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Shed base on uneven ground questions

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Comments

  • #32
    MarcusMaximus
    Registered Users Posts: 165 ✭✭MarcusMaximus


    Sorry about late reply, been working.

    Thanks for that guys. The rationale for the DPM being under the base was to stop rising damp causing condensation. I’m not a builder so can’t say whether or not that was good advice but I get what you’re both saying. I did put mortar around the base but I left plenty of gaps for drainage. Hopefully that will be enough. 🤞

    Another issue is that I need to seal round the bottom of the shed where it meets the slabs. They have recommended Tek 7 for this but say I should seal it on the inside. I would have thought that could lead to moisture going under the metal frame and sitting there. However I have come across this advice elsewhere as well. If it is true, what is the reason for sealing on the inside rather than the outside, which would make more sense to me?



  • #33
    10-10-20
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,886 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120769976#Comment_120769976

    I never sealed mine, the frame is out in the damp all of these years... not sure of the need but your shed design could be different.



  • #34
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,474 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    For what its worth I have a wooden frame raised on blocks/concrete above a hardcore base.

    I put a DPM over the frame but under the OSB. Theory is that the raised base over hardcore will be well ventilated and so will dry itself but the DPM will "stop" condensation in the (metal) shed.

    I folded the DPM down over the sides of the frame and stapled in place with a drip edge.

    Its only in 6 months but its been a mixture of the hottest sun and heaviest rain showers I have ever seen and its as still bone dry and condensation free. (before I put in the DPM the shed ceiling was constantly wet, even with no door on the shed)


    I would also recommend gutters to help keep splash back away from the base/frame.



  • #35
    MarcusMaximus
    Registered Users Posts: 165 ✭✭MarcusMaximus


    I want to seal it to help prevent any moisture, draughts or insects getting through.

    The shed has its own gutters with outlets on each corner. I could attach some downpipes to those but I think most people leave them as they are.

    That sounds like a good design with the DPM over the frame. Another confirmation that putting it right under the floor can work well. Again my only concern is forming a 'sandwich' with the other DPM layer under the base and the partial mortaring around the edges. Hopefully there will be enough drainage to prevent any buildup of water there. I guess I'll have to try it and see..



  • #36
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,474 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120772712#Comment_120772712

    any water that soaks into the base can soak out the edges if needs be.

    I would always add downspouts, you want to control water whenever possible.

    I wouldn't try to make your shed that tight, they need to breather otherwise you will get condensation and mould/rot (wet mower or bike for example) especially with a metal shed. They are designed to be pretty loose (they will be open under the eaves and ridge and also where all your panels are fixed, unless its insulated?)

    As long as you are keeping the rain out you need some ventilation to keep the inside dry. Bugs are part of sheds :)



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  • #37
    MarcusMaximus
    Registered Users Posts: 165 ✭✭MarcusMaximus


    There are downspouts attached to the gutters but they are only about an inch long. Maybe I should fit full-length downpipes to these but finding something the right size would be a challenge as they are quite narrow.

    Yes that makes sense about leaving some ventilation. I've only sealed around the bottom edge, there are 2 vents in both gable ends and as you say there are gaps where the panels are attached to the frame and ridge. I was thinking I might insulate it because I will be putting a gym machine in there and it will be cold in the winter but I haven't decided on that yet.

    Thanks for your input and yes, bugs are inevitable but my daughter has a strong aversion to them and she is hoping to use the machine as well but she won't if there are spiders etc. making their homes in there!



  • #38
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,474 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120774708#Comment_120774708

    If you are going to be working out then deffo dont seal it up, you will have terrible condensation.

    However the more you use it the less likely you are to have a bug problem.

    I used FloPlast Miniflo guttering on my shed (you can get it in B&Q, screwfix etc) thats probably the size that came with yours as its pretty standard for sheds/outhouses. I think they are 50mm diameter downpipes, you probably just have the stop ends or outlets installed

    image.png




  • #39
    MarcusMaximus
    Registered Users Posts: 165 ✭✭MarcusMaximus


    Well I’ve already sealed the bottom edge where it meets the pavers but I won’t be doing any more sealing, unless I get leaks! 🤞

    Great, I’ll look into that piping thanks.



  • #40
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,474 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120777433#Comment_120777433

    Bottom edge is fine, I did the same as you dont want rain running down the wall of the shed and under the base frame.



  • #41
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,275 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Insulation and ventilation work together. Provided that you use the right materials, it will quickly warm up to a usable temperature in winter with the use of a decent space heater.

    You only want it at 10C or so to exercise in.



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  • #42
    MarcusMaximus
    Registered Users Posts: 165 ✭✭MarcusMaximus


    Ok thanks guys, will look more into downpipes and suitable insulation!



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