Winter proof your garden shed

Forest Garden’s range of weather-beating Beckwood sheds are perfect for those who want fuss-free garden storage with minimal upkeep.

Designed to be completely maintenance-free, the Beckwood range from the UK’s largest manufacturer and distributor of wooden garden products is made from pressure treated timber which boasts an industry-leading 25-year anti-rot guarantee.

But not all sheds are built equal. For those whose sheds need a little TLC this winter, Forest Garden’s Head of Marketing Jenny Davis, has compiled five top tips to help homeowners weather-proof their shed this winter.

1. Clear the gutters and roof

The first step to winter-proof your garden shed is to clear out dead leaves and debris from any gutters and from the roof.

Jenny said: “When leaf debris accumulates, it will also collect and pool water which will cause damp spots. At best, the damp spots will create higher moisture levels inside the shed damaging the garden tools and equipment you have stored. At worst, you’ll also risk rotting the timber structure. Keep the gutters and roof free of debris to prevent dampness from occurring.

2. Cut back foliage

Jenny said: “Make sure you cut back any overgrown foliage and branches so they are not resting on your timber.”

Any foliage touching your shed will also be a risk for the creation of damp spots, whilst larger vegetation such as branches risk being moved and broken in high winds or with heavy snow and damaging the structure of the shed.

3. Treat the wood

If you have a dip-treated shed, it is important to treat the wood. The application of an annual wood preservative paint will protect the timber from moisture, insects and funghi.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to Beckwood sheds that NEVER need treating and have a 25 year guarantee – the longest in the market.

4. Inspect the roof

Next you’ll need to check the integrity of your felt roof, looking for cracks and damage. 

Jenny said: “Check for cracks and damage. Replace the old or broken felt to prevent leaks and ensure the interior of your shed and the items you have stored remain dry and safe all winter.”

5. Consider what you store

You’d think that a shed is a shed and you can store whatever you wish in your shed over winter. The truth is there are many different ways to design and build a shed, some more weatherproof than others.

Jenny said: “Some shed designs will let more air and moisture in and will also have shorter lifespans. So carefully consider what you store in your shed, like valuable garden tools that could attract rust over the damper months.”

A Beckwood shed gives you weatherbeating performance for when you want to store more than just spades.

The Beckwood Shed collection is available now from forestgarden.co.uk