How best to maintain a garden shed is a common question on DIY forums in the UK. The answer of course all depends on the kind of shed that is in the garden. Garden sheds are made from different materials. Metal sheds, wooden sheds, and plastic sheds are the three main types seen in gardens. There are many different facets to maintaining a garden shed and done properly the shed will last for many years.
Though the sheds are made from different materials there is one common bit of advice applicable to all of them, and that is repair any damage immediately before it has a chance to get worse. If the shed is to be newly erected remember to place it away from any trees so that there will be no risk of the branches causing damage when the weather is bad.
Wooden sheds can easily be damaged or even destroyed if they are not looked after properly and regularly. Nearly all wooden sheds can be attacked by termites unless the shed is looked after and treating it yearly can give good protection. For any wooden shed always remember to protect it against all moisture penetration. Checking and repairing the roof, windows and the door from any damage that water may have caused will make the shed last longer. Water can damage or destroy the structure and everything inside. Ensure that all the tools and equipment inside are well organized to avoid accidents and make sure any expensive items are covered on the household insurance policy.
A metal shed will stay in good condition for a long time by simply maintaining it. As soon as any damage is seen it needs to be repaired, retouching the paint immediately means it will not rust. Also it is important to wash the whole garden shed with soap and water every month to keep it clean. If there is any rust just rub it with some sandpaper, apply a rust control product and then paint over it.
A plastic shed needs very little maintenance and can be easily installed. Cleaning inside and outside of a plastic shed is very important and will not take up too much time, and don’t worry if you think your location is too windy for a plastic shed, they can be concreted down which gives them extra stability.
Tags: gardens, Home Insurance, maintenance
This plastic shed sounds great…will make my life a lot easier.
I currently have 2 wooden sheds and a van which I keep most of my tools and bits in, but reading this, maybe getting a slightly larger plastic shed cemented to the floor is a better idea? Definitely will prefer just spraying it with the hose and not having to paint it