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Shed condensation occurs when there’s too much humidity in your garden storage building. Wood and metal sheds, in particular, are affected by this.
Timber is naturally porous, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Metal is susceptible to rust, especially when moisture builds up on the surfaces. This guide explains the causes further and offers the best ways to tackle them before they get out of hand.
Poor Ventilation Traps Moisture
When air can’t circulate, moisture from the ground can accumulate. That trapped humidity settles on the coldest surfaces first. Starting on the walls, roof panels, or any metal fittings, then turns into condensation.
Let fresh air in—swing the doors and/or windows open each morning, and if it’s dry later on, give them another opening. Even a few minutes does wonders. If you only nip into the shed now and then, leave the door a bit ajar when you’re not inside, and fit a latch or hook so it stays put.
If that isn’t an option, install vents. You can buy clip‑in vents under £10 and slot them into the walls or roof panels without fuss. A small, low‑wattage fan will help keep air moving for larger or more frequently used sheds.
Make it a habit to regularly air your shed to keep humidity levels down and stop moisture. This will also stop rot, rust and mould in their tracks!
Hidden Damp Fuels Shed Condensation Too
After a wet spell, your shed can end up with all sorts of damp stuff. Muddy wellies, soggy jackets or even a toolbox, for instance, with some water still inside. The easiest fix is to empty it out on a dry, mild day, so you can spot what is wet.
If you spot any wet patches on the floor or walls, wipe them with an old towel. Try to keep your stuff off the ground, too. Chuck it on a shelf or hang it up if you can—that way, air can move around and things don’t stay damp.
If the floor itself is damp, it may indicate rising damp or water ingress from poor ground preparation or lack of a damp-proof membrane (DPM). This is particularly important for wooden sheds.
And if you see any signs of mice or something nesting, best to sort it sooner rather than later. Call pest control if you need to, or set a trap yourself if you’re comfortable doing that.
Use a Dehumidifier
Is your shed still getting condensation even after airing it out and clearing the wet bits? If yes, it might be time to try a dehumidifier. It’s most effective if you use the space as a gym shed or somewhere you’re regularly in and out.
A small, portable dehumidifier should be used for a standard wooden shed. It helps pull moisture, especially in colder months. You’ll be surprised how much water they can pull from the air, even when it doesn’t feel particularly damp.
Shed Insulation Is Key
You can never go wrong with insulation when it comes to finding ways how to stop shed condensation. It keeps the temperature stable and cuts down sudden changes that cause moisture.
Foam board insulation is easy to fit and does a good job of keeping heat in and cold out. You can also use reflective foil to keep heat in and stop the cold from getting through. Both are easy enough to fit and don’t take much doing, and are suitable for wooden and metal sheds.
Round-up
Condensation doesn’t have to be a constant issue. With proper ventilation and clearing out the damp, you can keep your shed much drier. Insulation or a dehumidifier will also help prevent bigger problems down the road.
Keep an eye on the weather, too. If it’s been wet or cold, try airing the shed out more often and check your gear for dampness. Once you get into these simple habits, managing condensation gets much easier.
Here’s your next read to learn more tips: How to Tackle Condensation in Your Metal Garden Shed
