Maintaining Your Garden Shed

There are many advantages to steel garden sheds. One of the big ones is that they require a lot less maintenance than other materials. But even so, there are a few basic things you should do in order to keep them at their best for longer.

Keep moisture out.

The big thing to watch out for is moisture. It’s best to build them away from damp areas like troughs, while in places prone to humidity you’ll want to ensure proper ventilation. Letting moisture build up inside the shed or garage can lead to mildew or mould. It’s easier to prevent that happening in the first place than it is to clean up afterwards.

Keep it clean.

It’s also important to give the exterior a good clean regularly. How often you need to do this depends on location. For coastal areas that get salt in the air, you’ll want to do this at least twice a year. Letting salt accumulate can damage the paint and prevent weatherproofing from working properly. The good news is that cleaning the exterior is super easy. A basic hose-down will get the job done, but to get the longest possible life out of your structure, it’s recommended that you give it a proper clean with soap and water. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards.

Severe weather.

Severe weather can also cause damage. Heavy storms will almost certainly result in dampness inside any steel shed or garage. If you live in an area where this happens frequently, consider installing moisture absorbers. They’re a quick and easy way to minimise the effects of dampness on the inside. Again, proper ventilation is an extremely effective way to minimise the effects of this. Storms can also result in debris on or around the building. All our structures are designed to withstand intense weather, but it’s still important to clear away debris before it causes damage.

Snow can also pose a problem. Ideally you’ll want to clear snow off the roof and away from the shed before it melts, but often this simply isn’t practical. In cases such as this, it’s important to be aware of the moisture that might seep in as it melts. If you notice cracks appearing in the foundation, this is likely a result of the ground itself being constantly wet. It’s a sign that there’s inadequate drainage in the area.

A small amount of regular maintenance and a few basic preparations will have an enormous impact on your structure’s lifespan. Ensuring that you have the right structure in the right place will minimise the amount of work needed to keep it operating smoothly and looking great. As such, it’s important to consider these factors before you build.