Garden maintenance or any other yard work will be much easier when you have everything you need on hand. You can keep all the tools, supplies, and even some currently unnecessary things in the garden shed. You can build these objects in any size you want. Besides being a handy storage space, these small buildings are a lovely addition to your yard.
Sheds are mostly made of logs, which have their pros and cons. You can learn more about them at this link. Wood, even treated, is highly-absorbent. So, proper maintenance is a must to keep your outdoor storage unit in good condition for a long time. Besides regular cleaning and ventilation of this area, you have to prevent mould formation. Mildew can harm your health and ruin your belongings.
Reduce Moisture Levels
The first step in stopping mould growth is to cut the moisture level inside the shed. High humidity contributes to mould formation, so it's important to find ways to lower it. In most cases, these levels should be between forty and fifty per cent.
You can buy cheap hydrometers online to check the moisture level. As for absorbers and dehumidifiers, you can buy them cheaply at any home improvement store. Or you can use some DIY solutions, like cat litter or desiccants. Just keep in mind that the sand should be replaced every few days.
Another thing to prevent moisture is drying all items before storing them in your shed. A few water drops can escalate into the whole world of mould issues. So try to remove excess moisture from your stuff as much as possible.
Proper Ventilation
A garden shack should be well-vented, as every closed space is prone to mould formation. You should think about that when designing this building. Make sure it has windows and air vents. When it's dry outside, you can leave doors and windows open for a while.
Vents, like those on shacks sold at Dublin Garden Sheds, will do the trick during the cold months. They will prevent your shed from being damp and full of mould. Even if you don't have vents on your wooden building, you can add them later. Install them high on gable walls to ensure the best airflow.
Use Anti-Fungal Solutions
The best way to stop mould in wood shacks is to prevent it before getting out of hand. And you can do that by cleaning and disinfecting this building regularly. Also, you can use some wood treatments to prevent mould development. When applying them both inside and outside, always use a protective mask and gloves.
Visit a local painter and inquire about the best wood preservatives. Sadolin-based products are great as they get in the wood, preventing moisture absorption. They fill tiny holes inside lumber and provide rot, fungi and mould protection. It will usually take 2 or 3 coats before paint application.
You should use a fungicide that kills the spores before they spread around. Borax is an excellent choice as it's safe and highly efficient against mould, bacteria, and allergens. Plus, it can help you get rid of that nasty smell in sheds that were closed for months.
Proper Insulation
One of the most effective ways to prevent mould is by insulating your shed. That way, you will ensure a constant temperature inside this wooden building. When there are no significant temperature changes, there are no conditions for moisture and mould to appear.
One way to insulate a garden shed is to use bubble wrap. It's an inexpensive and effective insulation method that can protect this wooden building while preventing rot and dampness from entering. This material comes in handy for areas where you keep manual garden tools and supplies.
But putting bubble wrap in sheds can be dangerous if you plan to keep electric appliances there. Instead, opt for foil-backed compressed insulation to avoid any risk of fire. It's a costlier but much, much safer solution. Make sure to apply anti-fungal solution before putting the insulation on the shed's roof and walls.
On this page, check some insulation guidelines:
Maintaining a garden shed is not a job that requires too much time. You will prevent mould development if you follow some basic guidelines (like not leaving wet things inside). That will allow your wooden storage space to be functional and aesthetically pleasing for a long time.