Let’s get this out of the way at the start, wood likes water, and vice versa.
So: Are wooden sheds waterproof?
No, but that’s not necessarily a…problem?
Confusing? Of course! So let’s get into it.
Wood is hygroscopic in nature, which means that on a very fundamental, molecular level, it attracts water molecules, and this can then, on a larger scale lead to problems such as warping, rot, mold, and mildew. However, because hygroscopy is such a fundamental scientific phenomenon, wood and water experts alike have worked together to come up with a number of targeted solutions to treat wood, and this hygroscopy, enabling us to have wooden structures that last several hundreds of years! And there’s a lot you can do too, to essentially ensure your shed, though not inherently waterproof, is however, waterproofed.
Let’s start with the basics. When installing your shed you can ensure that the top and bottom are secure, i.e., the roof and foundation. Water and vapour are ever present in the atmosphere, but let’s be real, when it hit hard it hits hardest from either the sky or the ground. While ground water can seep into your foundation and easily ruin the foundation of a shed, precipitation like rain, hail and snow can come through the top, so you’ve got to have these bases covered. Proper shed installation is key when it comes to waterproofing your shed, and luckily for you at Norfolk Sheds we offer expert installations to save you the trouble of worrying about gaps and unsteady fixings and things like that. Just give us a call and we can have a chat about your shed plans! At Norfolk Sheds we also offer high quality roofing kits, which are designed with drainage as the priority, thereby drastically reducing the effects of potential rainwater damage.
Once that’s done, there’s many things you can do yourself and in terms of, What is the best way to protect a wooden shed, there are a number of practices that have proved to work best when all used together.
For starters, protect that wood, real good!
Most shed owners will know that the wood, i.e., essentially the body of the shed, will require a new coat of wood preservative or protector every one or two years. Just look at it as a fun summer project, nothing like that new paint smell and you’ll have your shed looking brand new every other year, while also ensuring the wood is taken care of, ensuring there is no water or pest damage. You can start by looking at some of the wood protectors we offer here at Norfolk sheds, and see what best suits you. You can further choose between water based and oil based depending on your budget.
Next burning question,
Should you seal a wooden shed?
Alright, this is a good one, a shed should both be sealed, and ventilated, so how does one manage that? While sealing is meant to keep the water out, ventilation is important to stop the humidity from building up on the inside, so you’ll need to install air vents and use dehumidifiers or absorbers like silica gel, and you’ll also need to ensure that the gaps near the windows and doors are properly sealed with materials like caulk or sealant. And while many sheds many come with these things prefabricated, it will be your responsibility to keep checking for
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Water coming in. (RED FLAG)
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Water vapour going out (GREEN FLAG)
So the biggest thing when it comes to increasing the longevity of a shed is maintenance, small, basic and sometimes overlooked routines can greatly increase your shed’s lifespan. Regularly check for mould, for cold drafts, for signs of swelling or any observable difference in the wood, and attend to things as soon as you see them. Time is of the essence with shed care, because while a localised issue in the wood can be easily attended to, things get harder, and more expensive, as they spread.
That being said,
You might still find yourself wondering, for practical purposes,
What is the lifespan of a wooden shed?
As you might know, some wooden structures last centuries, so there is no real limit on the lifespan of a shed if you put in the work and the time. Truly, a shed could be passed down across generations if you really want it to, but for all practical purposes, let’s just say that a properly cared for hardwood shed can last over 20 years, while a softwood one may make it up to 20 years if you’re lucky, but 15 with the basic care.
So worry not, your shed might be around long after you’re not…let’s just say a long time!