Fatal To Your Shed Unless You Catch It Early

Written by Manny Moore in Sheds

Moisture in your shed can damage the structure or the tools/storage inside.

The shed in your backyard sits on a solid concrete foundation. And, whenever you head back to the main house, you make sure that the shed door is firmly closed and locked behind you. Yet, the inside of your shed always feels damp.

So, why is my shed damp? The shed in your backyard might be damp because water is leaking through somewhere. There might be a hole in the roof or cracks in the windows or doors that are letting rain seep in. A damp shed might also be the result of a high humidity level. This can be due to a lack of proper ventilation.

The actual reason your shed is damp will vary based on the structure of your shed and the climate you live in. So, we’re going to be reviewing the dangers that come along with a damp shed, why your shed might be damp in the first place, and what you can do about it.

The Dangers of a Damp Shed

You might simply see a damp shed as a mild inconvenience. But, you should be a little bit concerned for a few reasons. First, there’s the risk that the condensation will cause mold to form, which obviously poses a health issue. Then, there’s the risk of excess moisture and rain ruining what’s stored in your shed. 

Let’s review why each of these is so harmful.

Mold Formation

When moisture begins to build up, your shed becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold. That’s because mold seems to thrive in hot and humid environments. In particular, 77-86°F (25-30°C) and humidity levels of about 50% or greater. That’s why you might notice a little more moisture if you live closer to the equator or during the summer months.

The biggest issue when it comes to mold is in regard to human health. When mold spores are breathed in, you might experience an allergic reaction, breathing difficulties, skin irritations, or even severe mental impairment. These side effects can be even worse if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Ruined Supplies & Materials

If the excess moisture in your shed happens to be a result of a leak, this can obviously put the items in your shed in danger. This can be quite the financial burden if you store expensive equipment or supplies in your shed.

For example, excess moisture can ruin the integrity of wood and lumber and cause certain types of metals to corrode. Plus, the water leaking into the engines of your lawn equipment and tools might permanently ruin them.

And, the cost of replacing an entire shed can cost you several thousand dollars.

Leaking Seams & Rain

There’s a pretty good chance that your shed is damp because there’s a leak that you haven’t noticed yet. That would explain why the walls, beams, or windows are a little wet after a severe rainstorm or snowfall. This can also make your shed feel damp and wet.

The first thing you want to do is to ensure that this is actually the issue. To do this, head out to the shed after a rainstorm and do a quick inspection. Check the ceiling and walls for any dripping water and check the floor any formation of puddles. 

What You Can Do About It

The most important thing you need to figure out is where the leak is actually coming from. As we just mentioned, this would be a good thing to check out after heavy rain. Try to pinpoint exactly where the water is entering the shed (the shed, a beam, the foundation, etc.). You’ll notice that the wood of your shed is a different color when it’s wet.

Once you’ve figured out the source of the leak, it’s time to fix it! Here’s a look at common leak issues for sheds and what you can do about them.

  • Roof leak. Take out the ladder and examine the roof of your shed up close. Patch up holes in your roofing with either roofing sheets or extra tiles. If the leak is coming from the inside, use a wood filler to patch the hole in the ceiling.
  • Floor leak. If the moisture in your shed seems to be coming from the ground up, the water might be seeping in through the foundation. If that’s the case, it would be a good idea to raise your shed onto concrete blocks to keep the groundwater out. Though this might be expensive and tiresome, it will save your shed.
  • Window or door leak. Waterproofing your shed is perhaps the best way to keep moisture out for good. You can use caulk to seal windows and doors, but you also might want to caulk the interior corners as well. Better yet, seal every crack in your shed, even the outside paneling.

If you want a more in depth explanation on how to stop the issues caused by moisture in your shed, check out our article where we talk about it. Once you’ve addressed the water entering into your shed, you should begin to notice that your shed looks and feels much less damp. If the issue persists, then you might also have an issue with high humidity and heat levels.

If a rotting shed is what you are struggling with and you need to get find a way to fix it than check out this article we wrote about how to fix every part of a rotting shed.

High Humidity & Condensation

If you’ve inspected your shed from top to bottom and have yet to find a hole or a leak, then your problem is most likely due to high humidity and heat. Excess humidity can cause condensation to form on the walls and windows of your shed, increasing the overall moisture in the structure.

This can also make your shed feel much hotter than the temperature reading.

To determine whether this is your problem, consider how well ventilated your shed currently is. If there aren’t any interior fans, the door is constantly shut, and you don’t own a dehumidifier, then there’s a pretty good chance that the moisture is coming from excess humidity.

What You Can Do About It

The excess humidity, heat, and condensation are likely the result of a lack of airflow. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to fix this issue. Here’s a brief look at what you can do if this is your problem.

  • Get a fan. Sometimes, just getting some airflow within the shed is enough. You can set up a regular floor fan, or you can get a window fan unit blowing outward to get the hot and humid air out. This is probably the most cost-effective solution.
  • Install a dehumidifier. This is the priciest option, but it’s the most precise. By setting up a dehumidifier, you can set an ideal humidity level and physically remove the moisture from the air. Just remember that these have to be emptied frequently.
  • Add ventilation. Even airflow to the outside world is better than nothing. You can install a vent in the roof or wall of your shed. This can help to get rid of any excess hot air and lingering humidity.

It all comes down to what your budget is and how important the items in your shed are to you financially. But, there’s no doubt that any of these solutions will make your shed more comfortable year-round.

Conclusion

The dampness in your shed is most likely the result of a leak or high heat/humidity. But, that doesn’t mean that you just have to deal with it forever. There are quite a few solutions to each of these problems.

The best thing you can do is inspect your shed for any leaks and patch any holes you might see. When it comes to addressing the humidity and heat, any form of interior ventilation will reduce the condensation within your shed.

Sources

Manny Moore

Getting my hands dirty and building a place that me and my small family love is a driving factor for what I do and how I do it. I want to share what I have learned and practiced so that it is just that much easier for everyone to have another tool in their tool belt. Your home should be a place that you love and feel comfortable in and your backyard should be no different.

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