DIY Builds
Photo by Sunsetoned Pexels Logo Photo: Sunsetoned

How do I stop mold in my shed?

Top 5 Tips to Prevent Mould in your Shed Ventilate your shed. Make sure everything is dry. Add moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier. Keep perishables off your shed floor. Add insulation.

What is the standard door height?
What is the standard door height?

80 inches Standard Interior Door Height It needs to be a minimum of 80 inches (although some codes allow for 78 inch doors). Doors that have a...

Read More »
What does white and blue make?
What does white and blue make?

Mixing white and blue together creates light blue , also commonly known as sky blue. That's because any color mixed with white creates what's...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

You’ve just wandered into your shed after the winter madness. You’re starting to get the tools out to get stuck into the garden – but here what’s this I spy with my little eye – a little black patch – maybe it’s a spider.

You suspiciously edge in for a closer look … ACH IT’S MOULD!!!

How the hell do you get rid of mould in your shed?

Mould is one of our favourite subjects here at Gillies & Mackay. We know that it’s a scourge on timber buildings, and one of the main things putting people off from buying a timber beauty.

How do I get rid of black mould?

Why is my shed damp?

What are these white spores appearing in my shed?

We’re asked these things time and time again. And the answer to that is: stop it from ever happening in the first place! That’s right! Prevention is better than cure, and it’s totally possible to live a mould-free shed life, with a little bit of guidance from the experts (that’s us). If you’re reading this thinking: “Uh oh, I already have mould in my shed”. Then don’t worry, we’ve already got an article written all about how to get rid of mould from your shed if you’ve got it. But if you’re here because you’re thinking about getting a timber shed, summerhouse or Garage and absolutely do not want to come across mould in your shed EVER – then read on.

Why does mould form in sheds?

Mould loves moisture. Typically sheds are single-skinned buildings with single glazing meaning you typically get moisture build-up and condensation. In the winter months, when your shed is out of use, it’s not getting the air circulation needed and there’s nowhere for the moisture to escape. Constant moisture is the prime breeding ground for mould to form in your shed. The key here is to keep your shed dry.

But how can you do that?

How much does the average house flipper make?
How much does the average house flipper make?

As of late 2021, the average profit per flip across the nation was $68,847. If an average house flipper completes only one deal per year, then it's...

Read More »
How much would it cost to build a horse shelter?
How much would it cost to build a horse shelter?

Depending on the features of your horse stall barn, a simple project can cost $30,000 or up to $150,000 for a large commercial project. When you...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Top 5 Tips to Prevent Mould in your Shed

Prevention is better than cure, and we want to stop this mould from ever getting a footing in your beloved timber building. So how do we go about that:

So let’s go into these in a little more depth.

1. Ventilate your Shed

Ventilation is crucial in the winter months when you may not use your shed as much. To ventilate your shed: Open the doors and windows periodically in dry weather. If your building is over 15m2 and doesn’t already have louvre vents, it would be a good idea to fit them. This will allow moisture to escape easily.

2. Anything You Store In Your Shed Must Be Dry

You can’t store damp golf clubs, wet bikes, or sodden wellies in your shed and get away with it you know. The slightest bit of moisture stored in your timber Shed, Summerhouse or Garage can cause a whole world of mould problems, especially if you leave it locked up for a couple of months without any ventilation. Leave them out to dry for a bit or if not – get a dry towel or a good bit of kitchen roll and wipe down your items before placing them back in your shed.

Any whiff of moisture – the mould spores will be at you!

3. Moisture Absorbers or Dehumidifier

You can’t, so you need some sort of moisture absorber – some say Cat Litter works?

This is my favourite though The Mega Moisture Trap (it even sounds cool). De-humidifiers work too if you have electrical access to your shed – especially recommended if you use your shed as a workspace.

4. Keep Perishables Off Your Shed Floor

What do we mean by perishables?

Things like paper, cardboard and material. Light moisture passes through timber – perishables absorb and hold moisture meaning they can get damp and stay damp – keeping your shed damp. Timber likes to breathe so make sure you’re allowing air space around all items in your building – especially in Summerhouses where you may plan to have furniture up against walls.

What is the 4 year rule in planning permission?
What is the 4 year rule in planning permission?

Your Local Planning Authority (LPA) On The Rules The 4-year rule covers any breach of building or operations development which has not been...

Read More »
Are ramps the same as wild garlic?
Are ramps the same as wild garlic?

It's called ramps here in America, although Europeans call it wild garlic. Either way, Allium tricoccum is a treasure coveted by all cooks worth...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Insulation can regulate temperatures in your shed to minimise moisture build-up. However, it’s vital that it is added in correctly to ensure breathability otherwise you could end up trapping moisture and causing both mould and rot in your shed. We still recommend you follow the other tips we’ve shared with you even with insulation. For instructions on how to add insulation to your shed read: How To Insulate Your Shed. If you’re getting a brand spanking new shed we recommend that you ask us about getting shed insulation fitted. Single-skinned buildings will always be susceptible to moisture. If you haven’t bought your shed yet and want to avoid moisture and mould completely – buy a timber building that is triple-skinned instead! This creates a cavity, a breather membrane and a separate internal lining = moisture blocked. This is a costly alternative so it depends on your own Shed desires, if you’d like to know more, read this.

Shed Maintenance is key when it comes to preventing mould…

There you have it! Mould hasn’t got a look in.

If you follow these tips and keep up the general maintenance of your shed your Man Cave, She Shed or Gin Palace will last you a lifetime. And ultimately preventing mould in a timber shed is the ultimate aim.

Learn more on Shed Maintenance:

If you feel your shed is at the end of its lifespan and you’re not winning the mould or rot eradication fight – it might be time for a new shed that outlasts you. Book a consultation with one of our team to discuss your brand new shed.

What kind of door should I put on my shed?
What kind of door should I put on my shed?

The most ideal shed doors include a continuous steel hinge that is mounted inside the shed, with a door handle that does not allow access to the...

Read More »
Do log cabins need insulation?
Do log cabins need insulation?

Besides some internal and gable framed walls, they do not require siding, conventional insulation or drywall, but the logs are carefully hand-...

Read More »
Should firewood be stored in the sun or shade?
Should firewood be stored in the sun or shade?

Avoid storing the firewood stack in the shade and opt for an area that receives plenty of sunlight. The heat and the light from the sun will help...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

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

Learn More »
Does outdoor wiring need to be in conduit?
Does outdoor wiring need to be in conduit?

Does Exterior Wiring Need to Be in Conduit? In most cases, local codes require exterior wiring to be placed in a conduit when the wiring is...

Read More »