DIY Builds
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk Pexels Logo Photo: Pavel Danilyuk

Why is my shed going Mouldy inside?

If the outside temperature drops, any moisture inside the shed will cause condensation on the inside of the shed panels, roof, floor and possibly other items stored in the shed. This condensation will cause mould and mildew to form very quickly.

How far can I run a 20 amp circuit on 12 gauge wire?
How far can I run a 20 amp circuit on 12 gauge wire?

The best wire to use for 20 amp is the No. 12 AWG wire. This wire will safely carry 20 amps up to 100 feet. If you plan on going over 100 feet, or...

Read More »
Do privacy fences decrease home value?
Do privacy fences decrease home value?

For example, if you have a less-than-desirable view from the backyard, building a tall privacy fence can increase the home's value when it's time...

Read More »

Moisture and Mould Issues In My Garden Shed

Garden sheds can suffer from moisture and damp issues at certain times of the year. Wooden sheds are even more prone to these problems, as timber is a perishable material. Winter and Spring are the main times, when there may a high level of moisture in the air. This is caused by wet weather and damp conditions.

Effects of moisture are…

Premature rot

Mould on interior panels and roof

Warping and sagging of timber

Preventing Damp Issues

There are a few things that you can do to prevent and minimise the damage which can be caused by moisture. A major cause of rot in garden sheds is rising damp, this is caused by ground water being absorbed through the floor bearers and into the floor. To prevent this from happening it is best sorted during the initial planning stages of siting and building the shed. You will need a barrier between the ground and the floor of the shed, to stop the moisture entering. How you do this will depend on what type of base you are using on which to position the shed... Bases made using gravel allow any rain water to flow freely through it and prevent water from pooling. This reduces the chances of water being soaked up by the floor bearers. Timber bases can be used to raise the shed completely off the ground, so that it is almost impossible for water to penetrate the floor bearers. Concrete and paving slab bases need to be a level as possible to allow water to run off and prevent it from pooling. A shed that sits in puddled water will inevitably absorb water. Not only can sheds suffer from ground moisture, but also from moisture in the air. This issue is particularly prevalent in Winter. Moisture, caused by damp, wet conditions can get trapped inside sheds, especially if they are not used often. If the outside temperature drops, any moisture inside the shed will cause condensation on the inside of the shed panels, roof, floor and possibly other items stored in the shed. This condensation will cause mould and mildew to form very quickly. To combat this issue, it is advised to allow the shed to vent as often as possible throughout the winter. This will enable fresh air to circulate around the building and stop moisture from building up. To do this, you can open the windows if you have them or leave the door open from time to time. It is also a good idea to not store wet or damp items in the shed, like garden tools or bikes etc… Try to dry them off before returning them to the shed. If you do get mould forming, it is advisable to remove it as quickly as possible with an anti-mould cleaner, before it penetrates and permanently damage the timber.

Further Advice

How much would a 12x12 concrete patio cost?
How much would a 12x12 concrete patio cost?

COMPARE COSTS FOR SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE PATIOS Patio Dimensions (feet) Average Cost SMALL 12x12 $1,730 MEDIUM 10x20 $2,150 LARGE 20x20 $3,650

Read More »
What are the 3 types of perspective drawing?
What are the 3 types of perspective drawing?

There are typically three types of perspective drawing: one-point perspective, two-point perspective, and three-point perspective. May 13, 2018

Read More »

What is the room called when you first walk into a house?

foyer Residences: A foyer is an area at the front of the home, entered after passing through the front door. The foyer connects a home's entrance with the rest of the interior. ... A foyer in a residence is usually a small area behind a front door that separates a home's main rooms from the outside of the house.

Entryway

AKA Entry, entranceway

Residences : Entry areas resembling hallways ... Small room you pass through on your way inside a house ... Opening or hallway allowing entry into a structure

Foyer

Businesses: Room found right after entering through the second set of doors ... Lobby, corridor, or waiting room Residences: A foyer is an area at the front of the home, entered after passing through the front door. The foyer connects a home's entrance with the rest of the interior. ... A foyer in a residence is usually a small area behind a front door that separates a home's main rooms from the outside of the house. Often, a foyer will contain a stairway to a home's second level and interior doorways to whatever rooms are attached to it on the ground level. Some foyers have the feel of a room, while other entry areas resemble hallways (in some cases, these may be called “entryways” rather than “foyers”).

Is it better to build a shed with nails or screws?
Is it better to build a shed with nails or screws?

So, what is better for shed building, screws or nails? The quick answer is to use nails for framing and screws for finishing – sheathing and...

Read More »
What skills are needed for woodworking?
What skills are needed for woodworking?

They are the foundational skills every woodworker should know. Understand How Wood Works and Behaves. ... Sharpen Saws, Planes, and Chisels. ......

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 »
How do you ventilate a garden shed?
How do you ventilate a garden shed?

If you are looking for where to place your shed vents, you should know that the ventilation routes are areas where the dirty air escapes from as...

Read More »
Will Neighbours extension devalue my house?
Will Neighbours extension devalue my house?

Your neighbour's property Even if your property is the most pristine in the street, if your neighbour's home doesn't match it, it's likely to...

Read More »