Buying a shed and storing all your belongings inside is just the first step, but what comes next is extremely important, and you must practice it every now and then—shed maintenance. Even though maintaining your garden shed may be a little challenging initially, the effort will be well worth it in the end because your sturdy building will retain its pristine appearance and live a long life unharmed. But how do you keep your shed safe and stable? Here is a detailed guide with tips on maintaining your shed all year.
Your shed is a part of your house, so keeping it neat all year is essential. Plan a day at least once every three months to thoroughly clean your shed from the inside. With a tidy shed, you can spot problems early and address them before they escalate to more significant issues. Additionally, you can quickly locate whatever you seek within a clean shed. Whatever purpose your shed is being used for, try wiping everything before putting it inside the shed. For instance, if you use your shed as a storage space, clean the bicycles and equipment before placing them inside the shed. Doing so will prevent unwanted dust, dirt, and fungi from spreading in the shed.
Yes, cleaning your shed inside out is essential, but you must also keep things organized. Take some time at least once every two months to clear the clutter by ensuring everything is in its proper spot. Hooks, shelves, multi-purpose furniture, and space-saving items are all excellent solutions for organizing your shed. Lastly, utilize the wall space in your shed just like you use the floor area.
Your shed can suffer extreme damage from even the tiniest insects and other pests that take permanent residence in your shed. Although keeping the pests at bay may be a little daunting, remember that keeping your shed free of pests is essential if you want it to last a long time without compromising its appearance. Hence, to do so, you must set traps inside and outside your shed, especially at the entry points of the pests. However, please keep pest control out of your children's reach.
If you want your shed to stay durable, keep it well-ventilated. Elevate your structure's floor and let the airflow underneath the doors. Additionally, ensure that the area under the door and around the windows is free of grasses and shrubs. Inadequate air circulation will make your shed more susceptible to dampness and may cause the wood to rot. Hence, several windows and doors should be installed to keep the shed airy.
Washing your shed from the outside is essential to prevent stains from becoming permanent and to avoid mildew growth. The quickest and easiest way to clean your shed is with a spongy, soapy liquid mixed in water. However, if you have a pressure washer, keep it on the lowest setting and slowly clean the shed's exterior.
If your shed is made of wood, treat it annually to preserve it from the elements, like sunlight, rain, and wind. It is recommended to apply wood stain every six months. If not every six months, treating the wood annually should be sufficient to protect it from the external elements.
Regardless of the material your shed is made of, regularly inspect it to see any cracks. If the shed has cracks, know that water can easily leak inside. Thoroughly check the roof, doors, walls, and siding to see the cracks, use epoxy to fill them, and coat them with weatherproof paint.
A functional lock on your shed is essential to protect your belongings from theft. Without locks, the protection of your shed is compromised, and it becomes an easy target for burglars to attack. To keep your shed safe, try securing the windows and doors with locks, and remember to replace any broken frames. Furthermore, check for any misaligned panels of your shed, as this can affect the whole structure's integrity.
Unsecured shingles and fasteners on the rooftop may break while withstanding strong winds. As your shed ages, this means the roofing on your shed may be at risk. Make sure to repair minor issues on the rooftop every year before the winter hits, as this will save you from emergency roofing repairs and water damage to the inside of the shed after storms.
As the fall season approaches, clear your shed surroundings and remove fallen leaves. These leaves can cause discoloration of the wood by retaining moisture. Moreover, the deck and pavement can become slippery and unusable when algae grow and aren't cleaned properly. Always keep your deck and pavement clear of leaves and pavement by using a cleaning fluid and then coating it with a decking stain to ensure your shed's surroundings look the same.
Sheds are long-term investments that last many years. They serve various purposes, including storage, a greenhouse, and a workplace, and are now becoming an integral element of many backyard landscapes across Canada. Following these maintenance recommendations each year, you can keep your garden shed pristine and enjoy it for at least 30 to 40 years.
Anyhow, contact Backyard Escape Studios if you need more recommendations or want to purchase a prefab shed made from the highest-quality materials. We offer customizable sheds and studios that effortlessly complement your home’s aesthetics. Contact us today to learn more about our products!
To make your shed sustainable, consider powering it with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power instead of taking electricity from the grid. Both methods are excellently sustainable and require minimal resources to operate.
Shelving is the best option for organizing your shed. If you don't have any spare shelves, try making them from scratch. Any kind of shed, including free-standing or fixed to the wall, will increase space and help you stay organized.
To maintain the shed's natural appearance and preserve it in the long run, apply a transparent wood preservative and coat it with a wood oil for best protection.