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Essential Tips for Weatherproofing Your Best Barns Wood Shed Kit
You have invested in a Best Barns wood shed kit that looks great in your backyard and provides the storage you need, but since wood is a natural material, it requires protection from the elements to last for decades. Leaving the wood exposed allows it to warp, rot, or decay over time. We want to help you prevent that.
Proper weatherproofing is the most important part of the assembly process because it protects your investment and keeps your belongings dry. Here is how you can master the art of weatherproofing wood shed kits even if this is your first build.
Key Takeaways
- Elevate the structure: Build on a gravel or concrete foundation to keep wood components off the moist ground.
- Seal every gap: Apply high-quality exterior caulk to all vertical seams and trim before painting.
- Prioritize the roof: Install a metal drip edge and roofing felt to direct water away from the fascia and sheathing.
- Paint immediately: Prime and paint the shed shortly after assembly to shield the siding from UV rays and rain.
- Inspect annually: Check the caulking, paint, and shingles once a year to fix small issues before they grow.
Start with the Right Foundation
Water destroys wood sheds from the bottom up, so you must stop moisture from wicking into the floor and walls. We strongly advise against building your shed directly on the grass because the soil holds moisture against the wood.
You should build a gravel pad or a concrete slab to provide a stable, dry base. If you use a wood floor kit from Best Barns, ensure the runners are pressure-treated since this material resists rot and termites. We also recommend installing a moisture barrier by laying heavy-duty plastic sheeting on the ground before building the floor frame, which stops dampness from rising into your shed.
Seal the Seams and Gaps
Best Barns kits often use siding with vertical grooves that are durable, yet the joints where panels meet are vulnerable to water intrusion. Rain can seep into these cracks during a storm if they are not properly sealed.
You need a tube of high-quality exterior caulk, such as paintable silicone or acrylic latex with silicone. Apply a bead of caulk along every vertical seam where two pieces of siding connect and around the door trim and window frames.
Smooth the caulk with your finger or a tool to ensure a tight seal, and let it dry completely before moving to the next step.
Install a Drip Edge on the Roof
The roof is your first line of defense, but many first-time builders forget the drip edge. This metal flashing goes on the edge of the roof to direct water away from the fascia board and into the gutter or onto the ground.
Without a drip edge, water often trickles back underneath the shingles and causes the roof sheathing to rot. You should nail the drip edge along the eaves and rakes before laying the roofing felt, which is a small cost that saves you from major repairs later.
Prime and Paint Correctly
Painting acts as a shield against the weather rather than just a cosmetic upgrade. While most Best Barns kits come with primed siding, you must still add the final layers of protection. If your kit features raw wood, apply a high-quality oil-based primer first.
For the topcoat, use 100% acrylic latex exterior paint because it expands and contracts with the wood during temperature changes.
This flexibility prevents the paint from cracking. Apply two generous coats and pay special attention to the bottom edges of the siding since they are most likely to soak up water. We suggest brushing paint up under the bottom drip edge of the siding to effectively seal the end grain.
Don't Forget the Trim
The trim around the corners and doors adds style while covering necessary gaps. If possible, you should paint all sides of the trim before installing it, a process known as "back-priming."
Painting the back of the trim prevents moisture from entering the wood from the hidden side. If the trim is already installed, seal the edges where the trim meets the siding to keep water from getting behind the board and sitting there.
Maintain Your Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing is not a one-time task, so you need to keep an eye on your shed throughout the year. We suggest walking around the structure annually to look for cracked paint or loose shingles.
If you see a crack in the caulking, remove the old sealant and apply new caulk. If the paint looks faded or chalky, it is time to wash the shed and add a fresh coat. Regular maintenance keeps the wood healthy and ensures your shed remains strong for years.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I weatherproof my wood shed?
Inspect the shed annually for damage. Plan to reapply high-quality exterior paint or stain every 3 to 5 years to keep the wood protected from moisture.
Do Best Barns kits come with roof shingles?
Most Best Barns kits do not include shingles or the drip edge. You must buy these separately to match your home and ensure the roof is fully waterproof.
What is the best sealant for wood shed gaps?
Use a paintable exterior acrylic latex caulk with silicone. It is flexible, durable, and effectively blocks water from entering the seams of your shed.
Can I leave my shed unpainted for a few months?
Paint your shed immediately after assembly. Leaving siding exposed to sun and rain for months causes the wood to warp and degrade quickly.
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