Garden shed

dante1_2

Not being much of a handyman I'm a bit puzzled by what I'm reading about metal garden sheds.

I've looked at a couple of suppliers but they both say the same thing which is that the sheds don't come with a floor built in.

How then do you make it waterproof/damp-proof?

Any advice appreciated.

phill99

You stand them on a slab/concrete base. But sheds are rarely damp proof.

dante1_2

How does standing it on a concrete base make it waterproof, what stops the rain creeping between the shed and base?

BargainGalore

It doesn't water can get in. Also metal sheds suffer condensation, a wooden one is far better the more you pay the better the quality and longer it will last if maintained properly, again the base is most important and having it lifted off the ground slightly

dante1 wrote: »

How does standing it on a concrete base make it waterproof, what stops the rain creeping between the shed and base?

rich_jtg

I used sealant between the shed and base when we used to have a metal shed. Wasn't 100% successful, but generally worked.

The biggest 'damp' issue from memory was condensation forming on the roof and dripping down. A similar thing happens with plastic sheds apparently. Presumably, they have lined roofs these days.

chiefgoobster

Buy a wooden shed. ..do not go for a metal one.
They come with a gazillion nuts n bolts and fixings, it will drive you completely mad, you will go grey quicker than you can imagine and you may permanently suffer from Tourettes !!

fridae

Hi, I’m new to posting but I’ve been taking Martin’s newsletter for a long time. I hope I will be okay with what I’m about to say, it is about metal sheds and it is about my cunning plan or a complete non-starter. I will explain what I am thinking and why and let you ladies and gentlemen offer criticism, constructive or otherwise.

I have re-felted my wooden shed a number of times over the past few years and it looks as though it needs doing again. The reason for this is because a tree overhangs the shed and the birds tend to peck through as they feed on the falling seeds. Overall, however, the roof is solid as is the rest of the shed and I am quite reluctant to get rid of it.

I have been looking at metal sheds, but am concerned about the reports of condensation I have encountered, written and verbal. I had considered a plastic one, but as I am looking to buy an 8 x 10 shed and I am not made of money and as this site is all about saving money I looked at all my options and that is when I had my Baldrick moment, which is not yet complete as I do not know if it can actually be done. Anyhow for better or worse here it is:

My wooden shed is 6 x 8 and I am thinking of buying a 10 x 8 steel shed and placing it around my wooden one. My idea being (1) I won’t have the condensation problems as I will have my original roof, (2) it will never again be pecked or suffer from the ravages of bad weather, (3) my bike, mower and other metal and other vulnerable to rust items such as tools etc will be kept warm and dry (4) I will have gained extra storage space for rust proof items i.e. the patio plastic table and chairs for example and (5) as a bit of an added benefit any thief will get a right surprise when s/he is presented with a double skinned shed. But would this be possible?

[FONT=&quot]I realise that it will need to clear the original roof, however, I feel this might be accomplished by raising the metal shed’s base. The only real problems I can envisage encountering are actually closing the structure around the wooden shed and securing the roof. If anybody has put one of these metal sheds together perhaps you would like to comment on my idea generally and with regard to the roof fitting specifically. I would welcome all views and look forward in anticipation of reading them.[/FONT]

Hintza

I'm refelting the shed roof at the moment. Felt bought.

But I was talking to someone the other day and he was raving about this stuff (used for flat roofs but should work well. There are a couple of similar products.

http://www.rubberseal.com/

He was talking around £7/m2 (I assume that is a trade price)

traineepensioner

"metal sheds suffer condensation"

Sticking insulation panels onto the metal panels inside might reduce condensation.

B&Q sell 2400mm X 1200mm x 25mm "Jablite" insulation panels for £6.95 each....so not too expensive especially if you only need to do the roof

Suzy_M

Putting a damp proof membrane under slab or concrete base will reduce damp- if the base is laid level in the first place.
.

fridae

I notice nobody has replied to my comments. Is that because I have placed it in the wrong thread? As I have said, I am new to this posting and I don't want to upset anybody.