Storage Shed Maintenance Tips

Storage sheds are a sizeable investment, so it’s important to take care of them. In fact, performing regular maintenance on your shed is a surefire way to increase its lifespan. Here are some important maintenance tips to help you keep your storage shed looking sharp for years to come.

Check for Damage Regularly

It’s a good idea to inspect your shed for damage regularly, ideally at the beginning or end of each season. Neglecting to inspect your shed, or doing so infrequently, may result in larger problems down the road. Be on the lookout especially for any rotting wood, chipped or cracked paint, broken windows, or damage to the roof.

Other areas you should inspect that are often overlooked are your shed’s flashing and gutters. Check these places for any blockage or damage, and fix all issues promptly so water can continue to drain away freely.

If you encounter any damage to your shed during your inspection, make sure to repair it as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse and turning into an even bigger problem.

Take Inventory of Equipment and Sort It

While inspecting your shed, it’s a good idea to take an inventory of your supplies and tools. Doing so quarterly will ensure that you’re stocked up and ready for each upcoming season. Make sure that your tools are all working properly, and replace the batteries if necessary. If you store any fuel-powered equipment in your shed like lawn mowers or leaf blowers, make sure that they have enough fuel and are running smoothly.

Additionally, it’s not a bad idea to sort your equipment by season. For instance, in November, you could bring all of your winter equipment and supplies to the front of the shed so it’s easily accessible and ready for use. Then, do the same thing for the other seasons. No one wants to be rummaging through their winter items to find a sprinkler in the middle of June!

Keep Your Shed Pest-Free

Having pests in your shed is not only a nuisance, but it can also cause your shed to deteriorate faster. All it takes is a few tweaks to deter pests from making your shed their home:

• Make sure all grass, shrubs, and greenery surrounding your shed is trimmed and under control. 
• Store seeds, fertilizer, mulch, and other supplies in closed containers.
• Sweep or vacuum the inside of your shed at least a few times a year. Some insects are attracted to dirt and dust, so having a clean shed will help to steer them away.

Treat or Repaint the Wood

This one doesn’t apply to metal or vinyl sheds, but if your shed has wood siding, it’s very important to treat the exterior and repaint it if needed. Depending on the type of wood, this should be done every 5-10 years or so. In terms of paint type, be sure to only use high-quality paint that is specifically made for use on exterior wood, like 100% acrylic latex paint.

When repainting your shed, the first thing you should do is clean the exterior to remove any dust, dirt, or mildew from the surface. This can be done using a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent, like dish soap. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply the paint with a paint sprayer or brush. It’s best to apply at least two coats of paint for the best results. 

 

For more tips on maintaining your storage shed, don’t hesitate to contact us! In the market for a new shed? Check out our selection!