Winter is fast approaching, and when buying a garden building or maintaining one during these colder months you may question:
- How warm is the garden building?
- Is it fully functional during the winter months?
- The best way to maintain the building exterior (untreated & treated timber)
Here we answer the top five questions asked when purchasing or maintaining a garden building during the winter.
Can I use a log cabin all year round?
Yes, the beauty of a log cabin is that it is essentially like a room inside your home, the only difference is that it sits outside in your garden.
When purchasing a log cabin there are four wall thickness options to choose from, and this is something you want to consider especially when planning to use it all year round. Opting for the 45mm logs or 62mm (insulated) logs will be beneficial to you long term. With 45mm logs you are gaining an additional 60% more timber, and with the 62mm (insulated) it is sandwiched with polyisocyanurate insulation, and equivalent to 140mm of timber. Other features such as double glazed windows and flooring and roof insulation are other options to consider during your purchase.
For more information read our article – Are Log Cabins Well Insulated?
How long does it take to heat up a log cabin?
If you are choosing a log cabin to use as an office, studio or lounge you are likely to be spending longer periods of time in there, therefore may be wondering how quick the internal space heats up. A small 2kwh electric heater is adequate to heat the inside of a log cabin. Once the heater is left on for 15 – 20 minutes the room will be cosy and warm for you to sit in all day long.
Is pressure treated timber waterproof?
No, pressure treated timber isn’t fully waterproof. Having a pressure treated garden building reduces the likelihood of rot and insect infestation. However, it is still recommended to apply a water repellent in preparation for the wetter seasons to keep the timber protected from the elements.
How to protect pressure treated wood during winter?
To ensure the longevity of your pressure treated garden building, such as a shed or gazebo, we suggest applying a good quality water repellent to the exterior wood. The clear solvent based treatment reduces the amount of water the timber absorbs during rainfall. With the unpredictable British weather, it is important to get the treatment on the garden building as and when you can.
How to protect non pressure treated wood during winter?
Untreated garden buildings, such as log cabins, require treatment to prolong their life, but when treating them you can customise with a colour of your choice. Protect your non-pressure treated product with a clear solvent based treatment, a water-based block colour or a solvent-based wood stain. Depending on the type of treatment you chose to protect your garden building, you may or may not require a primer.
Discover how else you can maintain an untreated garden building here!
Have you got a question or query about garden buildings in the winter? Leave a comment in the box below with your name, email and question and we will get in touch with you. Alternatively call us on 01234 272445 and our sales team will be happy to help.
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