How to add shed ventilation to stop mould?

Question

hi! We out this shed up in Jan, living near the mountains we get a lot of wet weather and cold nights. Recently discovered mold inside the shed on items. What can we do as well and sealing the roof to ensure if water does go in, doesn’t turn everything mouldy

EricL · Answer

Hello @carly19

Thank you for sharing your question about mould inside your shed.

Mould occurs inside a shed when moisture accumulates and creates a damp environment that allows mould spores to grow. One of the most common causes is condensation, which happens when warm, humid air inside the shed comes into contact with cooler surfaces such as the roof or walls. This moisture can collect on surfaces and provide the conditions mould needs to thrive. Poor ventilation can make the problem worse because humid air becomes trapped inside the shed instead of circulating and drying out.

Mould can also develop if there are leaks in the roof, walls, or around doors, floors and windows that allow water to enter. In some cases, moisture rises from the ground through an unsealed floor or concrete slab, increasing humidity levels inside the shed. Storing damp items such as gardening tools, firewood, tarps, or cardboard boxes can also introduce extra moisture. Once moisture is present, mould can grow on wood, cardboard, fabric, dust, and other organic materials commonly found in sheds. To prevent mould, it is important to keep the shed dry, improve ventilation, repair any leaks, and avoid storing wet items inside.

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

* How to waterproof a shed floor 
* How to install a shed floor

I also suggest having a look at these discussions - How to install exhaust fan in skillion roof shed? by @Ritar and How to water-seal edges of an Absco garden shed? by @bennyboy. The general consensus is to keep the air moving inside the shed so that moisture is not trapped inside. I propose looking at the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/bradford-csr-solarxvent-150mm-solar-powered-vent-night-sky_p0139150

or the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/bradford-csr-supavent-250mm-natural-roof-vent-monument_p0810661

.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion if you are thinking about insulating your shed - How to insulate a Colorbond Shed? by @SuJay.

Here are some discussions about roof leak repairs:

* How to repair pinhole leak in Colorbond roof? by @Krittle 
* How to repair rusty hole in corrugated aluminium work shed roof? by @Franbote 
* How to repair corrugated metal roof leak? (ponding) by @monkeyspearfish

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric