6 Ways to Seal the Bottom of your Shed

Sheds can serve as a durable garden feature for years to come, providing a children’s play area, a home office, or a place to unwind.

However, without taking the necessary steps to protect your shed from damage, the amount of time it’ll spend with you becomes numbered. Today, Atlas Sheds will walk you through six effective ways to seal your shed. 

With our easy guide, your shed will stay in tip-top condition for years to come. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality shed with lots of character, browse our garden sheds today.

The Importance of Sealing Your Shed

With wet weather conditions prevalent in the UK, this causes a lot of issues for rotting of wooden sheds. 

Sealing your shed provides a barrier, preventing water from seeping into the structure and weakening the shed. Excessive moisture can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which poses health risks and damages stored items.

Besides weather, pests can cause a nuisance to your shed, eating away at the structure or chewing at wires and furniture. Sealing any gaps in your shed minimises the risk of them finding a way in. 

If you’re going to be using your shed a lot through the winter months, sealing it can improve the insulation of the structure. This will make it much more warm and cosy to sit in. 

Better yet, sealing your shed can also help keep it cool during the summer, which is ideal for a children's playhouse or workshop.

6 Ways to Seal the Bottom of Your Shed

1. Install Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)

Damp-proof barrier membrane is a thick plastic sheet that is used to prevent moisture accumulation underneath the shed. 

This is placed underneath the frame of the shed and secured with adhesive tape to prevent shifting. A layer of soil can be added before placing the shed foundation on top of it for extra protection.

The benefits of this include:

• Moisture protection: DPM prevents moisture from rising into the wood of the shed, protecting it from rot, mould, and fungal growth.
• Structural integrity: This helps maintain the structural integrity of the shed, preventing warping and decay.
• Pest deterrence: A dry environment is less attractive to pests, reducing the risk of infestations.

2. Use Pressure-Treated Timber

Pressure-treated timber is popular for its low maintenance and longevity. Chemicals are added to the wood to enhance its resistance to moisture, fungi, and wood-boring insects.

Incorporating this into the construction of your shed, such as the floors or roof, can increase its durability. Use nails, bolts, and screws to secure this material, as the chemical can erode other metal fasteners. 

The benefits of this include:

• Rot and pest resistance: This wood is highly resistant to rot and decay caused by moisture. It can also prevent termites and wood-boring beetles from penetrating the structure of the shed.
• Cost-effectiveness: The initial cost of pressure-treated timber is higher; however, it minimises the need for repairs, saving you money in the long term.
• Versatility: This can be used in various parts of the shed, including the base, framing, and external cladding.

3. Apply Silicone-Based Sealant

Adding a silicone sealant to your shed can increase its durability, helping to prevent pests, rot, and structural decline. 

This is applied along the seams of your shed with a caulking gun for accuracy. You can use this for any gaps around doors, windows, and along the walls. Use a dampened finger or a caulking tool to push the sealant thoroughly into the gaps.

The benefits of this include: 

• Moisture resistance: This process prevents water from seeping into the shed through gaps and joints, reducing the likelihood of rot and mould.
• Flexibility: Silicone remains flexible once cured, moving with the natural expansion and contraction of the shed due to temperature changes.
• Durability: Silicone sealants can withstand direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and heavy rain.

4. Fit a Metal or Plastic Base

Metal and plastic are highly resistant materials, ideal for outdoor structures. Unlike wood, they don’t absorb moisture, reducing the risk of rot and fungal growth. 

Metal bases are often made from galvanised or powder-coated steel, whilst a plastic base is typically made from high-density polyethene (HDPE). This is placed in your garden, and the shed is built on top of it, acting as a barrier from the ground. 

The benefits of this include:

• Ease of installation: Metal and plastic are typically easier to install than concrete or wooden foundations. 
• Moisture resistance: Their resistance to rot, mould, and fungal growth makes them ideal for damp climates or areas prone to flooding.
• Durability: Metal bases can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. Plastic bases are also resistant to cracking and UV damage.

5. Utilise Gravel Borders

Installing gravel borders around your shed improves drainage, significantly increasing the longevity of your shed. This makes it difficult for pests to dig through and prevents water from pooling around the base.

This is achieved by removing any weeds and adding weed barrier fabric and gravel around the shed. 5c, to 8cm is considered enough depth of gravel to protect the shed. 

Other benefits of this include:

• Weed suppression: Gravel borders prevent unwanted weeds from growing. This keeps the shed tidy whilst minimising the risk of weeds damaging the shed.
• Aesthetic appeal: With various colours and textures available, gravel borders can complement the style of your shed, adding character and an earthy touch.
• Stability and support: This can help to distribute weight evenly around the shed's perimeter, preventing it from shifting or sinking.

6. Incorporate Skirting Boards

Not only do skirting boards serve as an efficient barrier in the home, but they are great for sealing the gap between your shed and the ground.

Skirting boards prevent pests from crawling through the gaps around your shed and into the structure. This can also improve the aesthetic of your shed, making it appear clean, cohesive, and stylish. 

These are simply attached to the edge of the shed floor, and fitted tight against the wall. For wood sheds, fasten the skirting with screws or nails, whilst metal or vinyl skirting may require specialised brackets or clips.

Other benefits of this include:

• Weather protection: Skirting boards can help to protect the shed from water splashback and the accumulation of debris.
• Insulation and energy efficiency: This can improve the energy efficiency of your shed by reducing drafts and heat loss through the base of the structure. 
• Added stability: Skirting can add structural stability to the shed, securing it down better to prevent shifting and settling over time.

Invest in Durable Garden Sheds with Atlas Sheds

At Atlas Sheds, our time and effort goes into creating high-quality sheds that are built to last.

Whether you need a storage shed, bike shed, or a luxurious studio, we have something for every customer. 

Browse our sheds today to invest in a garden you will love.