You’ve purchased your dream home. Moreover, it happens to have a shed in the backyard. The possibilities are endless. You might want it to be a tool room, workspace, storage, or any number of other potentials.
However, whatever you imagine your shed becoming, there are overarching maintenance and mitigating factors you need to consider to keep it standing.
New homeowners need to understand the backyard shed, while out of sight, shouldn’t be out of mind. Keep reading to discover 5 tips for backyard shed maintenance that will make it last.
Without further ado, let’s shed some light on this issue.
1. Keep Exterior Clear
You may have seen the trendy look on TV or in magazines. However, stacking firewood along the side of the shed is bad practice. When you tuck your timber along the side of your shed, you are creating a haven for pests. The space between cuts off airflow and captures moisture. Snakes, insects, and mold will all come knocking.
For the same reasons, weed whacking and mowing the grass around the perimeter is part of regular shed maintenance. It will look better and keep pests away.
2. Repair Damage
It is important to occasionally check for holes and cracks. Repairing shed damage promptly will add years of life to the structure. Holes in the eaves or base are homes for mice.
Cracks in the facade let in moisture. If not tended to, you will face rot. Wood filler, caulk, and even duct tape work for quick fixes.
3. Seal for Moisture
If your shed doesn’t have an electrical hookup, it needs to let in light. You may even consider adding windows or skylights. You can learn more here about possible upgrades. However, any new windows, vents, or door jambs need to be sealed.
If moisture seeps into the shed, it will feel and smell dank. What’s more, this will rust the tools or supplies you keep inside. Any openings need to be addressed. For the seams, a tube of silicone will work.
4. Keep It Clean and Organized
The exterior is not the only area that needs maintenance. You need to keep the interior clean and orderly. Sheds are great hiding places for spiders and mice. If left alone, they will take the place over.
A clean shed will not only allow you to stay safe and organized, but you can also spot these intruders.
5. Apply Paint Periodically
Depending on the climate and the positioning, the shed will take a beating from the elements. Hot sun, heavy rain, and wind will all wear down the protective layer on the shed.
Whether you have a wood or metal shed, quality exterior paint acts as armor for the material. As such, you should consider applying new paint as needed. Think about adding a fresh coat each year.
Keep Up with Backyard Shed Maintenance
Now that you know some proper backyard shed maintenance, you are ready to optimize the space. No matter what you have in mind for the shed, these tips will keep it solid for years to come.
If you found this guide useful, stick around the blog for other homeowner articles.
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