[Shen]

Hi everyone, can I get some advice please?

I bought a summer house and decided to insulate/board it myself to save money.

The insulation is fine but the back part of the shed, the plyboard has mould along the bottom of it. Only a few cms if that, in height.

I’ve ripped it out today and wondering why, if anyone can give advice?

Should the ply not touch the floor? (The side pieces are a mm or 3 off the floor.

Could it be ‘cause there wasn’t any insulation along the lower part of the frame (it had accidentally folded up a little) therefore it was ply- wood frame not ply-insulation-wood frame 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m so confused as the sides of the shed are fine, no mould & done the same way (I thought).

I’ve ordered stuff to clean and treat/prevent it but I’d rather figure out why and 100% prevent it from happening again in the future, before I buy new ply and cover it again.

The back of the shed has vents on the top, sides don’t (it’s a Pent summer house).

[it has been closed all over winter and not used, due to not being finished, but the vents should’ve been enough to keep it ‘safe’]🤷🏻‍♀️

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Brian]

Ply Wood shouldn’t touch the ground sucking moisture upshould be an air gap under neath as well that close to the floor should have used treated timber. I treat all my floor joists with old engine oil.

[Paul]

Is there heating in the summer house, has it been on?, this will happen due to the temperatures outside being very cold then heating up.

[Scott]

A small gap along the bottom of the plywood would be advisable.

As it’s made of wood and insulated condensation is very likely as it will always be warmer than the cold air outside, low level vents as well as the high level could help. From experience i would also suggest that rockwool or polystyrene is used for the wall insulation, standard insulation will hold any moisture from condensation and start to rot timber from the inside out.

[Author]

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