Winter-Proofing Your Shed

As we start to pack on the layers and roll up our woolen socks, it’s time to face the cold, hard truth: winter is coming, and your trusty garden shed is going to need some extra TLC to brave the most wonderful time of the year. Winter can do some serious damage if you don’t prepare, from frozen locks to full-on structural collapse. 

And, let’s be honest, you don’t want to be dealing with shed damage while it’s freezing outside. It’s far better to prepare now, before the temperature plummets and the weather takes a turn for the worse. 

So, where do you even start? 

It’s not rocket science. Think of your shed as an extension of your family—maybe a distant cousin. You don’t see them all the time, but when winter’s looming, it’s time to check in, make sure everything’s okay, and fix any issues before they…erm…snowball.

Take a walk around your shed and do a thorough inspection. Look for any existing damage—whether it’s a crack in the wood, a leak in the roof, or a loose windowpane. Winter is like the ultimate stress test for your shed, so if something’s wrong now, the cold will only make it worse. Sheds like the Lewis 8x6 Professional Storage Apex are designed to withstand most of what winter can throw at them, but they still benefit from regular maintenance and care. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you’ll ensure your shed stays in top condition not just through the winter, but for years to come. Got tools, gardening supplies, or boxes of Christmas decorations packed away? Move them around, check for damp spots or leaks, and once you have a good sense of what needs fixing, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Starting with…

The position of your shed. 

If you’re setting up a new shed or thinking about relocating your existing one, positioning matters. Ideally, your shed should be in a sunny spot. Sunlight helps dry out the wood faster after rain or snow, which reduces the risk of damp and rot.

Avoid low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. If your garden has any spots where water collects after rain, don’t put your shed there. Aim for a high, well-drained area, where water won’t gather and cause long-term damage.

Once your shed is up and ready, you can move on to…

Waterproofing

Water is winter’s sneaky sidekick, creeping into every crack and causing total havoc. Whether your shed is made of wood or metal, it’s vulnerable to water damage from rain, snow, and sleet. But with a few steps, you can keep things nice and dry inside.

Start by checking for holes or gaps in the roof, floor, and walls. The tiniest opening can let water in, so seal everything up with a waterproof caulk or silicone sealant, especially around windows and joints. And don’t forget the base of the shed—rising damp from the ground can lead to rot.

In addition to sealant, a good-quality wood treatment is essential. Even if your shed came with a water-resistant preservative (many, like the Lewis 8x6 Professional Storage Apex Shed, do), regular upkeep is key. Re-treat your shed annually with a high-quality wood preservative or wood stain, you can check out some of the products we stock at Norfolk Sheds here. This will not only stop moisture from seeping in but also keep the wood looking great for years to come.

Start from the top…the roof! 

Your shed’s roof bears the brunt of winter’s worst—rain, snow, and high winds all hit the roof first, and if it’s not in top shape, you’re in for trouble. When winter-proofing your shed, start by checking for any existing damage in the roof—holes in the felt, loose tiles, or gaps that could let water in. Even a small hole can turn into a big problem once the frost starts creeping in.

For extra protection, consider upgrading your roofing felt to something thicker and more durable. Polyester mineral felt, for example, is tougher and can handle the extra weight of snow or prolonged exposure to rain. It’s always better to pre-empt and prevent problems rather than trying to do damage control in the middle of winter.

And while snow on the roof of your shed might make your backyard look like Santa’s workshop, it’s wise to rake the snow off when you can. Letting snow pile up and melt can damage the wood underneath and clog the gutters!

Which brings us to the next point, your drainage system, aka…gutters! 

While they might not be the most exciting feature of a shed, gutters are crucial for protecting it from water damage. A proper guttering system will direct rainwater away from the walls and foundation, keeping your shed dry and secure. If you don’t have gutters yet, installing them before winter hits is a smart move. It’s a relatively simple fix that can save you a lot of headaches down the line.

And if you already have gutters, make sure to clean them out before the cold sets in. Leaves, twigs, and dirt can build up and block water flow, causing it to spill over the sides and run down the walls, which can lead to rot or even structural damage over time. Grab a pair of gloves and get dirty—it’ll be worth it when your shed stays dry all winter.

Oftentimes, we focus on keeping moisture out, but what do we do to get rid of the moisture that might end up getting trapped within? 

Ventilation is also a key step in winter and waterproofing your shed! Without it, any moisture inside has nowhere to escape, leading to mold, mildew, and a generally damp, miserable shed.

If your shed doesn’t have vents, install one or two to make sure there’s airflow. This helps keep things dry and prevents condensation from building up inside, which can damage the shed and whatever you’re storing in it. After all, no one wants to open their shed in the spring only to find their gardening tools rusted or their Christmas decorations soggy.

Another aspect of winter-proofing that’s often overlooked is insulation. If you use your shed for more than just storage, like a workspace or hobby room, insulation can make a huge difference during colder months. It helps keep the interior temperature more stable, preventing freezing conditions that can damage tools, equipment, and anything else stored inside.

Consider using foil-backed insulation boards or bubble wrap insulation to line the walls and roof of your shed. They’re lightweight, affordable, and effective at keeping the cold at bay. And if you’ve invested in a high-quality shed like the Goodwood Mammoth 10x15, it’s definitely worth adding this extra layer of protection. For smaller sheds, insulation might seem like overkill, but it will make your shed much more versatile year-round. You can still store sensitive items or spend time in the shed, even when the temperature dips below freezing.

Onto, safety! 

If your shed has electrical fittings, such as lights or outlets, now is the time to check them before winter arrives. Cold weather, dampness, and frost can play havoc with your electrical systems, so make sure everything is in working order. Replace any faulty wiring, and if you notice any condensation or damp spots near your outlets, address the issue immediately.

You may also want to consider installing solar-powered lighting if your shed doesn’t already have electricity. Solar lights are an excellent solution for dark winter evenings, allowing you to access your shed without fumbling around with a torch. Plus, it’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly option that requires minimal maintenance.

While inside, why not look at how to better protect your shed’s contents. 

Items like lawnmowers, garden tools, or anything metal are particularly vulnerable to the cold and damp. To avoid rust or corrosion, apply a rust-inhibiting spray or keep these items in airtight plastic covers.

If you’re storing plants or pots, ensure they’re either well-insulated or moved to a frost-proof environment. You can also place a few moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets or dehumidifying tubs inside the shed to prevent dampness from building up.

Winter is the perfect time to organize your shed, especially if it’s filled with gardening tools, supplies, or Christmas decorations. Move things around, check for any damp spots, and make sure everything is stored properly.

Items that are sensitive to moisture, like paper or fabric, should be stored in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. This will protect them from leaks or damp conditions. It’s a simple step, but it’ll make a world of difference when you open your shed in the spring.

And, while still on the inside, why not consider the best way to store all these items, so that even if there is potentially water damage or flooding, your belongings will be protected as best they can? 

Shelving systems are a great way to maximize space and keep items off the floor, which is crucial when dealing with potential dampness. Installing shelving also allows for better airflow inside the shed, reducing the chance of condensation building up around stored items.

At Norfolk Sheds, there are plenty of ready-made shelving units and storage solutions designed specifically for sheds. This makes it easy to create a tidy, efficient storage system that suits your needs, whether you’re stashing gardening tools, power equipment, or seasonal decorations.

Once you’re done with that, we can finally move onto the lowest tier, i.e., the foundation

While the roof bears the brunt of falling precipitation, the foundation has to withstand all that seeps up from the earth, so while you’re cleaning out the gutters, take a look at your shed’s foundation. 

Ideally, your shed should be raised off the ground, even just a few inches, to allow air to circulate underneath and keep the base dry.

If your shed isn’t raised, consider using a shed base kit like the Ecobase Fastfit here or laying down a layer of gravel underneath to improve drainage. And if your garden has a tendency to flood after heavy rain, make sure your shed is positioned in the highest spot possible to avoid any long-term water damage.

And just to be extra safe, you might want to consider adding a base treatment to the wood! 

Though most garden buildings, like the Goodwood Mammoth 10x15 Professional Tongue and Groove Apex Shed, come with a basic water-based treatment, it’s always good to provide your sheds with some extra help during the winter months. 

So, just like you put on a winter coat, your shed needs an annual wood treatment. A high-quality wood preservative or oil-based stain will protect the timber from the elements. Be sure to reapply this every year to keep the wood looking good and to prevent water from seeping in.

Once you’ve done a good thorough inspection of your shed, you can move on to securing the space around it to prevent any external damage from loose branches or falling tiles. 

Winter storms can pack quite a punch, and anything loose in your garden can turn into a projectile hazard. So, check for any loose tiles or overhanging branches near your shed. Strong winds can knock branches down, potentially smashing into your shed’s roof or windows.

Trim back any branches that hang too close to your shed to ensure an easy, disaster free winter! 

As you might already know, frozen locks are a common occurrence during winter, and these are more difficult to deal with on sheds because of the potential damage that can be caused when breaking one open. 

The solution? Weatherproof locks. They’re designed to withstand freezing temperatures and won’t seize up when the mercury drops.

If you’re not looking to swap out your locks, a quick squirt of lock lubricant can also work wonders. It’ll prevent moisture from freezing inside the lock and leave you free to open and close your shed without the hassle.

All in all, it's best you get to work before the cold really starts to set in. Winter proof your shed now, and you’ll be glad to have it in tip top quality when you’re still hanging out inside it next summer! 

Garden officeHome officeLog cabinPent roof shedPotting shedsShedShed storageShedsWooden sheds