Tips for Preventing Mold & Mildew Growth in Your Shed

As a homeowner or property manager, it’s a good idea to build a storage shed on your premises. Not only does it allow you to store valuable items or perform woodworks, but the structure itself also adds up to the curb appeal of your property. However, your storage shed needs to be properly installed and regularly maintained to ensure it’s in top condition and working order. The last thing you will ever want to happen is to have mold and mildew infestation because they can cause structural damages and impact your stored valuables.

In this article, we will share three practical tips on preventing mold, and mildew growth in your storage shed in Gastonia, NC.

1. Proper shed installation

Proper storage shed construction will undoubtedly make a difference in preventing mold and mildew growth in the long run. For this reason, consider the following installation tips:

• Set proper ventilation in place.
• Install a roof’s ridge vent and gable vents to allow hot air to escape.
• Have vents in the soffit under the eaves to draw cool and air in and push warm, moist air out.
• Place a polyethylene plastic or foil on the walls and beneath the floor blocks as vapor barriers.
• If you’re buying a new shed, ask whether it comes with ventilation features. On the other hand, if you’re constructing a new one, be sure to invest in the vents and materials mentioned above.

Are you looking for the best time to buy a shed? Now is the right time to do so! At Barnyard Utility, we have been in business for over 17 years in the Charlotte region, building various sheds, storage buildings, and utility buildings for homes, communities, and businesses!

2. Humidity level control

When it comes to your newly constructed storage shed, maintaining the right humidity level will help prevent mildew and mold growth. The rule of thumb here is to have a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. Here’s what you can do to maintain it:

• Install a hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity levels.
• Run a dehumidifier to keep the humidity at optimum levels, preventing mold, and mildew presence. 
• Run your fan on low to keep the air moving in your outdoor storage shed.
• Use desiccants—a substance that draws moisture to itself. 

3. Regular shed maintenance

As with any structure, you must practice regular maintenance to prevent mold and mildew infestation, and this also applies to your storage shed. Here are a few maintenance tips to follow:

• Paint your shed with high-quality exterior latex, particularly those with mold and mildew-resistant coating.
• Inspect your shed’s shingles regularly and trim surrounding trees and shrubs to allow sunlight and prevent moisture.
• Perform regular mowing to prevent moisture under your shed structure.
• Inspect for potential leaks in your shed and address them as soon as possible. Be sure to check the doors and windows, including the thresholds and door sweeps.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know several prevention tips for mold and mildew growth in your storage shed. As outlined above, all it takes is to have a proper construction, control the humidity levels, and set regular maintenance in place. With all these practices, you can expect your shed to be free of mold and mildew so that it will last for as long as possible to serve your storage needs!

Are you looking to install a storage shed in Gastonia, NC? You’ve come to the right place. Since we build on-site, you can choose from our standard plan designs and make any changes or modifications to meet your expectations. Use our online estimator or contact us today to see how we can help!

Proudly serving customers across North and South Carolina including Kannapolis, NC, Gastonia, NC, Clover, SC, Lancaster, SC, and beyond.