Buying a shed is a great investment for many reasons. As a result, it’s important to provide the necessary care and maintenance so that your shed lasts a long time. Below are seven practical ways to achieve that goal. Fortunately, there are simple tasks that can extend the life of your shed.
1. Checking for Leaks
Just like with many other areas of life, if you don’t address a problem with a shed, there’s a good chance that it will only get worse. A significant issue that might seem small at first is the development of a leak. This is because a leak can cause problems with both the inside and outside of your shed. The way to mitigate this issue is by conducting a simple inspection. Generally speaking, you should be able to visually detect if there are any leaks.
One of the most common ways to detect a leak is discoloration. This will occur after you have experienced rain or snow in your area. Sometimes there will be either small or large patches that are darker than the rest of the shed. When performing an inspection, be sure to check the following areas: roof, floor, walls, and all corners. You should also check the windows to make sure they are properly sealed.
2. Lubricating Handles
While it might seem like a small issue, a handle that’s not working properly can create a bigger problem because it often results in the use of force when trying to enter the shed. To prevent this, you should lubricate the handles on a regular basis. This should be part of your preventative maintenance program. Although it will not always be necessary to lubricate the handles, it’s something that should be addressed as soon as you notice a problem with opening the shed door. If you continue to have an issue after lubricating the handle, it may be necessary to replace it. Whether you need to replace the handle or the entire shed, you can get shed quotes online.
3. Eliminating Pests
To extend the life of your shed, you should definitely take time to eliminate pests. While it’s not always the easiest thing to do, it is something that should be considered because a pest problem can damage your shed as time goes by. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your shed free of pests. One of the most common reasons why there ends up being a pest problem in a shed is because of trash storage. A simple fix is to avoid keeping trash in your shed. You should also keep the vegetation that’s outside of the shed trimmed.
4. Examining Shelves
If you have shelves in your shed, you’ll have to be careful about how they are used. Since a shed often becomes a convenient place to store equipment and tools, it’s easy to start placing items on shelves that are too heavy. While it may start out as a small amount of sagging, it can become a much bigger problem. An easy fix is to put heavy tools and equipment on the floor instead of on a shelf.
5. Maintaining the Floor
It’s easy to ignore the floor of your shed when it comes to maintenance. However, that’s a mistake because maintaining the floor is a good way to address the issue of pests. It can also help you uncover any problems that arise with the foundation before it gets worse.
6. Cleaning the Exterior
A shed should be cleaned at least once a year to remove grime and dirt that has accumulated. This can prevent any issues with leaking and the development of mold or mildew. Power washing your shed will preserve it for years to come.
7. Preparing for Harsh Weather
How items are stored in your shed during the winter can make a difference in how it’s utilized. By making tools more easily accessible, you are more likely to prevent issues of wear and tear. In many cases, it’s simply a matter of staying organized and storing items by season.
These are all practical ways to ensure your shed lasts a long time. Fortunately, it doesn't cost a lot of money or takes a lot of time to preserve your shed.
