Britons are being urged to protect garden buildings before the cold and wet weather kicks in. The Met Office has issued a warning that heavy rain and floods are likely to cause more disruption across the UK.

However, outdoor building experts at GardenBuildingsDirect are advising homeowners to prepare sheds, summer houses and garden offices for the colder months.

They say without taking preventative measures, wooden outdoor structures could fall victim to dampness, rot and even structural issues.

And while preparing the buildings can be time-consuming, it’s a much better option than having to fork out for a new shed or summerhouse or carry out countless repairs.

They recommend applying a wood preservative annually, having adequate ventilation and checking the roof is watertight and in good condition.

Protecting garden sheds

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect said: “Protecting wooden sheds, summerhouses and other outdoor buildings will improve their longevity and save you from forking out for replacements.

“While it can be a time-consuming job, it is an important one so checking the roof, doors and windows regularly will mean you find problems you can fix. Other tips like checking ventilation and applying a wood preservative are essential in keeping damp out.

“Failure to carry out these simple measures to waterproof your shed could result in dampness, rot and structural issues.”

The experts have shared several tips for protecting your shed, summer house or outdoor office this winter.

Check the base

Make sure your shed is on a good base. If it makes contact with the ground, it can make the building damp. A sturdy wooden base will do the job, lifting your shed off the ground and reducing the risk of dampness and insects. For larger sheds, it’s worth considering a concrete base.

Windows and doors

Maintaining windows and doors will help keep the shed or outdoor building waterproof. Wood does shrink over time so cracks can appear around frames, giving water an easy way in.

Make sure to fill any gaps and cracks. Remember to check them for signs of rot. If you find soft, rotted patches, remove them and fill them with wood filler.

Check the roof

The roof will take the brunt of the weather so it’s important to check it’s in good condition. Roofing felt or felt shingles can deteriorate over time so pay particular attention and patch it if you can.

Make sure you pay particular attention to the edges and ridge lines and where roofing material is nailed into place.

Clear gutters

If your outdoor building has gutters, clear out any debris like mud and leaves. Backed-up water in the gutters can lead to minor flooding. If you don’t have gutters, think about installing them. The runoff water can be collected in a water butt and used to water the garden.

Ventilation

Good airflow through a garden building is important to ensure it stays dry. Static vents on both sides of the building will do the trick. If you want to keep the bugs out, add a bug-proof meshing to them.

Treat with wood preservative

Treating your shed will help protect it from the weather, wood rot, mould and algae. Do your homework and pick the preservative best for you. Make sure you apply annually to keep your outdoor building in good condition.

It comes as experts at Crown Pavilions have warned there are some household items that you shouldn’t store in your shed. They have found that storing beer and carbonated beverages can be very risky.

So much so it can potentially lead to dangerous explosions and significant spoilage. This is due to temperature fluctuations, causing pressure inside the containers to increase, possibly leading to explosions and spills.