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Benefits of Having a Pressure Treated Shed?
Published: 15/06/2021
As the title of this blog post suggests, we’ll be looking at why you may want to consider buying pressure treated sheds or pressure treated summerhouses over the alternatives. But first, we’re going to go through what a pressure treated shed is (and how it differs from dip treated versions).
What is a pressure treated shed?
A pressure treated shed is made from timber that is impregnated with specialist wood preservatives. This is involves submerging the wood at high pressure to penetrate it. As part of this process, the wood is cut to size and then placed in a vacuum tank to draw out the air and moisture out. This allows more space in the wood for the preservative to be driven deep into the cells of the timber. We’ll talk about why this is important later in this article. At Tiger, we pressure treat our sheds with Tanalith E – the latest generation wood preservative that lends the timber a light green colour. As a result, you may see the word ‘tanalisation’ from time to time – and we use this as a synonym for the pressure treatment process.
What is the difference between dip treated and pressure treated sheds?
Standard sheds are usually dip treated. This involves dipping the wood in a protective preservative and leaving it to dry. This, in turn, protects the shed in the short term. As a result, dip treated sheds need to be re-treated at least once every 12 months. The process of pressure treating a garden building takes longer and involves more labour, which is why pressure treated sheds and summerhouses tend to be more expensive than dip treated alternatives. That’s also why you’ll find them exclusively in our Elite range. That said, here are five advantages of having a pressure treated shed:
1. Protected in all weathers
You remember how we said that pressure treatment draws out air and moisture from the wood? Well, as this replaces the water with a specialised preservative, there’s no room for air and moisture – which helps protect the timber from wind and rain, as well as hot and cold weather.
Why is this important?
Because untreated wood will soften quickly when exposed to moisture. This would allow bacteria and fungus to take root and decompose the wood. On the other hand, pressure treating the wood prevents this.
2. They're shielded from rot and insect attack
Untreated wood – or dip treated wood that hasn’t been re-treated in over a year – is at threat from insects which bore through the timber and eventually weaken it. By contrast, pressure treatment prevents attack from insects, such as termites, carpenter ants and woodworm. In particular, Tanalith E uses a water-based copper azole formula. The copper in this preservative repels – and is toxic to – insects.
3. Easier to maintain
Pressure treated sheds – and pressure treated summer houses – need very little maintenance. Whereas reputable manufacturers recommend you re-treat standard (or dip treated) sheds at least once a year, tanalised timber can sit safely outside for many years without further treatment.
4. Last longer
As a result of the facts we state in numbers 1-3 of this list, pressure treated sheds and summer houses can also last longer. In addition to weather proofing, pressure treated garden buildings tend to more durable all round. And that's because the preservative strengthens the wood and makes it better able to resist damage.
5. Cost less in the long term
Earlier in this article, we mentioned how pressure-treated sheds and summerhouses tend to cost more outright than the dip treated alternatives. And that’s true. But in the long-term, tanalised sheds can actually cost less. How? Well, the lack of a need for regular re-treatment can mean you have to spend less on your tanalised shed over time. Plus, you won't have to keep replacing your shed over time. You know the well-worn phrase "you get what you pay for"? Well, this is true here too. A pressure-treated shed's long life and low maintenance could save you money in the long-term!
6. Distinctive appearance
The tanalisation process lends these sheds an attractive green hue, which weathers to light brown. As a result, many of our customers choose to leave their pressure-treated summer houses and sheds unpainted (although you can paint yours if you wish).
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