As the cooler damper months approach, it’s time to prepare your garden and Winter-proof your garden shed. We’ve been designing and manufacturing sheds for over 50 years and whilst we have now hit upon a design that minimises the need for annual maintenance, you will most likely have a shed in your garden that does need to be taken care of. We’ve picked up plenty of shed care tips along our journey to share with you.

Follow these steps to winter-proof your garden shed:

1. Clear the gutters and roof: The first step to winter-proof your garden shed is to clear out dead leaves and debris from the gutters and from the roof. When leaf debris accumulates, it will also collect and pool water which will cause damp spots. At best, the damp spots will create higher moisture levels inside the shed damaging the garden tools and equipment you have stored. At worst, you’ll also risk rotting the timber structure. Keep the gutters and roof free of debris to prevent dampness from occurring.

2. Cut back foliage: Similarly, you will need to make sure you cut back any overgrown foliage and branches so they are not resting on your timber. Any foliage touching your shed will also be a risk for the creation of damp spots, whilst larger vegetation such as branches risk being moved and broken in high winds or with heavy snow and damaging the structure of the shed.

3. Treat the wood: If you have a dip-treated shed, it is important to treat the wood. The application of an annual wood preservative paint will protect the timber from moisture, insects and funghi. We also recommend the annual application of a wax or oil-based weatherproofing finish.

A clear dry day is best for treating your shed so that the oil has time to soak in and penetrate the timber, giving it long-lasting protection. Apply it on a rainy day and you’ll risk the treatment being washed off before it has had a chance to work its magic.

4. Inspect the roof: Next you’ll need to check the integrity of your felt roof, looking for cracks and damage.  Check for cracks and damage. Replace the old or broken felt to prevent leaks and ensure the interior of your shed and the items you have stored remain dry and safe all Winter.

5. Consider what you store: You’d think that a shed is a shed and you can store whatever you wish in your shed over winter. The truth is there are many different ways to design and build a shed, some more weatherproof than others. Some shed designs will let more air and moisture in and will also have shorter lifespans. So carefully consider what you store in your shed, like valuable garden tools that could attract rust over the damper months.

Have you winter-proofed your shed yet?

Introducing the new maintenance-free choice for sheds

New in 2023, we’ve launched our brand-new range of weather-beating sheds – the Beckwood sheds. Designed to be completely maintenance-free (annual preservative treatment is never needed), these study sheds are the perfect option for busy lives. They are made with pressure-treated timber providing a 25-year anti-rot guarantee, the longest guarantee in the market. Check out the Beckwood range today.