Selecting the Right Shed Material for Canadian Conditions

Canada is the second-largest country by area, and its immense geographical diversity leads to constantly varying climatic conditions across its provinces and territories. During winter, the temperature contrast between Canada's northernmost and southernmost points can reach up to 28 degrees Celsius. This opens a wide range of temperature, wind, and moisture patterns across the country, and each element affects various shed materials differently. Extreme heat can trigger expansion and buckling in metal sheds, causing moisture loss and brittleness in wooden structures. Conversely, excessive moisture can induce corrosion in metal and promote rotting in wooden sheds. Understanding the performance of different shed materials in response to these factors is essential before purchasing or building a shed. This article will explore how weather conditions affect resin, wood, and metal sheds. We'll also share expert insights to help you make informed decisions. Read on!

Challenges Around the Canadian Climate

The northern regions of Canada tend to have frigid winters and short, cool summers. The central region typically has a continental climate: freezing winters, hot summers, and relatively low moisture. Southern areas have hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

It's colder and drier towards the North than the South, and precipitation is higher in the South and West than in the East and North.

How Temperature and Moisture Affect Different Shed Materials

Remember, the discussion is about the adverse effects of weather on these materials, so we'll focus on the challenges you may have to address. Each of these materials has its benefits, of course, and you can read about them here: Resin vs. Wood vs. Metal Sheds: Which Material Is Better?

Wood

Wood has good insulating properties, keeping the shed cool in the summer and warm during winter.

However, extreme heat can cause expansion followed by contraction when the weather cools, leading to warping, cracking, and splitting over time. Heat can also cause moisture to evaporate, leaving the wood dry and resulting in brittleness.

Similar to heat, excessive moisture can damage wood. Moisture can cause wood decay or result in mold and mildew.

So, if you live in a region that experiences extremes in temperature and high moisture (particularly in the southeast and southern regions), wood may not be the best choice. You could still opt for wooden sheds, but treat the wood and adequately insulate the shed against heat and moisture.

Metal

A well-treated metal shed can withstand extreme heat and cold. Like wood, metal also experiences expansion in extreme heat and contraction when the weather is cold. If this happens regularly and in rapid succession, metal could warp, buckle, or distort (especially the panels, frames, and fasteners). Hot summers can cause the metal shed to heat up, resulting in hot, uncomfortable interiors.

Metal is not susceptible to rot or decay like wood, but excessive moisture can cause rust, especially if the metal is not properly treated and coated. Heat can further accelerate the oxidation process.

Another issue with metal sheds is condensation. When the air inside the shed is warmer than the outside, and the warm air comes in contact with the cool metal, condensation droplets form on the surface. This can cause rust and also create a mess inside the shed.

Like wood, metal can still be used in extreme temperatures and moisture after proper treatment.

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Resin

Unlike wood and metal, resin sheds are much more durable and resistant to temperatures and moisture. Resin does not warp, buckle, or undergo material damage like rot or mould. It's generally resistant to the effects of moisture and heat.

Resin sheds are usually well-sealed and provide adequate protection against insects and pests.

One challenge with resin is decoloration in extreme heat. But for the most part, resin is quite sturdy and reliable in Canada's fluctuating weather conditions.

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Resin Sheds: Practicality and Durability

The Advantages of Resin Sheds in Canadian Climates

Since regions across Canada experience weather extremes—snowy winters, hot summers, and rainstorms—you need a shed that can withstand temperature and moisture fluctuations. Resin is the best choice among the three commonly used shed materials for these extreme conditions.

Resin sheds are constructed using weather-resistant plastic materials and are often reinforced with steel or other structural components. This makes them resistant to the adverse effects of heat and cold and sturdy against strong winds and hail.

Limitations and Considerations

While resin sheds are resilient against Canada's weather tantrums, they have some limitations.

Resin sheds have lower load-bearing capacity than wood or metal sheds. They are also lighter than their counterparts, so a resin shed has to be anchored firmly to a foundation.

Apart from these unique characteristics, resin sheds do reasonably well in Canada's climate.

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Suitability of Wooden Sheds for Canadian Landscapes

Wooden sheds have a natural, classic charm and look elegant in nature-immersed Canadian homes. They also have advantages in Canada's extreme weather. Wood is a natural thermal insulator and can regulate the temperature inside a shed, keeping it warm in the winter and cool during the summer.

Wood is sturdy and can withstand strong winds and conditions like hailstorms, which commonly occur in Canada.

However, wood requires proper treatment, constant maintenance, and care to ensure it does not deteriorate prematurely.

Maintenance Requirements and Tips

In summer, insects are rampant, and wood is prone to termites, carpenter ants, etc., which can damage the structure. Gaps in wooden sheds also result in insects entering and inhabiting the shed. You have to make sure to treat the shed for harmful pests.
Wood also absorbs moisture, which can cause rot and mould. Sealing and waterproofing will protect the wood from excessive moisture.
Ensure there is a proper passage for rainwater and drainage. If there isn't, it will result in the pooling of water, which will then cause mould and rot.