How to prevent condensation in a metal shed

 

Metal sheds are a fantastic alternative to having a wooden shed. They enable you to overcome many of the maintenance problems that you often encounter with timber structures. However as we’re all aware metal sheds themselves can suffer from condensation problems. Read on to find out how to alleviate this problem.
All metal garden sheds will suffer from condensation where damp is present in the foundation.  This occurs when a damp proof course has not been built into the base . Air inside a shed is slightly warmer than the air around it outside so any moisture in the foundations will rise until it touches the cool exterior metal panels and cools forming condensation. This moisture then will drip down and will become part of the cycle once more.
Because condensation is so difficult to stop it is essential that you prevent damp in the first place by ensuring you take proper action when constructing the base of your shed.
* Always make the concrete or slab base only a few inches larger than the base rail of the shed.
* A damp proof membrane must be inserted into the foundations.  It needs to be put into the base at least two inches higher than the surrounding ground level.
* Allow the foundations of the shed to cure for 3-7 days after laying the concrete. Do allow longer if the conditions are damp. If you fail to do this the water drying up from the concrete will provide moisture to start a condensation cycle once your shed has been erected.
* After you have bolted your metal shed to the concrete or slab base apply a silicone or mastic sealant to the inside of the shed base rails. (Please note it must be the inside and not the outside). By doing this you will preserve the drainage capacity of the channels whilst preventing any water seepage under the rails and into the shed.
If you are reading this as you have already constructed your metal shed and are unfortunately now suffering from condensation here’s some of the best ways to break the condensation cycle and fix your problem:
Detach your shed from its base and build a timber floor a few inches larger than the base measurements of the shed put this on raised bearers. Next fix the shed to the timber floor securing with wood screws and mastic seal the inside of the shed base rails. By doing this you are allowing air to flow under the floor enabling it to keep dry thus eliminating the problem. Please remember with this method to check that water cannot pool under the floor as this will stop the ventilation and render all of your hard work useless.
An alternative tried and tested method of eliminating condensation from your metal garden shed is to clean off the underside of the roof panels with a methylated spirit making sure all panels are dry, then purchase polystyrene tiles and attach them onto the underside of the sheds roof using a specialist spray glue that bonds polystyrene to metal and is not affected by the hot or cold. It is best to carry out this work on a warm day. Both the tiles and the shed roof should be coated and after 2 minutes the surfaces can be bonded together. By using this method you will not be eradicating the moisture in the atmosphere within your shed however you will be able to prevent condensation now that your shed has been insulated.
For a great range of metal sheds visit Jacks Garden Store now.
Good Luck
Gardener Jack