A garden shed is a convenient addition to your property. This structure provides a dedicated space for your gardening tools, hobby equipment, or even acts as a quiet retreat away from the main house. However, care must be taken when positioning your shed in your garden. Why? A suboptimal location can expose your shed to extreme weather conditions, lead to dampness, and shorten its lifespan. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of choosing the ideal location for your garden shed in the UK to avoid these pitfalls.
Understanding the consequence of dampness in garden sheds
The first step in ensuring your shed’s longevity is understanding the impact of dampness on this structure. Dampness can cause serious problems for both wooden and concrete sheds. When water seeps into the walls and roof of your shed, it can lead to mould growth, rotting wood, and rust on metal components.
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For wooden sheds, dampness can cause the wood to warp, creating gaps where water can easily penetrate. This situation can cause the building to become unstable and unsafe for use. In the case of concrete sheds, persistent dampness can lead to the deterioration of the concrete over time. This process can lead to costly repairs and in some cases, a complete replacement of the shed.
Assessing your garden’s layout
A successful shed installation begins with a thorough assessment of your garden’s layout. Start by considering the space available for the shed and the accessibility of that location. Remember, you will need enough space around the shed for regular maintenance, including painting and repairs.
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Consider the ground conditions too. The ideal ground for a shed foundation is level and well-drained. A sloping or water-logged ground can lead to instability and dampness. If you have no choice but to place your shed on such a surface, you may need to invest in additional groundwork to ensure a robust foundation.
Also, consider the location of trees and bushes. While it might be tempting to tuck your shed under the shade of a large tree, keep in mind that falling leaves can block your roof gutters, leading to water retention and subsequent dampness.
Considering sunlight exposure and wind direction
The amount of sunlight your shed receives can significantly affect its vulnerability to dampness. A shed located in a sunny spot will have a better chance of staying dry as the sun will naturally evaporate any moisture. However, you will also need to consider the direction of the prevailing winds. A shed positioned with its back to the wind is less likely to suffer from dampness as rain is less likely to be driven into the structure.
Remember, dampness is not just caused by rainwater but also from condensation. A well-insulated shed will help reduce condensation by minimizing temperature variations inside the shed. If you are building a wooden shed, choose wood that has been pressure-treated for increased resistance to moisture and mould.
Strategic positioning of windows and doors
The orientation of your shed’s windows and doors also plays a crucial role in preventing dampness. Windows and doors should be positioned to allow for adequate ventilation. This helps to keep the interior dry and reduces the chance of mould growth.
In the UK, the sun tends to be in the southern part of the sky. Therefore, positioning your windows facing south can maximize sunlight and warmth entering your shed, which can help to keep it dry. Similarly, positioning your doors away from the prevailing wind direction can prevent rainwater from being blown into your shed.
VAT implications on garden sheds in the UK
In the UK, building a garden shed can have VAT implications. While most garden sheds are tax-free, some complex structures (like insulated garden rooms) may attract VAT charges. Hence, it’s crucial to understand the tax implications as you plan your shed’s location and design.
If you’re building a simple shed for personal use, you probably won’t need to pay VAT. However, if your shed doubles up as an office or a guest house, it might fall into a different VAT category. Always check with a tax expert to ascertain the VAT status of your structure.
By following these steps, you can find the optimal location for your garden shed, prevent dampness, and ensure your shed stands the test of time. This guide isn’t just about prolonging your shed’s lifespan but also about making sure it’s a safe and pleasant space to use.
Understanding VAT implications and planning permissions for garden sheds
Before building or placing a garden shed, it’s crucial to understand the VAT implications and whether or not you need planning permission. In the UK, VAT implications on garden sheds can be quite complex.
Most commonly-used garden sheds, like those for storing garden tools or hobby equipment, are typically tax-free. This means that when you buy these sheds, you won’t generally be charged any VAT (Value Added Tax). In other words, the price you see is the price you pay, with no VAT added.
However, more complex and multifunctional structures, like insulated garden rooms or sheds that double up as offices, guesthouses, or even as a gym, might fall into a different VAT category. In such instances, when you buy these structures, the price might be VAT inclusive (incl VAT). Therefore, it’s always wise to check with a tax expert to ascertain the VAT status of your garden building before making the purchase.
Additionally, you might also need planning permission for your garden shed. While most garden sheds don’t require planning permission, there are exceptions. For instance, if your shed’s height exceeds 2.5 meters or it is placed near a boundary, planning permission may be necessary. Therefore, knowing these regulations can influence where you can place your shed.
Ensuring a damp proof shed: shed base, walls, and floor
Creating a damp proof shed begins with the foundation. Shed foundations should be robust and sturdy. The use of concrete slabs or wooden planks on well-drained and level ground can help avoid dampness. If possible, elevate the shed base to prevent water from entering the shed.
The shed walls should ideally be made of pressure-treated wood or hard-wearing plastic to resist moisture. The use of waterproof paint can further increase the resistance to dampness. For the shed floor, consider using treated timber or concrete. These materials are less likely to absorb water, thus reducing the possibility of dampness.
Ventilation is also key in preventing dampness. Ensure that your shed has sufficient air circulation to prevent the buildup of condensation. Install vents near the roof or windows to allow moist air to escape.
Lastly, consider waterproofing the shed roof. This can be achieved using roofing felt or shingles. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing rainwater from seeping into the shed and causing dampness.
Conclusion: The Path to a Dry and Long-Lasting Garden Shed
In conclusion, choosing the optimal location for your garden shed is a multi-faceted process. It involves assessing your garden’s layout, considering the direction of sunlight and wind, strategically positioning windows and doors, understanding VAT implications, ensuring compliance with planning permissions, and taking measures to create a damp proof shed.
By carefully considering each of these factors, you can ensure your shed will remain dry, prolonging its lifespan and usefulness. Remember that preventive measures like waterproofing your shed floor, walls and roof or creating a robust shed base can save you from costly future repairs.
While there may be a bit of work involved in setting up your garden shed, the end result is well worth it. A well-placed, well-built garden shed will not only add convenience and extra space to your property, but also enhance its overall value.
