DIY Builds
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Why is my shed damp inside?

This is because the interior of a shed is warmer than outside and the problem starts with moisture present in the foundations. or which may have ingressed from outside. This warm moisture will rise and form condensation when reaching the colder roof and wall panels.

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Plastic and metal sheds have gained great popularity over recent years, they are easily assembled, extremely durable and low maintenance - offering good looks and a long life. But, if any dampness is present in the foundation base, metal or single walled vinyl clad structures will suffer from condensation similar to any enclosed, unheated space. This is because the interior of a shed is warmer than outside and the problem starts with moisture present in the foundations. or which may have ingressed from outside. This warm moisture will rise and form condensation when reaching the colder roof and wall panels. Droplets of water are formed, these fall onto the floor and the condensation process begins once more.

Preventing Condensation

As many of these sheds do not include a floor as standard, you must take great care in assembling them properly. Making sure that the roof and wall panels overlap accurately is vital, and you should also check that every screw or plug washer is in place. There should be zero ingress of water from any fixing. Also, ensure you do not store damp items in the shed as this will add moisture. Instead, let wet gardening and leisure items dry out fully before storing. It's a fact that condensation inside a shed is a difficult thing to prevent. However, building the base correctly is essential with a damp proof membrane covering the entire base area. Instructions on how to construct a base can be found in How To Build A Concrete Shed Base. After building the base, make sure the concrete is completely cured before proceeding, this can take over a week or longer in damp weather, and, after the shed is secured to the base, seal the inside with silicone along the base rails to prevent water seeping into the interior.

Solving The Problem

If the base is in place or condensation is already present, here are two suggestions to cure the problem: The first method is designed to remove moisture from the atmosphere. Remove the shed from its base and build a timber floor on raised bearers, a few inches larger than the base. Using screws, fix the floor in place and apply a silicone seal inside the base rails. Air should now be able to flow under the floor and keep the base dry. You must also ensure that water cannot collect under the floor. A second method insulates the shed and prevents moisture from condensing. Use meths to clean the underside of the roof panels, ensuring they are completely dry. Glue polystyrene panels to the underside of the roof using 3M Spray 77 Adhesive which is formulated to bond polystyrene to metal and is not affected by cold or heat. Coat both tiles and the roof panel, and the bond should be secure after 1-2 minutes on a warm and dry day. Metal and plastic sheds have many advantages over traditional materials and, with proper preparation and careful construction, there is no reason why condensation should become a problem that prevents you from buying such fantastic products.

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Do I need to bolt down my shed?

Sheds should be anchored to the earth or the proper base, such as cement slabs. One of the main reasons for this is that a strong gust of wind could knock your shed off its foundation. This will result in substantial damage that is expensive to restore.

Many people ask “Do I need to anchor my shed? Does it really matter?” Well, it depends on size, climate, zoning laws, and other factors. Many sheds require and should have some anchoring. If not, they are more likely to be displaced by strong winds or shifting weather conditions such as seasonal freezing and thawing, which could induce ground displacement under your shed surface. Even a fraction of an inch of shed movement will cause havoc on your shed doors. Floor rotation will cause your doors to get out of balance, making it very difficult to open and shut your doors, and this will only worsen over the lifespan of your shed. You could also be dealing with a dangerous situation in which the roof framing is breached, which may be the worst-case scenario.

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