As we write this, the rain is bouncing off the windows, reminding His & Hers that even in summertime, it’s well worth preparing for rain!

After all, if there is one thing we are used to in the UK, it’s bad weather! One minute the sun is out, the next minute, the sky is grey and it is chucking it down with rain. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you can never guarantee clear skies and no wind. This is why it is important that we take the appropriate steps to protect our homes from the unpredictable weather. In this blog post, we are going to take a look at the steps you should take to weatherproof the timber you have outside. This will include your garden shed, decking, fencing, and your wooden window frames. So, keep on reading to discover more.

Garden Sheds

Your outdoor building, be it a shed, summer house or garden office is an investment that will last for many years if looked after properly. So it is worth investing time and money into keeping it weather proofed. It is worth looking for a professional company that specialises in a system called Tanalised Pressure Treatment. This utilises the very latest patented copper triazole technology which gives complete protection from wood decay organisms. With this, the timber takes on various hues as it matures, meaning your garden building is not only protected but continues to look good too. If you prefer to do the job of weatherproofing the shed yourself though, make sure you use the best quality product you can afford and be sure to thoroughly clean the timber of dirt and debris first.

Windows

Next, let’s take a look at the steps you should take if you have wooden window frames. Firstly, you will need to seal the trim. You can do this with the application of mildew-resistant exterior primer. Most professionals recommend three coats. You should then paint two coats of latex paint, and finish off by using a waterproof sealer. It is also recommended to keep water-retaining objects away from your windows, as well as using caulk to seal around your windows. Aside from this, you should commit to regularly inspecting your windows for mildew and mould.

Decking

Garden decking can look very attractive and when it was first installed it will have had a weather-resistant sealant applied. That doesn’t mean, though, that you can relax and not do anything else to it. Wooden decking can become discoloured and slippery over time, especially in a shady area where it can attract a heavy growth of moss. You will need to put in a bit of hard work to get it looking pristine.

Choose a dry day and start by giving the garden decking a powerwash, then sweep any debris away with a stiff brush. If you find any rough spots on the wood you could sand these down to make a smooth surface. Once the decking is dry and free from dirt you can apply a weatherproofing coating, taking care to follow the manufacturers’ instructions. You could use a wide paintbrush for this but for a large area, a sprayer would be easier. It is worth asking around to see if you can borrow one off a friend if you don’t have one, as you may find it takes quite some time to paint the decking if it covers a large area.

Fencing

The same rules broadly apply to your fence panels. If any of them are in a shady area and/or touching ground level they may have become green with moss. If they are very, very green the best course of action is to replace them with new panels. When applying a coat of weatherproof wood-stain you can again use a sprayer but you may get a better – less runny – result using a brush.

For further advice on how best to prepare your garden timber, you will find lots of step-by-step guides online. One thing is for sure, though; if you want to protect your investment, you need to follow the information that has been provided to weatherproof all of the timber in your home. This will make sure that you do not need to replace the wooden elements of your property more quickly than you expect to or can afford to.

We’re proud to bring you this feature in association with Accoya and Wheelie Bin Storage Direct. For more tips for your home, please pay a visit to our interiors page.