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Fixing a shed to the house looks like a good idea, but wooden sheds need space and airflow, so you need to plan for that. There are a few things that can go wrong if you’re not careful, but we can avoid that. Here’s what you need to know, with solutions along the way.
Can I Put a Shed Against My House?
Yes, you can. Doing so lets you save space and access your shed more conveniently. And since it sits against the house, one side of it is sheltered from wind and rain. But it’s not as simple as pushing it up against the wall. You need to leave a gap to make it work.
We’ll explain why in the next section.
What Happens to Timber When a Shed Is Fixed to a House?
The wood will move. Timber expands and contracts with changes in temperature and moisture. Fixing it tightly against a wall restricts this – it can’t shift as it naturally wants to. That’s when panels start splitting, cracks appear, and gaps open up over time.
Because one side is pressed against the house, there’s also no airflow. Even small changes in the weather can put pressure on the wood where it meets the wall. This adds up and can cause damage to the panels and the frame.
Does Attaching a Shed Stop Timber From Drying Out?
Yes, and that’s mostly due to a lack of ventilation, especially if it sits flush against a house or any building. Air can’t get to that side = the wood takes longer to dry after rain.
That trapped moisture doesn’t just make the timber feel damp; it also increases the risk of rot and mould. Not to mention that checking or treating that side can be tricky on your end.
Can Attaching a Shed Cause Roof Leaks?
Yes, it can, which is another concern for the roof edges or flashing. For instance, when you screw the shed frame into the wall, it can lift or tear the felt at the edge of the roof. A few missed overlaps, a nail in the wrong place, or a poorly sealed corner — all these can let water run back toward the house instead of off the shed, even with the smallest crack.
How Far Should a Shed Be from the House?
Ideally, leave at least 30cm (about 1ft) between the shed and the house—and all the way around, if possible. 50 to 60cm (1ft 8in to 2ft) is even better if you want real access for cleaning, painting, and checking over the years. Regardless, that gap will give the material room to move, ventilate, and keep moisture at bay.
What Type of Shed Is Best for Attaching to a House?
Lean-to sheds. Metal and plastic lean-to sheds cope better for this purpose. They’re designed with a single, tall back wall that sits flat against another structure, and they won’t absorb moisture like wood. You just need to ensure any ventilation remains unblocked. The roof always slopes away from the house on a lean-to.
If you want to stick with a wooden lean-to shed, the best way is to use three walls, leaving the side against the house open. You can do this by either building it yourself or going for a shed kit designed for this approach. If you choose the first option, here’s a guide to help you get started:
How Can a Wooden Shed Be Attached Safely?
If you must have your shed touching the wall, you’ll want to attach flashing to prevent rainwater from seeping between the shed and the house. Flashing is a thin metal or plastic material that directs water away from the junction where the shed roof meets the house wall. You would install it along the top edge of the shed’s roof, where it meets the wall, ensuring water runs off the roof and doesn’t drip down the side of the shed or seep into the gap.
Ideally, the ridge of the roof (the highest point) should slightly overhang the shed wall. This small separation between the shed and the house ensures that, even if rainwater does seep through, it doesn’t leave your shed’s wall damp for an extended period.
How far should a lean-to shed be from the house or other building?
If you are planning to build a lean-to shed with four walls, it’s important to ensure adequate space for airflow and maintenance access. For freestanding sheds, at least 24 inches (60 cm) between the shed and the house is recommended. However, this becomes even more important for wooden sheds, as they’re more vulnerable to moisture-related damage when placed too close to other structures.
However, boundary walls are a different matter. If you’re putting a shed right up close to your neighbour’s property, there are some rules you’ll want to follow. And there are more things to consider, including:
