One of the most common questions I get is how long do garden rooms last, and it’s a perfectly valid one. Understandably, you want to know if a garden building is a long-term investment or if you must fork out thousands for major repairs or a replacement in a few years.
Luckily, it’s the former—these buildings can last for decades, with many lasting 40 years or more. However, this is the key part—it depends on a number of factors and, ultimately, how you upkeep and maintain it, which we discuss below.
Understanding Garden Rooms
This a standalone structure that sits somewhere in your garden. Typically, they are not attached to your house and, therefore, are not sheltered and are subject to the varied UK weather and wear and tear.
Over time, the quality can degrade as with any structure. This wear and tear can be greatly reduced through maintenance, cleaning, and initial investment in quality materials and upgrades. A garden room, therefore, that is looked after and well-built can last for multiple decades.
Factors That Influence The Lifespan
Insulated garden rooms with installation are built to a high standard and will last much longer than a self-built, uninsulated structure. Additionally, the following factors affect the lifespan:
Material Choices
When determining how to maintain garden structures, your initial choices are as important as ongoing maintenance. If you want it to last, you should be willing to spend a little extra on things like:
- Doors and windows.
- Insulation.
- Roof material.
- External treatment and preservatives.
Spending a little extra initially ensures that your garden room lasts much longer than going with a basic structure with no upgrades.
Maintenance and Upkeep
I have created an article on maintenance that goes into more detail about this, but simple things you can do to improve the lifespan include:
- Cleaning doors and windows and checking the seals.
- Make sure the garden building is properly ventilated.
- Checking the roof and cleaning any debris.
- Periodically re-applying external preservatives.
- Checking any plumbing and facilities like a kitchenette.
You have to be vigilant and prepared to clean and maintain it as you would your home.
Aside from dampness and a lack of external preservatives, one of the leading causes of the degradation of the quality of garden rooms is a need for more care! You can’t expect your garden structure to last for decades if you let it fall into disrepair.
Humidity and Ventilation
Dampness is one of the main causes of deterioration of structures like sheds, garden offices, and summer houses. It can also be completely avoided though.
Initially, ensure your building is fully insulated as this greatly reduces the chance of dampness. Then, as time progresses, ensure it is adequately ventilated and the temperature is controlled where possible.
Open doors and windows, and have air vents installed. This allows for sufficient airflow and stops condensation from building up, ultimately leading to dampness. Damp causes many issues like rot in the timber, unclean air, and potential health issues with your breathing.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
We live in the UK, right? We know the unpredictability of the weather, which is something to consider when considering the longevity of your garden room. Preservative treatment for the external surfaces, including the walls and roof, is important as this will help protect against the rain.
When you buy your new room, opt for an upgraded roof that has more durable materials. This helps it withstand the UK climate and our often harsh winters.
How to Maintain Your New Building for It to Last Longer?
You must look at a garden room as part of your house – that’s my approach. Don’t just think of it as something you can forget about – it needs the same love and attention as your home and you can do the following to help make it last longer:
- Make sure the external structure is treated.
- Check and clean the roof regularly.
- Allow for air circulation and proper ventilation.
- Hoover and dust to keep the interior clean.
- Check and clean the doors and windows.
- Check and clean any plumbing and electrics.
A Garden Structure Can Last for Decades if You Upkeep It
How long do these rooms last? As long as you want, provided you invest in an initial quality build and are willing to look after your investment! With the right features like external treatment, insulation, and proper ventilation, they can last for decades, so make sure you do it justice.
