While Florida’s weather is what attracts many people to move here – from the constant sunshine to the reliably warm weather – it’s also what tends to cause residents the most problems. Specifically, the state’s humidity can pose a significant challenge, as it can lead to rot that can affect the quality and lifespan of their buildings. Rot thrives in high levels of humidity, and as the fourth most humid state with an average humidity of 85 percent, Florida provides a prime environment for rot to spread.

This holds especially true for buildings like sheds and pole barns that are constructed with wood. These structures typically aren’t protected by an HVAC unit that can pull humidity out of indoor air. The consistent exposure to high humidity can potentially result in expensive repair and replacement costs depending on the materials used in construction. However, there are ways you can protect your portable building from rot.

1. Adequate Ventilation

Because moisture accumulates best within closed indoor spaces, properly ventilating your portable building can help protect it against rot-causing fungi and bacteria. Vents can be added to roofs or under eaves to help circulate hot, moist air out of the building. Well-designed windows can also assist with passive ventilation, enabling a fresh flow of air and reducing your portable building’s risk of developing mold or rot.

2. Moisture-Resistant Materials

Choosing building materials that can naturally resist moisture is crucial to protect your portable building from rot. In a wet climate like Florida's, it's essential to use materials that naturally resist moisture. For example, pressure-treated lumber is infused with preservatives that make it highly resistant to rot and decay, making it an excellent choice for structural components like framing and floor joists.

Composite materials (such as vinyl or PVC sidings), aluminum siding and metal roofing provide exterior cladding that won’t absorb water, while rot-resistant plywood can help you prevent moisture from accumulating within the interior.

3. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Rot can develop and fester after a storm if buildings are neglected. After heavy rain, be sure to check for signs of water damage, such as discolored or soft spots on the wood, which may indicate early stages of rot.

4. Elevate the Building

Ground moisture is a significant contributor to rot in portable buildings. The contractors at Bestway Portable Buildings Inc. can elevate your custom shed using concrete pads, blocks or a raised foundation to avoid direct contact with moisture-laden soil and limit the risk of rot.

5. Proper Sealing and Paint

Coating the exterior of your portable building with a high-quality sealant and paint can prevent moisture from filtering through the cracks. Not only will we paint your shed with a sturdy sealant, but we also offer a wide range of colors to choose from so that your shed can be both functional and compatible with your home’s color palette.

6. Implement a Moisture Barrier

You can also apply a moisture barrier beneath your floors and behind your walls as an extra layer of protection to shield your building’s base structure from rot.

7. Choose the Right Location

Building your portable building in an area with good drainage and natural shelter like trees to shield it from heavy rain can help minimize its risk of developing rot.

8. Clear Surrounding Vegetation

While shielding elements like trees can protect your building, overhanging branches or bushes that drip water can expose your building to excess moisture and accelerate rot. You can combat this by regularly trimming vegetation and carefully monitoring the building’s condition after a storm.

9. Weather-Resistant Design

The professionals at Bestway Portable Buildings Inc. will design your custom shed with the goal of minimizing its chances of developing rot, such as installing a sloped roof to direct rainwater away from the structure instead of letting it cascade down the sides where it can seep into the walls and lead to rot.

10. Pest Control

Humid weather can also attract pests, weakening the wood and contributing to rot. Regular pest control measures to deter termites and other wood-destroying insects that thrive in humid environments can help your shed stay in good condition for longer.

We’ll Protect Your Portable Building with Sound Design and Unparalleled Construction Quality

At Bestway Portable Building Inc., we’ll design your custom shed, car garage or any other type of portable building to suit your needs. We also offer a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion. Join the thousands of Panhandle home and business owners who have used Bestway Portable Buildings Inc. for their contracting needs. Request a free quote on your building plan online or call (850) 747-8974.