Practical Maintenance Before The Cold Bites

Winter weather tests every garden building. A couple of calm weekends now will protect your shed, summerhouse, log cabin or garden room through months of rain, frost and wind. This guide walks you through the essential checks, what to treat and seal, and how to look after furniture. You will also find quick answers to common questions at the end.

Start with a clean slate

Dirt traps moisture. Moisture finds its way into joints and under roof coverings. Begin with a gentle clean.

• Brush off cobwebs, leaves and loose debris from walls and around the base.
• Use a soft brush and a mild, wood‑friendly cleaner to remove algae and surface grime.
• Rinse lightly, then let the timber dry fully before you seal or treat anything.

Inside, sweep the floor and dust shelves and window sills. A clean interior helps you spot small leaks and drafts before they become problems.

Keep ventilation flowing

Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Without airflow, condensation builds up on cold timber and windows.

• Open vents and trickle vents on windows if fitted.
• Prop doors and windows open for an hour on a dry day.
• For log cabins and insulated rooms, check any wall or roof vents are clear and unobstructed.

Good ventilation reduces mould, protects finishes and keeps stored tools in better condition.

Reseal doors and windows

Timber moves with the seasons. Weatherstrips flatten. Gaps appear.

• Inspect rubber seals and weatherstrips; replace any that are brittle, cracked or compressed.
• Check hinges and latches; tighten screws and lubricate moving parts.
• Re‑caulk small gaps around frames with an exterior‑grade sealant. Focus on the head of the frame where wind‑driven rain hits hardest.

A snug seal makes a noticeable difference to comfort in summerhouses and garden rooms used through autumn and winter.

Inspect the roof covering

Your roof is the first defence against winter rain. Pay special attention to roofing felt and EPDM.

• Roofing felt: look for blisters, tears at the eaves, lifted nails and loose overlaps. Re‑adhere lifted edges with bitumen adhesive and add felt tacks where needed.
• EPDM rubber: check for punctures, pooled water and loose perimeter trims. Use compatible EPDM adhesive or contact a professional for larger repairs.
• Timber roof boards: look from inside for daylight streaks or staining, both indicate potential ingress.

If the covering is near the end of its life, replacing it before winter will save headaches later.

Clear gutters and rainwater paths

Blocked gutters overflow onto walls and bases. That leads to staining and damp.

• Scoop out leaves and moss from gutters and downpipes.
• Flush with a bucket of clean water to confirm flow.
• Extend downpipe outlets away from the base so water does not sit against the timber or concrete.

Even buildings without gutters need attention. Trim back overhanging branches so debris does not pile up on the roof.

Treat external timber with confidence

A good timber treatment repels water and helps prevent surface growths. We recommend Barrettine Wood Protector for most exterior softwood buildings.

• What it does: water repellent, with a biocide film preservative that helps resist mould and algae. It reduces timber swelling and twisting.
• Where to use: on clean, dry external walls and exposed framing. Avoid glazing and plastics. Follow the tin for coverage and drying times.
• Colour options: Clear, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Golden Brown, Red Cedar, Holly Green, Summer Tan and Black. Clear is great if you like the natural look. Browns and cedars add warmth. Black and Holly Green create a contemporary or woodland feel.

Apply two coats for best results. Pay attention to end grains, lower boards and around window sills.

Protect floors and bases

Moisture rises from the ground in winter. A solid, level base helps keep your building square and dry.

• If your building sits on a slab or concrete base, you usually do not need a separate shed base. What matters is that it is flat, level and drains well.
• Brush away soil and leaves that bank up against cladding.
• Consider adding bearers if you see signs of splashback or standing water near the lowest boards.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of your base, we can advise in person and on site when arranging delivery and assembly.

Care for furniture and contents

Give your furniture and stored items some attention before the cold sets in.

• Wipe down tables and chairs, then fully dry.
• If storing indoors, raise items on blocks or pallets to allow airflow.
• Use breathable covers rather than plastic sheets, which can trap condensation.
• For rattan and cushions, follow the maker’s care guide. Store cushions inside if possible and ventilate the space to prevent musty smells.

Avoid storing paint, adhesives, candles, perishable foods, petrol or gas canisters in unheated sheds. Extreme cold or fumes can cause damage or create hazards. Stow batteries and electronics in a dry, stable environment.

A simple pre‑winter checklist

• Clean exterior walls and roof surfaces.
• Ventilate the interior on a dry day.
• Replace tired door and window seals; lubricate ironmongery.
• Inspect roofing felt or EPDM; repair lifted edges and trims.
• Clear gutters and downpipes; confirm water flows away from the base.
• Apply Barrettine Wood Protector to external timber, paying attention to end grains.
• Tidy vegetation; keep 150 mm clearance around walls if you can.
• Review the base for standing water; add bearers if needed.
• Store furniture dry and off the floor; use breathable covers.
• Check locks, hasps and security screws before long dark evenings.

Print this and keep it inside your building for a quick autumn routine.

When to book professional help

Call in a professional if you notice any of the following:

• A sagging roof deck or widespread soft spots in boards.
• EPDM or felt damage across large areas.
• Persistent leaks at window heads or door thresholds.
• Doors or windows that will not square up after hinge adjustments.
• Evidence of rot in sole plates or lower cladding boards.

We offer delivery, assembly and aftercare advice across a wide range of buildings. If you are planning upgrades or a replacement, our team can guide you on specifications that perform well in British winters.

Quick answers to common questions

• How long do wooden garden sheds last? With a solid base, good ventilation and routine treatment, a quality timber shed often gives you 10 to 20 years of service. Heavier framing, thicker cladding and regular applications of a suitable protector can extend that. Poor bases, trapped moisture and neglected roofs shorten lifespan.
• What items should not be stored in a shed? Avoid storing paint, solvents, petrol, gas cylinders, perishable foods, candles and sensitive electronics in an unheated shed. Extreme temperatures and fumes can be unsafe or degrade materials. Store batteries and power tool chargers indoors if possible.
• Does a shed need a base if it is on concrete? A flat, level concrete slab is an excellent base. You do not need a separate timber base if drainage is good and the slab is level. Use pressure‑treated bearers between the floor and slab to promote airflow and reduce the chance of damp wicking into the floor.

Visit us for tailored guidance

Every site and building is a little different. Visit our Northamptonshire showroom at Woodmeadow Garden Centre for product‑specific advice on winter care, from felt repairs to choosing a finish that suits your style. We can also talk through delivery and professional assembly if you are upgrading or ordering a new building.

If you are planning a refresh, explore our ranges and ask us about made‑to‑measure options and installation. As a trusted garden building supplier, we are here to help you get winter ready and stay that way.

Internal note on useful links:

• If you are exploring storage layouts ahead of winter, our garden shed storage solutions page offers ideas that make tidying quicker.
• Planning a new insulated space you can use year round? See our elite garden rooms for inspiration.