Temperatures are expected to plunge to dramatic lows of -16C this week, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for snow and ice for large parts of the UK.

       While travel disruption and power outages might be top of most people’s lists for things to worry about during cold snaps, the wintry weather can have widespread effects, including causing potentially irreversible damage to outbuildings.

       Keen gardeners who keep their tools and equipment in wooden outdoor sheds have been warned to ensure their storage spaces are prepared for the cold weather to ensure they’re not damaged by mould, damp or rot.

       "During the winter months, our sheds, summer houses and other outdoor buildings can endure harsh conditions which may result in irreparable damage," a spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect said.

       "Taking the extra time and precautions to check [that] everything is prepared for the colder months may save you a lot of money in the long run by finding small problems which you can fix yourself.

       "Completing simple tasks such as sealing any openings or adding extra insulation can be essential to keeping damp, mould and rot away from your outdoor structures."

       READ MORE Met Office issues snow warning for UK regions to be blanketed in hours [REPORT]

       Leaks are one of the most common ways wintry weather takes its toll on outhouses, with wooden structures more likely to contract in cold conditions.

       Pinpointing any openings or gaps and making sure they’re watertight can help to avoid long-term damage.

       Moisture gathering inside sheds and outhouses can cause rot, mould and rust.

       An easy way to dodge this problem is by ensuring good air flow and not filling your shed up with too much equipment.

       Wintry weather including snow and heavy rain can put pressure on shed roofs, causing both long-term damage and short-term leaks.

       It’s worth checking the strain of your roof before a large downpour and brushing excess snow or ice off it following a snowstorm.

       Don't miss...

       'I'm an A&E doctor - I'm furious winter crisis has been allowed to get this bad' [COMMENT]

       Full list of 8 cities in the UK where maps show snow will fall this weekend [LIST]

       British Gas urges 47,000 customers to act now before -16C cold snap [REPORT]

       Your shed needs some TLC too! Experts recommend treating outdoor structures to a timber treatment every 12 months to protect it from water.

       "Doing this annually will prolong [its] life," they said. "Remember to do it on the inside as well as the outside."

       Cold weather can cause locks to freeze over - preventing any access until the frost thaws.

       Applying oil or WD40 to the movable parts of the door is a surefire way to stop keys getting stuck.