How do you seal the base of a metal shed?

Make sure that you use a silicone sealant for external use with concrete and metal. A typical silicon mastic will state that it will 'cure to give a permanently elastic weatherproof seal with excellent durability and resistance to U.V light.

secrets-of-shed-building.com - How to seal around the base of a shed - Secrets of shed building

How much does a 8x12 shed cost?

The average cost of a wooden storage shed is around $1,680, or $17.50 per square foot, for an 8×12 storage building you build yourself. $2,880 if...

Last updated Apr 16, 2019

Can I put a shed on my driveway?

Can I put a shed on my front driveway? Sadly, a shed cannot be put on a front driveway without seeking planning permission in advance. Unlike in a...

Last updated Aug 18, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

I'm erecting a small used shed on a concrete slab 2m x 2m which requires waterproofing around the bottom edges before I use dynabolts to secure it to the concrete. What would you recommend I use as a water resistant barrier? I have been told that mastic is good, so what do you say about that? Answer to: Sealing a Shed Base by: John - Admin Hi Barry, The advice you received about using the mastic sealant is correct. Make sure that you use a silicone sealant for external use with concrete and metal. A typical silicon mastic will state that it will 'cure to give a permanently elastic weatherproof seal with excellent durability and resistance to U.V light.' Although it says this most mastic sealants do lose their grip and also become less flexible over the years. The way to avoid this becoming a problem with your shed is to make sure that the concrete base does not protrude too far beyond the wall of the shed. The typical advice here I think is that the size of the base should go an inch or two beyond the wall on each side. This gives a very small area for any water to collect. Let me know how you get on. Cheers John Thanks by: Barry Hi John, Thank you for your advice, I'll give it a go and let you know how successful I was. Many thanks, Cobber, Barry. Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to How to build a shed.

Water leaking under shed

by Ed

(Long Island)

Where water leaks in under the shed

John,

I have an older aluminum shed with one side of the shed sitting on a concrete slab.

Water seems to be leaking under the shed when it rains.

How can I waterproof that side of the shed where the aluminum meets the concrete?

Should your shed color match your house color?

If you're going for a more classic style, matching the colors of your house to the colors of your shed is never a bad option. However, there's...

Last updated Jun 23, 2020

What insulation do mice hate?

Because it's a loose material that tends to fall in on itself, loose fill fiberglass insulation is less appealing to rodents and pests than other...

Last updated Apr 7, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

What will adhere to aluminum and concrete and form a seal that will last?

Cheers

Ed

Shedman says

Hi Ed,

Thanks for your question, as I have a bit of relevant experience here with sealing around the base of a neighbours’ shed. Looking at the picture above, water drains down the walls of the shed and gets caught up in a small channel that runs around the base of the shed. The water then flows out of this channel either through small holes that are pre-drilled in the side of the channel or at the end. As the water flows out of this channel and on to a flat surface or one sloping back into the shed then you will get water leaking in under the shed wall. The solution if you are building a shed like this from new is to identify these holes and make sure that where they are located the ground/concrete slopes away from the shed in this area. To solve this problem with an existing shed you may be able to chisel some small channels in the concrete to direct the water away from the shed. Alternatively you can use a mastic sealant as described in the question at the top of this page. If you go down the sealant route and can't correct this micro drainage problem the water will still collect around the edge of the shed but once it reaches a certain amount it drain over the side. If you get the seal good enough it will stop most of the water entering the shed. The best solution is only achieved when the shed is first built. Sealing around the base afterward is a less than optimal solution.

Best of luck

John

secrets-of-shed-building.com - How to seal around the base of a shed - Secrets of shed building

How much does it cost to heat a shed?

Your shed is also going to need to be wired for 240 volts, as electric heaters require a significant expenditure of energy. At peak heat – 5000...

Last updated Jul 12, 2019

How do I renew an old shed?

Here's how you can refurbish your outdoor building: Empty your shed by removing any old bits and bobs. Look out for any wear and tear in both the...

Last updated Sep 4, 2019

Promotion

How close to a fence can you build a shed?

Maybe your shed is too close to the fence, leaving you with no room to get around it. Sounds dreadful, right? With that in mind, experts recommend...

Last updated Jun 20, 2022

Promotion

How much firewood do I need per day?

In general, you'll find that you need between 2 and 5 bundles of firewood per day for your campfire. However, you may need more wood if you plan to...

Last updated Jun 10, 2021