If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably asking yourself what you can do to make your shed last longer. When the sheds are newly installed, they look great, but after a couple of years, UV damage, pests, and structural issues can harm them. You don’t want this to happen to you, so what are your options?
Start with the foundation
The best place to start is with shed bases. Once you have proper foundations in place, you can deal with problems more easily. You can also avoid pest entry and prevent rot.
You want to have at least 4-6 inches below your shed but above your foundation for air clearance. This reduces the risk of moisture buildup whilst also preventing condensation.
For the base itself, you’ll need to use concrete blocks or gravel bases. You could also use piers or pressure-treated skids and beams. The option that you go for should reflect the climate that you’re living in. Just make sure the foundation itself is level; if it’s not, then the stress and wear and tear on your shed could be uneven. There could also be doors that jam.
Protect against water
By far the biggest threat to your shed is water. Once water gets into the material, it causes rust and rot. You can also run the risk of developing mould. This is one of the reasons why many shed owners get their roofs inspected annually. The moment they notice missing shingles or damaged felt, they’re on the case and looking for a solution.
If you can seal any cracks and holes immediately, then do so. Make sure you always have some caulk or roof sealant nearby to deal with these problems. Only patch holes in the roof on the outside, don’t apply patches on the inside as these can be less effective.
Also, while you’re doing this, check and maintain your gutters and downspouts. Sometimes, these can allow water to overflow over the edge and down the side of your shed, causing damage to the foundation and the base.
Clean regularly
Most people clean their homes regularly, but you’d be surprised by how few individuals clean their sheds regularly. Often they’re just seen as a space that is a law unto itself. Don’t be like this. Make sure you sweep and vacuum your interior all the time. Get rid of cobwebs and dirt so that they don’t build up.
Also, during the summer months, you can attempt to hose down the exterior as long as it’s safe. You might be able to scrub it, but be careful not to chip any of the paint off unless you’re planning to repaint.
Finally, remove anything from the surroundings that might cause harm, like leaves and grass clippings.
Use commercial protection agents
The last thing you might want to do is use commercial material-specific protection agents. For example, you can now apply coatings to wood that protect them against rot and UV. You can also coat metal sheds to stop condensation from forming and even prevent rust.
