A water heater is an important application for your home, providing the basic necessity of hot water. However, it may require a lot of space for it to be housed. Moreover, some people prefer their water heaters to be outside the house. While that is a good choice for the long-term, it may require you to make certain arrangements. Water heaters that are outside the house may need to be enclosed.

Enclosing a water heater can protect it from malfunction, bad weather conditions, and humidity damage. An enclosure made of either wood, metal, or vinyl is sure to protect your water heater against all mentioned conditions.

It may seem like a simple task to do, but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you build a water heater enclosure outside.

Types of water heater enclosures you can build

Typically, there are three types of enclosures that you can build around your water heater outside. These include a frame-built enclosure, metal cabinet enclosure, and wall-mounted enclosure.

Frame-built enclosure

A frame-built enclosure is simply built with a wood frame having metal panels on the outside. Additionally, an insulating material is added on the outside. To protect the shed from harsh weather conditions and corrosion, you can add a vinyl coating layer.

Wall-mounted enclosure

Secondly, we have a wall-mounted enclosure. This type of enclosure is mounted directly on the outside wall of your house and encloses the water heater. Tools such as masonry screws and an all-metal or vinyl enclosing case are required for this.

Metal cabinet enclosure

Lastly, outside water heaters can also greatly benefit from a metal cabinet enclosure. A metal cabinet enclosure may include hardware, steel panels, and the required insulation. Alternatively, you can also build a wooden exterior that has metal mesh walls to protect it.

How to build the enclosure

Now that you are aware of all the different types of water heater enclosures, let’s get to building one.

Firstly, you need to build a foundation. When marking the space that your water heater enclosure will occupy, make sure to add one or two feet for a little extra storage place. After you have marked the required space, excavate the soil to a depth of approximately 4-5 inches. Rake the soil at the bottom. To avoid weeds from growing on the soil, place landscaping fabric over it.

Next, pour and rake gravel into the hole and then tamp it. Place rebar on the top of the gravel in order to provide reinforcement for the concrete you will be adding.

Remember to place the rebar in a grid with an appropriate distance between each bar. Now that you have the lower part of the foundation, build a wooden frame around the hole. Then, mix the concrete as mentioned in the instructions and fill the space.

The process mentioned above will make sure that your water heater has a solid foundation to stand on. The next procedure is to build the actual shed.

Keep in mind the shape of your water heater when you build the enclosure. Moreover, remember to keep the enclosure bigger than the size of the water heater, just as we enlarged the foundation ground of the enclosure. Attach appropriately cut side frames to the sides of your enclosure and join the outer layer with your preferred material by taking the appropriate measurements.

Now that the four walls and the additional roof have been added, it is time for the enclosure door to be attached. Attach the door and add needed trims in order to make sure that the frame is stable.

The basic structure of the enclosure is complete with these simple steps. However, you can add anything else you need, such as a drip cap.

What to keep in mind when you build a water heater enclosure?

Firstly, you should make sure that your enclosure has screened openings that allow proper ventilation. You can add a hinge or slide to the door according to your preference, but you need to make sure that allowing proper ventilation is your priority. Place your enclosure somewhere where the fumes from the flue pipe of the exhaust cannot escape.

You should ensure that there is proper space and clearance for cleaning the burners of your water heater when needed.

Keep in mind that you can opt for outside tankless water heaters, but they aren’t suitable when you have a large house that needs an excessive amount of hot water. Remember to position your water heater enclosure in such a way that it has the flue at the top of the shed.

Conclusion

It is important that you enclose your water heater to protect it from accidents and weather conditions, especially when it is placed outside your house. With that, not only can you increase the life expectancy of a water heater but also help it run effectively for a long time.

With the steps mentioned above, you can create a foundation ground and an enclosure that is perfect for protecting your water heater.