Photo: Erik Mclean

Can you put a window in a shed roof?

If you work in your shed then having plenty of light is key. Windows can help but are often sheltered by fences or other buildings. Putting in a roof window can fill your shed with light.

workshopshed.com - Getting light into your workshop shed - Workshopshed

Can a shed sit on grass?

While you technically can place some types of sheds directly on the lawn, gravel, or dirt without any extensive preparation, that does not mean...

Last updated Nov 30, 2022

Is a black shed hotter?

If you live in a hot area, and/or the shed is directly in the sun, a lighter colour will reflect the heat better. Conversely, if you are in a cold...

Last updated May 25, 2019

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

If you work in your shed then having plenty of light is key. Windows can help but are often sheltered by fences or other buildings. Putting in a roof window can fill your shed with light. Mark Curtis from Activent approached me with a new product that’s been specially designed for sheds.

Workshopshed: Hi Mark, thanks for getting in contact. How did you get the idea of a roof light specifically for sheds?

Mark Curtis: After watching a TV advert with Usain Bolt kicking a football through a shed skylight and landing on Richard Branson’s bench, we realised that roof windows for garden buildings were either very expensive Velux type or relied on copious amounts of silicon to effect a water tight seal, inevitably breaking down and failing over time. So we decided to develop the a window specifically designed to work with felt roofs, with the primary goals of it being completely watertight and within reach of everyone’s budget.

Workshopshed: So how did you achieve that?

Mark Curtis: The window is made from aluminium extrusion making it extremely strong and yet light weight, powder coated for protection against the worst of the elements ensuring it will look as good in the years to come as it did when new. By using an oil based compression gasket and not relying on silicone’s or sealants, we have ensured that the seal attained will not breakdown and in all weathers it continues moving with the building through the coldest and wettest winter to the hottest of summers.

Workshopshed: That sounds complicated, how easy is it to install?

Mark Curtis: We set out to make the window as simple to fit as possible, ensuring that those with a little DIY knowledge and a basic tool box could successfully install it with the minimum of fuss.

Workshopshed: It certainly looks that way from looking at the instructions.

Mark Curtis: I’m sure you’ll manage.

Workshopshed: Thanks Mark, we’ll be putting it to the test, we’ve got a gloomy shed that needs some light and hope to get an Activent roof light fitted over the next few days as long as the weather holds out for us.

How do you insulate a shed inside?

It's worth doing though as a lot of heat will escape through the floor, especially in the winter months. To insulate a shed floor you can lay a...

Last updated Jul 19, 2019

What type of siding is best for a shed?

While we use metal and vinyl siding, we recommend engineered wood siding for our Garden Sheds because of its natural wood grain appearance, lower...

Last updated Jul 5, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the legal height of a shed?

The highest part of an outbuilding (including cresting and finials) should be no higher than the roof ridge line of the existing house. If the proposed outbuilding is within two meters of the property boundary, maximum eaves height should be no higher than 3 meters to be considered permitted development.

drawingandplanning.com - Do I need Planning Permission for Outbuildings

Permitted Development For Outbuildings

New rules regarding whether or not you can extend or add to your home without having to apply for planning permission for an outbuilding came into force on 1 October 2008. The New limits and conditions for what is allowed without the need for planning permission apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position in relation to the house and its proximity to the boundaries of the property. Under the new regulations constructing an outbuilding that is not within designated land is considered permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing it meets the following limits and conditions: An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof. Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres. On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

Can a Neighbour stop you building an extension?

In answer to the question – can my neighbour stop me building my extension? The answer is no, they cannot. They can request additional details...

Last updated Jan 25, 2019

What type of worker is a carpenter?

They build, install, maintain and repair structures made of wood, wood substitutes and other materials. Carpenters are employed by construction...

Last updated Jan 19, 2021

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What state has the strictest building codes?

Florida had the highest score for its building codes at 95 – compared to its 2015 score of 94 – and rose to the top of the list. Virginia fell one...

Last updated Feb 21, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Do I need planning permission for a concrete base?

Planning permission is also required if you are installing an impermeable material. This is a material that doesn't naturally absorb rainfall....

Last updated Jan 2, 2022