Temperatures are expected to plunge to dramatic lows of -16C this week, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for snow and ice for large parts of the UK.
While travel disruption and power outages might be top of most people’s lists for things to worry about during cold snaps, the wintry weather can have widespread effects, including causing potentially irreversible damage to outbuildings.
Keen gardeners who keep their tools and equipment in wooden outdoor sheds have been warned to ensure their storage spaces are prepared for the cold weather to ensure they’re not damaged by mould, damp or rot.
« During the winter months, our sheds, summer houses and other outdoor buildings can endure harsh conditions which may result in irreparable damage, » a spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect said.
« Taking the extra time and precautions to check [that] everything is prepared for the colder months may save you a lot of money in the long run by finding small problems which you can fix yourself.
« Completing simple tasks such as sealing any openings or adding extra insulation can be essential to keeping damp, mould and rot away from your outdoor structures. »
Seal the openings
Leaks are one of the most common ways wintry weather takes its toll on outhouses, with wooden structures more likely to contract in cold conditions.
Pinpointing any openings or gaps and making sure they’re watertight can help to avoid long-term damage.
Prevent moisture from within
Moisture gathering inside sheds and outhouses can cause rot, mould and rust.
An easy way to dodge this problem is by ensuring good air flow and not filling your shed up with too much equipment.
Boost the roof
Wintry weather including snow and heavy rain can put pressure on shed roofs, causing both long-term damage and short-term leaks.
It’s worth checking the strain of your roof before a large downpour and brushing excess snow or ice off it following a snowstorm.
Use timber treatment
Your shed needs some TLC too! Experts recommend treating outdoor structures to a timber treatment every 12 months to protect it from water.
« Doing this annually will prolong [its] life, » they said. « Remember to do it on the inside as well as the outside. »
Strengthen the locks
Cold weather can cause locks to freeze over – preventing any access until the frost thaws.
Applying oil or WD40 to the movable parts of the door is a surefire way to stop keys getting stuck.
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