Is a shed a fire hazard?

Sheds are usually made of wood, they're sited outdoors and often contain highly flammable items such as chemicals, gas, or fuels. Introduce heat, sparks and embers from tools, barbecues or even bonfires and it's easy to see why sheds can be such a dangerous breeding ground for fire.

adt.co.uk - Help Protect Your Garden Shed Against Fire | ADT

How do you know where to drop anchor?

1. Location: Choose an Area Clear of Boats and Underwater Obstacles. Decide on an area to drop anchor that is clear of other vessels and any...

Last updated Jan 4, 2020

Should wood be split before seasoning?

The most important rules for preparing good firewood are: Cut, split and stack the wood in the early spring and let it stand in the sun and wind...

Last updated Jun 14, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

Help Protect Your Garden Shed Against Fire

Help protect your garden shed against fire

Even a quick online search for “shed fire” returns a worrying number of results in the UK. In the first few months of summer 2020, dozens of fires in garden sheds were reported across the country, from Somerset to Suffolk. On the Isle of Wight a fire spread through five sheds, destroying 10 motorcycles, while in the West Midlands a shed blaze caused significant damage after it spread to neighbouring homes.

But why are shed fires so common and what can be done to protect against them?

The perfect storm

Unfortunately, many sheds are the ideal environment for a fire to take hold. Combustion needs three things: oxygen heat and fuel. Sheds are usually made of wood, they’re sited outdoors and often contain highly flammable items such as chemicals, gas, or fuels. Introduce heat, sparks and embers from tools, barbecues or even bonfires and it’s easy to see why sheds can be such a dangerous breeding ground for fire.

How to guard against shed fires

Starving a fire of the things it needs to thrive is a good place to start. Ensure substances like paint thinners, gas cylinders and oils are stored in your shed safely and securely in approved containers Dispose of any flammable items you’re unlikely to use in the future (most council tips will be able to help you get rid of these safely)

Make sure electrical items are working correctly, with no damage to cables

Avoid storing barbecues in sheds until they are completely cooled

Position bonfires, barbecues, firepits and chimineas as far from sheds and outbuildings as possible and make sure all shed doors and windows are closed before lighting

Further steps to consider

Arson is relatively rare, but thieves and vandals can still unwittingly cause shed fires by disturbing flammable items. Discourage opportunists by installing security lights and CCTV cameras overlooking exterior spaces. Also, be careful not to place sheds next to your home – if the worst should happen it allows flames to spread to the main property much more easily.

Stay safe and enjoy your garden

Enjoying the warm weather in the tranquility of your own garden is one of the real pleasures of summer. Barbecues, firepits and chimineas are a big part of the experience, but bring their own responsibilities. Our guide to preventing shed fires is a great introduction to staying safe but if you need any more guidance simply search online for details of your local community fire safety team who will usually be happy to organise a free home fire safety visit. And if you want any more information on how ADT can help with any aspect of fire safety or home security then do get in touch.

How much is a 10x20 metal building?

How Much Does it Cost to Build a 10×20 Shed? The base price for a 10×20 shed is around $4,200, but the cost of your shed will vary depending on its...

Last updated May 20, 2019

How do you keep tools from rusting in outdoor shed?

The 5 best ways to keep tools from rusting include the following: Keep Tools Clean. Keeping tools clean and using them frequently is the key to...

Last updated Dec 12, 2018

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 wood do termites avoid?

To deter the pests, homeowners can obtain heartwood-grade lumber for construction projects. Termites also tend to avoid specific species of trees such as redwoods, yellow cedar, Laotian teak, and cypress. However, these types of wood are not as long-lasting as treated lumber.

orkin.com - What Wood Will Termites Not Eat? - Orkin

Home-invading termites prefer soft, rotting, or fungus-infested wood with high moisture content. For this reason, most termite infestations start with wood that touches or is located close to the soil. Homeowners may reduce the chances of termite infestations by using pressure treated, naturally resistant, or composite wood.

Pressure Treated

Pressure treated wood is embedded with preservatives that are forced into the wood pores during the manufacturing process. This makes the timber resistant to rot and fungi and creates a termite-resistant chemical barrier. Slowing the natural decay process in this way results in stronger, longer-lasting wood that is valuable for building homes, sheds, and decks. In fact, many locations within the U.S. have requirements for using pressure treated wood in places where the wood contacts or is otherwise close to the soil.

Naturally Resistant

Heartwood is the non-living, central wood of trees. This wood is darker, denser, and less permeable than the surrounding timber. Therefore, it is naturally less attractive to termites. To deter the pests, homeowners can obtain heartwood-grade lumber for construction projects. Termites also tend to avoid specific species of trees such as redwoods, yellow cedar, Laotian teak, and cypress. However, these types of wood are not as long-lasting as treated lumber.

Composite Materials

Specially designed to deter termites and increase the useable lifetime, some manmade composite lumber products are made with materials that the pests can't digest, such as plastic. Other composite products are made with a combination of plastics and wood fibers. Since composites don’t tend to warp like natural timber, composite wood is also a more durable building product choice. If you need some help to determine whether or not you have activity, call Orkin today for a free termite inspection of your home.

How close can you build next to the property line or a neighbor's house?

Typically, the setback of a property is 10 feet at the front, 10 feet at the back, and four feet on each side.

Last updated Apr 11, 2022

Can you put a pole barn on a slab?

To answer the question at hand, yes, you can build a new pole barn on existing concrete. Mar 1, 2021

Last updated Jan 4, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

Why is Blender not used professionally?

This leads us to a big point as to why Blender isn't an industry-standard tool: It doesn't solve a real problem for the studios – they already have...

Last updated Apr 25, 2018

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

Why you shouldn't use pallets for furniture?

Since pallets aren't meant to be used outdoors, they don't have the necessary treatment to withstand any variant of weather and wear. If they do...

Last updated Feb 16, 2019