Resistant Bike Sheds

Brighton Bike Sheds are built to last. Just try standing on top of one to find out how solid they are! We should know because we have to stand on top of each and every shed in the process of installing it.

We have thought carefully about all the design details. We especially focused on the big enemy of sheds: rain.

Designed to Weather

The UK gets a lot of rain, and it seems to be getting worse. It is heavier now and often comes with strong winds. That’s why we’ve developed every aspect our sheds to stand firm against the elements for many years.

This blog post looks at the most important features of a Brighton Bike Shed when it comes to durability, and how we compare to most other sheds on the market. (Spoiler: we’re better.)

Timber cladding fixed vertically

We fix all our cladding vertically, this sheds rain straight to the ground. Horizontal shiplap (on most standard sheds) creates a long path downwards and water tends to get trapped, which rots the timber. On our slatted sheds, the 6mm gaps between boards allow good cross ventilation and any driven rain quickly dries out.

Our larch and cedar cladding has a lot of natural tannin. This makes it strong and water-resistant. The pine is treated with a wood preserver under pressure. We use 20mm thick planks, which are almost double the thickness of the shiplap cladding you find on most sheds.

Gutter and downpipe

Most bog standard sheds aren’t equipped with a gutter and downpipe. They simply rely on rain water to run off the lower edge of the roof in drips. This water gathers around the base and often blows onto the back wall, which causes many sheds to rot there.

We always fit a gutter and downpipe, and direct the water away from the shed to a plant bed or gulley. In heavy rain, the shed structure only ever copes with rain on the ground or hitting the well-protected sides.

Roof structure

Above the doors we use 100mm beams, and for the rafters we use 75mm beams. These comfortably support the weight of our green roofs. Most sheds use 25-38mm timbers throughout and the roof sags, which is why you see a lot of shed roofs with a pond in the middle! We construct the roof to be the strongest element of the unit, after all it is the main form of defence between your bikes and 9 months of rain! We have also designed our roof with a fairly steep pitch so the rain doesn’t hang around.

Roof covering

Above the doors we use 100mm beams, and for the rafters we use 75mm beams. These comfortably support the weight of our green roofs. Most sheds use 25-38mm timbers throughout and the roof sags, which is why you see a lot of shed roofs with a pond in the middle!

We build the roof to be the strongest part of the unit. It is the main protection for your bikes against 9 months of rain! We have also designed our roof with a fairly steep pitch so the rain doesn’t hang around.

Floor

A good hat and a good pair of boots… the old saying about house design. We build a solid timber floor base from a 50x50mm treated timber frame and glue and nail ply to it.

They level it on site using rubber pads that keep it well away from surface water. So your bike shed is not just sitting in water – another common reason that many sheds rot.

Main structure

With rain often comes a lot of wind and gusts especially compromise the structure of sheds. Movement weakens junctions and fixings and this then lets the weather in so its a vicious circle!

We brace walls diagonally or using sheet materials. We double up timbers on corners.

We glue and nail sheet materials. We designed a web of ply into either side of the door opening. A Brighton Bike Shed covers wind loading!

Fixings

All nails, hinges and other ironmongery are stainless steel or galvanised, as is the secure bar. External screws are stainless steel or coated to be water resistant.

A shed’s life

So, sheds get a hard life… Little buildings out there in the weather; all alone and pretty exposed. A lot of garden sheds are still standing only because of their contents holding them up!

We know the contents of your bike shed will be a loved and much used item, so roofs caving in or walls rotting out won’t be an option. We have carefully considered every detail. We designed a shed that keeps your bikes dry and cozy for years. In fact you could comfortably sleep in it if you wanted to…