soon total more than a new shed.
If you’re looking for a more permanent shed with added security, you may opt for a metal shed. These are tougher and will stand up to the test of time without treatment. Just bear in mind these are more costly than wooden garden sheds.
How can I prevent water ingress?
Simple measures like considering the lay of the land will help. This includes the pitch, type of ground and weather conditions. To prevent water ingress, do not place your shed:
- At the bottom of a slope or a hill – water will run down and collect where the shed is located
- On permanently boggy ground that becomes especially wet during the winter
- On any soft ground where the shed could sink into wet or damp earth
Do install your shed in a dry location with an even surrounding surface. If this isn’t possible, dig a small patch where you’re installing your shed and line it with a damp proof membrane. Then you can lay concrete slabs for the shed to sit on top of.
Use a timber treatment at regular intervals to maintain the appearance and functionality of your shed. Some wood treatments not only refresh the colour but they make the shed surface water-repellent too.
Final thoughts
Now you should be familiar with the main causes of water damage to your shed walls, and why it is so important to prevent it. Knowing how to properly maintain your shed, and treat and care for timber, could save you from buying a new shed altogether in the near future. You’ll even save your bank account – not only can new sheds be expensive but replacing the contents will cost even more!
If you have any further questions about anything mentioned in this article, or need a free quote for materials, please give our team a call on 01752 692 760.
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