Photo: Liza Summer

Why is the inside of my new shed wet?

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.

gardensite.co.uk - How To Prevent Condensation In A Shed - GardenSite.co.uk

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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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How long can a shelf be without middle support?

Single bookcase units with two sides, top and bottom should be no wider than 36 inches without a center support. Single bookcase shelves installed on a wall should have supports no further apart than 32 inches due to 16-inch stud spacing commonly used on homes.

homeguides.sfgate.com - Building Bookshelves That Will Not Sag - Home Guides

Bookcase shelves can sag if the fasteners or joints fail. For single, rectangular free-standing bookcases with two sides and a top, it's best to dado the shelves into the vertical jambs on either side. Dadoes are small channels cut on a table saw to receive the ends of the shelves on both sides. It's necessary to cut them into the sides before assembly. It's acceptable to skip the dado process if you fasten the shelves securely with nails or screws. Finish nails work fine, but screws work better. If you're in doubt about the integrity of the shelves on any bookcase, add 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch screw cleats or blocks to the bottom of the shelves, suggests Better Homes & Gardens. Screw them to the sides of the bookcase under the shelf. Screw the shelf to the cleats from the top. Another way to add strength to bookcases is by adding a back. For economy and efficiency, use either 1/4-inch hardboard or 1/4-inch hardwood plywood for the back. Apply glue around the perimeter of the bookcase unit and the back of the shelves. Place the back on, and staple it to the backs of the shelves and around the perimeter using a staple gun and 1-inch staples.