How to Prevent Mold in a Storage Shed

We are approaching rainy season here in the pacific northwest, well every season is rainy season here, but the fall is usually rainier than other times a year. We put sheds in our yards to store our items and tuck them away from harsh weather, but if we don’t protect our shed from the elements it will no longer be able to protect those items inside.

A big issue with the rainy season is the chance of your shed molding or mildewing. Here are some things that can prevent mold and mildew in your shed.

The First Part in Prevention is Proper Construction

A shed should be constructed with plenty of proper ventilation to aid in the prevention of mold and mildew. Ridge vents in a shed’s roof and gable let hot air escape the shed while at the same time keeping the rain out.

Another possible place to put vents is in the soffit under the roof eaves or overhangs on the shed. Soffit vents can draw cool and dry air into the building while pushing warm and moist air out.

Vapor barriers help to keep moisture out of the shed as well. Polyethylene plastic or foil placed on the wall and beneath the floor can block moisture from outside.

While shopping for a custom-built shed, ask about ventilation and moisture barrier options and the company’s tips on how you can prevent moisture.

Regulate Humidity Levels

In our homes, there should be a daily humidity level between 30 and 50% for ideal health and comfort conditions inside depending upon the time of year and weather conditions outside. This humidity is also necessary to prevent mold and mildew in your home.

These same humidity levels apply to your outdoor storage shed. A hygrometer will help to measure the levels of humidity so you can take any necessary actions to help balance levels back out if they are needed. If your shed is overly humid, you can run a de-humidifier in the shed to keep levels lower. Remember to empty the water tank on the de-humidifier twice a day as needed.

You can also keep the air moving in your shed by running a fan which helps to prevent mold and mildew as well. Another thing you can do is use a desiccant, this is a substance that draws moisture to itself and absorbs it. A common brand of desiccant is Damp-Rid, other types include charcoal briquets or cat litter.

Don’t Store Damp or Wet Items

Before you store or pack anything away in your storage shed, make sure it is dry. Sometimes we put items like tents, umbrellas, swimming gear, etc. that are still wet into the shed and these things become favorite places for mold and mildew to grow with damp and dark conditions.

It is also a good idea to not stack boxes right up against the wall, but leave a couple of inches all around for airflow. The more circulation the less chance of mold growth.

Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance will go a long way in preventing and reducing your chances of mold and mildew growth. This can be things like painting with high-quality exterior latex paint, checking the condition of the roof and shingles periodically, trim back nearby trees and shrubs to let sunlight help keep things dry, having a lifted foundation from the ground, mowing and weeding around the perimeter, and checking for leaks.

For more tips and information about custom sheds please visit our website, come and visit us in Marysville, or contact us any time.  

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