A Guide To Maintaining Sheds & Garden Buildings

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Maintaining Sheds and
Garden Buildings

To ensure you have a strong structure that looks as good as it did the first day it was built, sheds and outdoor buildings require a considered amount of maintenance. The degree of that upkeep depends on the materials used during construction – and whether the timber is treated or untreated.

Keeping your garden building clean, dry and protected from moisture is key to preventing damage over time. So, while maintaining your garden shed will take some time and dedication, the payoff is well worth the effort!

The importance of timber treatment and weatherproofing

If your garden building is made from untreated timber, it’s important to apply a suitable protective finish. A high-quality preservative stain helps shield the wood from moisture while allowing it to breathe. Microporous paints and stains are also effective, as they slow down the rate at which the timber absorbs or releases moisture. This reduces cracking, warping or swelling caused by seasonal changes.

Buildings made with pressure-treated timber are already protected against rot and insect damage. However, pressure treatment alone doesn’t waterproof the timber. To prevent moisture damage, you should still apply a water-repellent coating, especially on external surfaces. This additional layer helps stop damp from seeping through during wet weather.

You can find a selection of water-repellent coatings and timber preservers in the Fountain Timber Store, suitable for sheds, garden rooms, and other timber buildings.

Try Barrettine Water Seal →

Preventing damp and moisture damage

Even well-built sheds can suffer from moisture-related problems if they aren’t protected correctly. Apply a water-repellent preservative to the exterior of your building within 3–6 months of delivery. If the shed is exposed to rain before treatment, you might notice damp patches forming on the inside walls. Allow these areas to dry fully before treating the timber. Once treated, the issue should not return.

Pay special attention to window areas, as condensation often builds up here and can settle on internal sills. Regularly drying the ledges and surrounding timber will help prevent water damage. Applying water repellent around the lower walls and window sections also improves protection where moisture is most likely to settle.

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Security shed with an open door, set on a grassy area under a cloudy sky.

Standard Apex shed with a door and window, surrounded by grass and trees.

What to expect and how to fix common issues

Some minor issues are natural and can be corrected easily with a little care:

Roofing felt ripples

Rippling in the felt is usually caused by temperature changes and won’t affect the shed’s performance. For best results, roofing felt should be laid on a warm, dry day after being left to relax in the sun for a couple of days. This helps reduce creasing during installation.

Movement in the floor

If the ground beneath the building isn’t level or compacted, you might notice slight movement in the floor. This is often due to the timber bearers settling unevenly. Adding small packing pieces under the bearers can often solve the problem.

Damp at ground level

If water collects around the base of your shed, it can be absorbed into the timber by capillary action. To prevent this, make sure the shed is installed on a raised or well-drained area. If that’s not possible, wait until the base is dry and then apply a water-repellent coating generously to all lower wall sections to block further moisture ingress.

Apex Powershed in a landscaped outdoor area with a gray wall in the background.

Standard Pent shed with a front door and a small window, set on grass.

quality, hard-wearing garden sheds at fountain timber

Looking after your garden building not only improves its appearance but also protects your investment. With the right treatment and regular checks, your shed or outbuilding can last for many years.

At Fountain Timber, we supply a wide range of sheds and timber buildings built for durability. Our expert team can advise you on the best ways to protect your structure – from choosing the right woodcare product to understanding the correct installation approach.

Explore our full range of preservers and woodcare, or get in touch with us if you'd like more help with your shed maintenance.

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