Keeping your garden wood shed in good condition and ensuring it is safe year-round can be challenging. But what exactly are the steps you should take, and which garden timber supplies do you need to keep your shed in good condition in time for the colder months? Do you need to upgrade your shed power supply kit, or would you have to revamp your exterior shed cladding? Here are some important tips to help maintain your shed over winter!
Key Takeaways for Shed Maintenance
- Do a thorough maintenance check
- Clean the inside of the shed
- Patch any holes, cracks or weak spots
- Treat external wooden walls
- Ensure the hinges are well-lubricated
- Store tools and equipment properly
Importance of Shed Maintenance
When a shed is in disrepair, it becomes impossible to use during winter. Cold air and moisture can enter through cracks in the foundation or walls, while loose shingles and siding allow snow and ice to enter. In case of ice on the ground or snow, these problems may be exacerbated, making repair difficult or even dangerous.
Maintaining your shed in the winter is crucial to its usability. Make sure your shed is in good condition at least once a year, and repair it as necessary.
Shed Maintenance Checklist: 6 Top Tips
1. Do a thorough maintenance check
Maintaining your shed regularly can prevent expensive repairs or replacements later on.
Signs you should look out for include:
- The presence of disrepair: Inspect the walls and ceiling for cracks, gaps and missing shingles. If you observe any of these, it’s time to get them fixed.
- Damage caused by water: Inspect the ceiling or walls for water stains. There is a possibility that these signs indicate a leaky roof. Check the gutters and downspouts for obstructions, and ensure they direct water away from the shed.
- Infestation: Look for signs of insects or rodents, such as chewed wires or droppings.
It’s also a good idea to check the weatherstripping around your shed’s doors and windows. Replace it if it’s cracked or splitting. If there is no weatherstripping installed, now would be the time to install it.
2. Clean the inside of the shed
The inside of your shed will reveal dirt, dust and cobwebs accumulated over time. Sweep the floor of the shed, and remove any large debris. Then, wipe all surfaces, such as the windows, with a damp cloth. All shelves and cabinets in the shed should be cleaned thoroughly before being reassembled.
Remove any animal food from the shed, or store it in an airtight container. Winter is a time when animals are looking for food, and they will find a way inside if they smell food inside your shed.
Ensure that none of the lawn equipment leaks oil or fuel. You should address this now, but if not, make sure the floor is prepared for cleaning oil and fuel leaks. And before you store your equipment for the winter, be sure you remove all gas from it.
3. Patch any holes, cracks or weak spots
Make sure there are no holes, cracks or weak spots in the shed. If there are any, patch them up as soon as possible. Fill any gaps you find with caulk and spray foam. By doing this, you will be able to prevent pests from entering and safeguard your belongings.
Meanwhile, water could leak into your shed through holes in the roof, which could lead to damage. A shed with weak spots is particularly vulnerable if a snowstorm hits, as the entire roof is at risk of collapsing. Replace the shingles on the roof or have the professionals do it.
4. Treat external wooden walls
Timber garden shed owners are the specific target of this tip.
During the winter, wooden exteriors are subjected to harsh conditions. As a result of snowfall, rain and a lower humidity level, wood can become weak and damp. That’s why it is necessary to treat external wooden walls to protect them from the weather. Your shed will last longer if you maintain it regularly. The wood can be painted or stained to achieve this.
Apply fresh coats of paint to timber garden sheds in the fall to protect them. As a result, by winter, you’ll be able to protect your paint from weather damage.
Don’t forget to treat the exterior tongue and groove cladding for sheds. Tongue and groove cladding features a sleek finish and offers watertight construction. It’s a great way to prevent water from entering your garden shed and causing damage.
5. Ensure the hinges are well-lubricated
You can’t have a good shed door without good hinges. Rusted or damaged hinges will prevent your door from opening and closing properly. Check the shed door hinges and ensure they are in good working order. If they’re not, apply WD-40 or similar oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
6. Store tools and equipment properly
Keeping tools and equipment inside the shed organised and correctly maintained is an important aspect of shed maintenance. The shed and the items stored inside can be protected this way.
For proper tool and equipment storage, give each type of tool or piece of equipment its own space. This will help you stay organised and help you find what you need more quickly. The contents of each storage space should be labelled to reduce frustration and time spent searching. You should also separate heavier items from lighter items by placing heavier items on lower shelves. This prevents things from falling over and having damage is done to them or the shed.
Keep Your Shed Safe This Winter
Properly maintaining your shed will protect your belongings and extend its lifespan. Following our six tips, you can ensure that your shed will survive the winter.
In case you require timber cladding for sheds or want to install pressure-treated sheds, don’t hesitate to email or call our team at Enterprise Works. We can help ensure your shed is prepared and winter-ready by supplying you with the best materials.
