Waterproofing a wood shed prolongs its life and usability. Although a wood shed today usually comes with wood-based primer coating to extend its life, you must not solely rely on that coating. It may last for a short time, but it will not be enough to guarantee long-term protection from the elements. Your shed will hold up longer if you waterproof it and continue to maintain it into the future.
Here are some tips for waterproofing your wood shed:
- Take care of the floor ??Waterproofing a shed starts with a reliable floor. The floor of the shed must be detached or separated from the earth. This will prevent damage from moisture. A shed that is not separated from the ground will easily get wet when it rains, exposing the entire shed to excess moisture. Use concrete blocks or pieces of scrap metal as a substructure for the shed??s floor.
- Sealing the wood ??The wood shed must be sealed from the inside and the outside. You can use commercial sealer for this purpose. A sealer that is specifically designed for wood is optimal. Apply the sealer outside and inside and on the roof??s perimeter, with special attention to the corners where water typically slips through. Make sure the sealer has time to dry adequately.
- Protect the roof ??After waterproofing the walls of the shed, make sure to do the same to the roof. You can use fiberglass or scrap metal to protect the roof or you can just apply wood treatment.
- Wood treatment ??Using wood preservation treatment as a base coat will allow you to apply different paint colors to your wood shed. Make sure you use wood treatment that is compatible with paint. If not, your paint will not adhere. Use waterproof paint for better water protection.
After waterproofing your wood shed, you need to periodically inspect your shed for signs of water leaks. Taking the above steps can help ensure an effective water barrier but not a foolproof one. Continue to be vigilant and your shed can become an excellent long-term investment.
