Shire Sheds FAQ

May I collect my order?

 

Of course. Please call us to arrange.

 

What is Tongue & Groove?

 

Tongue and Groove (T&G) is a smooth, planed, interlocking board.

 

What is OSB?

 

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is an engineered wood-based panel consisting of strands of wood which are bonded together with a synthetic resin; the strands are pressed together in layers. In the outer layers strands are generally oriented longitudinally in line with the panel length, whereas in the middle layers strands generally lie in a cross wise direction.

 

Also known as sterling board, sterling OSB, aspenite, and smartply.

 

What does Pressure Treated Wood mean?

 

Pressure Treated Wood means that a liquid preservative is forced into the timber in order to protect against deterioration due to rot or insect attack. In the treatment process finished timber is placed in a large container which is sealed and filled with the preservative solution. As the pressure in the container is increased, the preservative is forced into the timber; the excess preservative is drained from the container and recycled. The preservative makes Pressure Treated Wood suitable for long term outdoor uses where ordinary wood would soon deteriorate.

 

Greeny -blue speckles on surfaces of pressure treated timber are unlikely to be mould. It is more likely to be the salts from the Pressure Treatment rising to and settling on the surface. It is not detrimental to the product and will fade with time. However, pressure washing or the use of a wire brush may remove them if required.

 

Are all products supplied with fixing kits, i.e. screws and nails etc?

 

Yes, all products are supplied with full instructions and necessary fixings for assembly, including felt and glazing.

 

What tools would you recommend I need for the assembly of your products?

 

For Timber Buildings we would recommend a hammer, screwdriver (preferably cordless with both a flat head and Philips bits), a drill and bits, Stanley knife, spirit level, a tape measure and step ladders. On some buildings a wood saw may be required.

 

Are buildings pre-treated?

 

The majority of Buildings are supplied with a factory base coat. The treatment used is only for protection during storage and it is recommended that you treat the building with a high quality preservative before assembly and at least annually thereafter.

 

Log Cabins are not treated.

 

Log Cabins should be treated immediately following assembly using a high quality preservative and at least annually thereafter. We recommend the underside of the floor boards are treated prior to assembly.

 

How much weight is the floor of my shed designed to take?

 

The floors are designed for general domestic use, however should you wish to use your building for the storage of extremely heavy items or machinery it is recommended that you strengthen the floor. This can be done by positioning additional bearers under the floor and covering the original floor surface with a solid sheet material such as OSB or Plywood.

 

What sizes are shown on the website – Internal or External?

 

Where possible all product pages include both internal and external sizes along with other relevant size detail. However, should you require further information please do not hesitate to ask us.

 

How long does it take to assemble a building?

 

This will depend on your level of skill. We recommend 2 people undertake the assembly. Smaller buildings will take roughly half a day. A large log cabin with optional felt tiles could take 2 days.

 

What sort of base do I need to assemble my building on?

 

Your base must be firm and completely level, preferably constructed from concrete. The fitting of windows and doors will be affected if your base is not firm and level.

 

Will I need planning permission or building regulations?

 

Different authorities have different requirements and we would recommend that you check with your local planning department especially if erecting a large building. However, as a general guide only : Planning Permission or Building Regulation approval is not normally required provided that:-

 

Sheds/Workshops/Summerhouses and Greenhouses do not cover more than half of the area of the garden; excluding the area occupied by the house.

 

It does not contain sleeping accommodation.

 

The floor area does not exceed 15 square metres.

 

At no point is it less than one metre from a boundary.

 

It is not more than 3m high for a flat roof, or 4m with a ridged roof.

 

Overall height from ground level to ridge must not exceed more than 2.5m within a 2m range of any boundary. A building with overall height exceeding 2.5m in height and placed within 2m of any boundary will require planning permission.

 

No part of it projects beyond any wall of the house that faces a road.

 

The building is for use only by those who occupy the house.

 

What if I receive any missing or damaged parts?

 

Call or email us and we will replace or exchange the item as a matter of urgency.