Bought a shed from b and q, covered in mildew

puddy

We bought this shed from b and q

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=10086624&fh_view_size=10&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatal!!!1%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b9372012%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372017%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372061%7d%2fspecificationsProductType%3dgarden_storage&fh_refview=lister&isSearch=false

as per the many reviews, the packaging was ripped and the wood inside very wet. We specifically asked the man in b and q to find us the least ripped and wet one and he was really helpful and gave it to us for £100 because it was clearly wet inside.

We have now unpacked it and are drying it in the sun. we're lucky that theres no splitting as such (some of the corners a bit dodgy) but the main issue is some of the wood has lots of white fluffy mildew on it and that sort of webbing where mould has been growing. before treating it therefore, we want to get rid of the mould and mildew, how is it best to do this, the wood is quite porous as its not treated or smooth. i have some fungle and mould remover, which is predominatly bleach, or we could brush it off with a brush, but does that get rid of it from within the wood?

we havent tried putting it together yet as its still too wet. also is it best to paint it once its up or before it goes up?

what annoys me is this was the only one for the size and shape that suited our needs and so despite the reviews about wet packaging we sort of felt we had to get it anyway. i cant understand why a company would choose to store things in a way that renders them damaged?

aboard_epsilon

What do you mean by painting ..if you mean wood treatment painting fine ..if you mean gloss paint then the shed will not have a long lifespan ..

I think you should maybe scrub it with bleach like product ..let it dry ..
and then use a white spirit type preservative ..creosote substitute ..or paraffin mixed with old engine oil .

Do it after several dry weeks so the wood is very dry and takes more of it in .

Most of the water based stuff on the market is environmentally friendly..mainly for looks and not preserving, and is not as good as the above ,,mold will not regrow on anything that is soaked in a petro chemical gloop that is applied every year.

all the best.markj

puddy

well we need to put it up soonish so waiting a few weeks isnt an option. i have just bought some clear wood preserver and also cream colour care from wickes as i wanted it cream. hopefully we can put it up next week after all the coats are dry

maninthestreet

Use diluted bleach in a trigger spray to get rid of the mildew.

Steve_xx

I'd put it up as it is. Site it in a sunny spot if you can, ensuring good airflow all around it. Mount it on a couple of bricks so that air can get beneath it for a week or two at least. You should find that it will then dry out and any mould present will dry off too. Then treat it with a creosote substitute and that will ensure that the wood is preserved and that any remaining mould spores are killed off.

jjww_2

A soda crystal solution will shift mildew and moss. Dead cheap too and smells better than bleach.

I would just put the shed up and then paint as soon as it has dried out, timber has probably already been pretreated in manufacturing process.