This is a collaborative post
Your shed is a crucial part of your garden. No matter the function or size of your shed, you should ensure that you keep it clean and well maintained for it to last for years to come.
Read on for some of the common issues that garden sheds can encounter, and whether they mean you should repair or replace your shed.
Keeping Your Shed Clean
It is a good idea to have a maintenance routine with your shed. This should include looking your shed over for damage and keeping it clean and tidy. Wash the windows regularly, keep the inside of your shed dry and lubricate hinges and other metal frequently. It would help if you also cleared any debris from the roof of your shed, to stop it from building up. Keeping your shed roof clean and clear can prevent many of the issues that sheds can face.
A Leaking Roof
Often, leaking shed roofs can be patched or fixed successfully. If this is done as soon as possible, then it can ensure that you don’t need to replace your shed. If a leak isn’t treated as quickly as possible, it can lead to further issues, and the damage can be more severe.
You can treat a leak in your shed roof by patching any holes with waterproof materials and coating the shed material with waterproof treatments. Depending on the extent of the leak and how easy it is to fix, you can often judge whether a new shed is necessary or not.
Remember, a functional roofing system is the first line of defense against natural elements like rain, snow, and heat, creating a moisture-free and comfortable environment inside. Thus, ensure it functions properly to avoid water leaks that can damage your garden shed.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot is often the kiss of death for a wooden shed. This can be prevented with proper treatment, but once the rot has set in, it is unlikely that you will be able to restore your shed. Preventing wood rot is another reason that it’s so important to regularly check your garden shed over, as decay can sometimes be treated if caught early.
Warping
Depending on the type of wood your shed is made of, you may encounter warping on parts of your shed. You should monitor the shed to see whether this is occurring and if so, take action immediately. If the distortion is minor, you can often manipulate the wood back to its proper shape, but you may need to replace your shed if it is more extensive.
Invest In A Good Quality Shed To Prevent Issues
One great way to ensure that you don’t have to replace or repair your shed with any frequency is to buy a sturdy, high-quality shed to begin with. Many of the issues that sheds face can be prevented by investing in a well made shed. There are many sheds out there to choose from with various materials and styles to suit any requirements.
Check these garden sheds from Shedstore for an idea of the quality and craftsmanship you should be looking for in your garden shed. A high quality shed, combined with regular maintenance and care, will last for years if not decades before requiring replacement.
Shed Stability
If you notice your shed feeling less stable than it used to be, it could be a good idea to check the joints, bolts and screws to see if you can find the reason for it. Sometimes the fix will be a simple case of tightening screws, but if it is a more extensive issue with your shed’s structural integrity, it may be time to replace.
An Uneven Base
An uneven or warped base can lead to damp and rot from moisture seeping in through the foundation. If caught quickly, it can be repaired by creating a new base, though if the uneven ground has caused damage to the rest of the shed, you may have to consider a replacement.
Loose Panels
If you notice some loose panels in your shed, you can usually fix this by tightening screws or shoring it up with some nails and replacement panelling.
The problems that loose panels can present include thieves having easy access to your shed and weather damage to your shed’s interior. If you can’t secure the loose panels, then you may have to invest in a new shed for your peace of mind.
Window And Door Condition
Your windows and doors should fit your shed snugly, with no gaps for rainwater or damp to seep in through. Any cracks or broken windows should be fixed or replaced as soon as possible to keep your belongings secure.
If there are gaps between doors and windows, you can use sealant to fill them or install rubber guards to plug holes in the doors’ edges. If the gaps are too extensive for sealing up yourself, then you may need to invest in new doors and windows, or consider replacing your shed entirely.
Mould
Mould is a common issue in sheds, mainly sheds made of natural materials like wood. Keeping your shed clean is crucial to prevent mould, as is patching and preventing any leaks. If you notice mould, then you should clean the area immediately with commercial mould remover. It could also be a good idea to plug in a heater or dehumidifier to remove any excess moisture in the air, to prevent mould from returning.
Moreover, you can also stop mould from damaging your garden shed and causing health issues by going over the seams outside the shed and caulking all windows and doors. Also, make sure you have proper ventilation. If there’s excessive moisture coming in, you need your shed to be adequately ventilated to avoid excessive mould growth.
Moreover, it’d be best to eliminate the spills as they can cause moisture to accumulate. Lastly, install good-quality siding on the exterior side of the shed’s wall to prevent moisture from seeping into it. To learn more about siding installation, click here or visit reliable websites for more information.
Insects
If you notice an infestation of insects, then it is crucial to deal with them as soon as possible. Ants, flies, bees and wasps are some of the most common insects that can take up residence in garden sheds.
Sometimes you will be able to deal with an infestation by putting down a commercial insect killer. However, if the problem is more extensive, then you may need to consult a professional exterminator. If the problem is advanced, then it may be time to consider replacing your shed.
It is also worth noting that bees are a crucial part of our natural eco-system so you should always try to remove them in a way that preserves the colony. You can speak to professional beekeepers and removers to ensure that bees are removed safely from your shed.
Conclusion
Like other parts of your home, a garden shed can be considered a significant investment. Hence, you must ensure it’ll last for a long time, providing you with the proper storage in your garden. However, there are instances when your shed encounters some problems, which may require you to repair or replace it. Therefore, remember the information mentioned above to know which one is best for your needs. This way, you can ensure your garden shed works correctly for an extended period.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post