Timber Building Maintenance

Firstly, when choosing where to position your timber building it is always important to consider the surroundings and the exposure from the elements. Placing it within a shadow of a close building can be a good idea, if you are totally exposed to heavy winds during tougher months. But also, a good idea to look to place it where there is light sun exposure to allow it to dry. Too Much sun exposure can cause the interior to be hot and the exterior paint and roof may age faster. Consider what you are storing if it is light or heat sensitive.

Consider the dangers of overhanging trees or plants growing close to your timber building. Try to help avoid sharing the floor with tree roots or anything that can cause damage or holes in the roof felt. Ideally the area around your building needs to be free from trees or bushes growing against or around as this can cause the timber to absorb moisture/condensation and prevent the timber from airing after rainfall or moisture in the air.

Choose a location protected from harsh weather, ensuring comfort and longevity.

Ensure that the foundation on which the garden building is built on is strong, stable, and level.

A timber building cannot be placed directly onto a lawn it does require additional support to prevent it from sinking into the ground. A solid foundation can be done with several different materials most common are paving slabs or concrete.

We offer a timber base like the one illustrated:-

Ensure your shed is based on level ground to prevent issues with stability and drainage.

**Inspect the underneath regularly.**

Keep an eye on your roof felt it generally lasts around 5 years but depending on the elements around it and how well it is maintained, it can last longer or shorter. Replacing your felt will help ensure your shed remains watertight. If you notice any holes or tears normally caused by storms or falling branches or even animals, Quick action is essential to avoid your timber building becoming damp.

Check inside your timber building for any holes, leaks, or evidence of damp, after rainfall is the best time. Fix any holes to avoid damp or risk of rotting.

Any moss or mildew building on top of the felt can be a cause for concern as can indicate water accumulation on the roof. When water is left on felt it adds stress to the roof and can lead to water penetration. 

You should aim to to inspect your roof felt at least once a year, always check your roof after any heavy rainfall as your roof is always exposed to the elements. 

The base that the timber building sits on, remove any weeds grass or anything that is sitting close to allow to dry out, especially during rainy months.

Try to treat the building every two years around late summer/early autumn. However, this can depend on the weather conditions it is exposed to.

Not giving your timber building the right protection can leave it exposed to the elements. This can result in sun damage and discoloration, as well as mould.

Remember proper maintenance ensures that your timber building stands strong for generations to come.

You need to make sure that water can drain away from the building and its foundation. A good drainage system will protect your building from water damage and rot. You need to make sure the ground around your building is level and that the foundation is well drained. As above, any vegetation around your building can cause water to pool.

To check if your treatment needs to be reapplied you can wait for rainfall or spray water onto the building exterior and see what happens – if the water remains on the surface your treatment should be okay for another year, if it soaks into the wood, you know it is time for another coat of treatment. Also check the corner or end of the timbers which may be exposed as they maybe absorbing water.

If you have a timber building from us and you decide for us not to treat it, this is something that needs to be done as soon as possible, pretty much straight after we or you have erected it. The timber used to clad the building which is exposed to the outside elements is kiln dried white soft wood and has zero protection or resistance from rot, if the timber is not treated before being exposed to the outdoors it can cause lasting damage.