Get sheds winter ready

The Gothic Shed from The Posh Shed Company requires minimal maintenance

The Posh Shed Company on how to prep your garden shed in time for winter

It’s the time of year when homeowners need to get their sheds winter ready.

And the experts at The Posh Shed Company are on hand to share their top tips – even though their own models require minimal upkeep.

TOP TIPS FROM THE POSH SHED COMPANY

1. Clear the gutters and roof: The first step to winter-proof your garden shed is to clear out dead leaves and debris from the gutters and roof. When debris accumulates, it will collect and pool water which will cause damp spots. At best, the damp spots will create higher moisture levels inside the shed damaging the contents. At worst, you’ll also risk rotting the timber structure.

2. Cut back foliage: Similarly, you will need to make sure you cut back any overgrown foliage and branches so they are not resting on your timber. Any foliage touching your shed will risk the creation of damp spots. Plus, larger vegetation could potentially damage the structure of the shed in high winds and storms.

3. Treat the wood: If you have a dip-treated shed, it is important to treat the wood. Applying a wood preservative paint each year will protect the timber from moisture, insects and funghi. We also recommend the annual application of a wax or oil-based weatherproofing finish.

A clear dry day is best for treating your shed so that the oil has time to soak in and penetrate the timber, giving it long-lasting protection. Apply it on a rainy day and you’ll risk the treatment being washed off before it has had a chance to work its magic.

4. Inspect the roof: Next you’ll need to check the integrity of your roof, looking for cracks and damage. Replace the old or broken felt to prevent leaks and ensure the interior of your shed and its contents remain dry and safe all winter.

5. Consider what you store: Some shed designs will let more air and moisture in than others. So carefully consider what you store in your shed. Valuable garden tools, for example, could attract rust over the damper months.

All sheds from The Posh Shed Company, even standard models, don’t require the same level of maintenance as other sheds. That’s because they boast vertical tongue and groove triple wall construction which has been built to withstand the elements without the need to be treated annually with wood preserver.

The Posh Shed Company currently offers seven different models – The Potting Shed, The Gothic, The Ludlow, The Southwold, The Chelsea, The Botanic and The Kensington – all available in three different specifications: Posh, Comfortably Posh and Unbelievably Posh.

Each is available in seven colours: Harbour Haze, Sage Whisper, Warm Wheat, Soft Linen, Dove Grey, Thunderstorm and Mistral Blue.