Cabin Repair 

Overview

•⁠ ⁠Repair common structural and weather-proofing issues in a wooden garden cabin or log shed.

•⁠ ⁠Skill level 4 / 5 (competent DIY with carpentry basics).

•⁠ ⁠Typical duration 4–6 hours for a moderate patch and reseal.

Safety First

1. Falling from roofs or ladders — use a tied ladder and stable platform; wear a harness above 2 m.

2. Splinters, nails and sawdust — wear cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses.

3. Bitumen felt adhesive and wood preservers emit fumes — work in open air, wear an FFP2 mask.

4. Electric shock from cabin wiring — isolate power before lifting boards near cables.

5. Tool kickback when cutting timber — use sharp blades and clamp workpieces securely.

   
   

Tools & Materials

Step-by-Step

1. Inspect & Mark Faults

Walk around the cabin, marking soft spots, split boards and felt blisters with chalk.

Why: Creates a clear repair map.

2. Strip Back Damaged Material

Gently pry up roof felt around splits; remove rotten boards, saving sound ones for templates.

Why: Exposes the full extent of decay for accurate cutting.

3. Cut & Treat Replacement Timber

Measure openings, cut new treated boards, and brush preservative on all fresh faces.

Why: Preservative guards cut ends—the most vulnerable area.

4. Fit New Boards or Logs

Screw or nail replacements starting at the lowest course, staggering joints from original pattern.

Why: Maintains structural overlap and water run-off path.

5. Patch Roof Felt

Slide breathable membrane under the felt gap, butter edges with bitumen, press new felt patch over and nail perimeter.

Why: Double-layering stops capillary leaks without re-felting the whole roof.

6. Seal Gaps & Joints

Inject expanding foam into large voids, trim flush; run flexible sealant along window and door trims.

Why: Blocks draughts and driving rain before they reach insulation or contents.

7. Re-Align Doors & Windows

Loosen hinge screws, lift or shim as needed, then re-tighten; verify smooth closure and even reveal.

Why: Settling timber shifts frames, letting moisture in.

8. Sand & Stain Repairs

Feather edges of new boards, then apply two coats of exterior stain or paint to blend with the cabin.

Why: Uniform finish protects new and old timber equally.

Completion Checks

• Roof felt lies flat with no visible blisters or lifted edges.

• Replaced boards sit flush; fixings seated, not protruding.

• Doors/windows open easily and seal evenly on all sides.

• No daylight or draughts visible from inside the cabin.

• Fresh stain colour matches surrounding panels once dry.

  
  

When to call a pro instead

If the cabin shows widespread structural rot, requires full roof replacement, sits on a failing base, or contains mains electrical circuits needing relocation, hire a professional timber-building specialist who can rebuild sections, ensure load-bearing integrity and certify any electrical modifications.