How to prevent a mouldy shed during colder months

You already contend with the stress of maintaining your home; including ensuring that damp doesn’t develop, and everyone knows that moisture breeds mould, something that can affect the appearance of your home as well as the health of those residing there. It’s disgusting, it’s unsafe, it smells awful, it affects the value of your home – the list goes on and on. But it’s not enough that this doesn’t get inside your house, you need to make sure it doesn’t get into your shed either.

Chances are, your shed contains a lot of items important and valuable to you; your Christmas and other holiday decorations, camping and outdoor equipment, outdoor furniture and garden tools – some people even store out-of-season clothing in this space too.

Needless to say, that’s quite a lot of stuff that could potentially get damaged. While you could debate whether to get a new shed entirely, what’s really going to do the trick is treating this almost as if it were your house. This is going to be the number one way to prevent a mouldy shed. So, here’s everything you need to know to prevent it happening during the colder and wetter months of the year.

Start by giving it a clean

Whether you’re putting items away for the winter or simply cleaning out the shed, it’s important to sweep out the entire area, making sure there aren’t any old leaves or other garden debris that can decompose and cause mould. Also, it’s a good idea to look for signs of rodent activity or damage, as they too are often the cause of moisture within a shed. Nearly all sheds are made from wood, so check to see if there are any signs of mould emanating from the wood itself. See if you can use plastic shed bases instead, as this could help a lot. Perhaps the first thing to do, if you suspect damp or mould, is to clean your shed and do a thorough inspection.

Is there ventilation?

Some sheds, not all of them, will have some sort of ventilation present within the structure itself. However, sometimes, ventilation could just lead to more moisture getting in. A concrete vapour barrier is a great way to do this, as it will stop moisture from reaching the floor of the shed. Generally speaking, it’s up to you, but it’s best to just look into this and see what your shed does and doesn’t have.

Consider installing insulation

One of the reasons why mould grows during the winter and autumn (and early spring) months is due to the sheer amount of moisture that’s present in the air. This constant moisture (and cold temperatures) essentially makes it impossible to dry out. So, in cases like this, it’s best to just go ahead and look into the insulation. In fact, when it comes to these cold months, the reason your house doesn’t mould is thanks to the insulation that’s present. Simply add some basic insulation into your shed (which doesn’t need to be too expensive) can instantly resolve a main portion of why your belongings get moulded during the colder months.

disclosure*

Is it cheaper to build a shed rather than buy one?

When it comes to sheds, there are a few things you need to consider. The first is whether you want to build your own shed or buy one pre-built. Both options have their pros and cons, but building your own shed can often be cheaper. In this post, we’ll compare the cost of building a shed versus buying, so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Overview of building a shed

One important factor to consider when building a shed is the cost of materials. The price of lumber and other building materials has been on the rise in recent years, so it’s important to factor that into your budget. The size of the shed is also an important consideration. If you’re planning on storing large items in the shed, you’ll need to make sure it’s big enough to accommodate them. Finally, the ease of construction is another important factor to consider. If you’re not experienced in building, it’s probably best to hire a professional to do the job for you.

Quality control

When building a shed, it is important to ensure the quality of the construction. Poorly constructed sheds can be dangerous, and may not last as long as those that are built correctly. There are a few things to keep in mind when building a shed:

Make sure the foundation is solid and level
The walls and roof should be made of strong materials that will withstand the elements
Ensure the shed is well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up
Inspect the shed regularly to ensure that it’s in good condition

Budget control

While building a shed may be cheaper than buying one, it’s important to consider all the costs involved in building your own shed. Labour, materials and tools can add up, so make sure you have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your project.

Less expensive

To decide which is the best option for you, consider your needs and budget. If you have the time and money to build a shed, it can be a great option. However, if you need a shed quickly or don’t want to spend the time building one, buying a shed is probably the better choice.

Ideal design

When building a shed, it’s important to plan the design carefully. This will help ensure that the shed is not only functional but also looks great in your garden. Here are a few tips on how to design the perfect shed:

Start by measuring the space where you want to position the shed. This will help you determine the size of the shed you need
Decide what kind of shed you want. Do you want a storage shed, garden shed or something else?
Choose the material you want to use for your shed. Wood is a popular choice, but there are also metal and plastic sheds available
Make sure to get any necessary building permits from your local council before starting construction

Overview of buying a shed

Advantages

When it comes to storage, a shed is a great option. They’re durable and can last for years with proper maintenance and care. They’re also a good investment, as they can add value to your home. If you’re thinking of adding a shed to your property, you may be wondering if it is cheaper to build or buy one.

Disadvantages

Building a shed can be a cheaper option, depending on the size and type of shed you want. However, there are some disadvantages to building your own shed. First, it can be time-consuming – especially if you’re building a custom shed. You’ll also need to purchase all the materials and have the necessary tools on hand.

Bottom line

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether building or buying a shed is the cheaper option. Overall, it seems that building your own shed can be more economical in the long run – but there are some caveats. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, or if you don’t have access to the necessary tools and materials, then it might be better to just buy a shed. Do your research and figure out what option is best for you.

[disclosure*]

Price Points: Sentry sheds

Since moving into our cottage almost 3 years ago, we already bought a new garden shed to store all the DIY tools, paint and other materials that we use for the renovation and decoration. But I’ve said before, give us a space, and we’ll fill it. That’s what’s happened with that outdoor storage.

We’ve long felt that we need a separate space to store our gardening gear; the tools, the seed trays, the compost and the plant food. One of these small sentry sheds is the answer!

Sheds don’t come cheap, the cheapest one is £150. However, at that price you get a sentry shed that’s too small to store a broom or a leaf rake; it’s only 63cm at its widest point.

The mid-range model is 93cm wide – so it can fit broom, rake, fork and shovel with ease. And, like the cheap version, it has a trio of corner shelves to put small things we’d need readily to hand such as secateurs, plant labels and ball of garden string.

The top-end example is really lovely – and I like the choice of shingle or corrugated tin roof and the proper door handle. However, if I’m spending that much money on outdoor storage, I’d rather invest in a greenhouse. But – more on that subject next week!

Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural: £150.00, Wilko
Made from highly durable Chinese fir wood obtained from managed sources offers weather resistance. It has a heavy grade mineral roofing felt and a wooden drop latch, so you can rest assured that your garden tools and equipment will be kept secure from rain, wind, and snow. Self-assembly required. Supplied flat packed. Colour: Natural. Dimensions: Internal: H125 x W63 x D43cm, Large Door: H123 x W51cm, Small Door: H25 x W35cm.
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2: £219.00, eBay
Traditional sentry store: from £2,373.00, the Garden Trellis Co.
The Sentry Store comes complete with your choice of an extremely realistic faux lead GRP roof, traditional WRC shingles or a corrugated tin roof. A part glazed front door is also available as an option. There is a locking system for added security as standard. The Thermowood* can be left natural or a painted option is available using one of our 8 paint colours

shop sentry sheds

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Traditional sentry store
from £2,373.00