If you have a garden that you enjoy spending time in, it’s highly likely that you’ll also have a large array of outbuildings. These are essential for everything from storing your tools to entertaining guests. But what is it that causes outbuildings to deteriorate more rapidly than the rest of your home? And what can you do about it? Let’s find out.
Weather exposure
The number one reason your outbuildings are failing faster than your main home is weather exposure. Because they are smaller and made of different materials, they tend to suffer more in snow, humidity, and rain. Water ingress often leads to wood swelling or cracking, especially where rot is a risk. There is also the issue of moisture getting trapped and causing condensation, leading to mold and mildew issues.
Furthermore, because outbuildings are outside, they are prone to damage by UV rays. Ultraviolet light is exceptionally good at destroying organic molecules, which is why it is so critical to protect against it. Finally, temperature swings can lead to expansion and contraction of materials. Initially, this isn’t a worry, but over time it can lead to the loosening of joints, doors, and roofs.
Therefore, if you have an outbuilding, make sure that you maintain the roofing. Don’t allow any water to come into contact with the wood itself.
Also check the base of the outbuilding. The best base is a concrete slab as this prevents water from rising up from the ground. You can also keep outbuildings on stilts, however this is riskier.
Biological threats
As mentioned, outbuildings, like sheds, are prone to biological threats. Fungal decay, insects and even rodents can infiltrate outbuildings and cause damage. Outbuildings are very attractive to small critters because they provide warmth and shelter from the dangerous outside world. Mice in particular can hide from predators, as can other creatures and insects. If you think there is a biological threat, make sure you close off any gaps that could allow animals or other pests to get inside. Also, reinforce the base of your… outbuilding so that nothing can chew through the external material and get into the interior.
Structural stability issues
Outbuildings can also suffer from structural stability issues. The gravel, concrete, and timber that they sit on can shift and move around over time, leading to strains elsewhere in the building in the structure.
There are also issues with gutters and downpipes. Outbuilding roofs are often required to be more maintained because they are lower to the ground and overhung by trees. Twigs and leaves can build up, so use gutters that only allow water to enter while enabling everything else to fall to the ground.
Insulation and ventilation issues
Finally, outbuildings can suffer from insulation and ventilation issues. Condensation is the main concern as this can build up on timber work and then lead to rot. Ventilation, insulation is also a problem because it allows extreme temperatures to occur inside the building which leads to material expansion and contraction. Therefore, always ensure that you ventilate outbuildings. according to building codes.
