We’ve all appreciated our gardens and outdoor spaces more than ever over the sunny summer months, and sheds are a key feature. Whether you’ve converted a shed into a bar or an office, or kept its original function, we got some advice from our experts at Id Verde Landscaping on the best ways to maintain your shed and keep it fit for whatever purpose you set for it.
- Treat your shed – Most sheds are treated in the factory, so you won’t need to treat it straight away but it’s a vital task to keep it in tip-top condition; try to apply a fresh coat at least each year. Apply it when no rain is forecast for a few days so it has time to soak into the wood properly, and leave it for a couple of days before adding a colour. Bonus tip – paint PVA glue onto nail heads to stop them rusting through the paint.
- Seal your windows – It is important to make sure the windows are sealed inside and out as soon as possible after installation, to avoid leaks that can shorten your shed life. Use silicon, timber beading or any other suitable ‘watertight’ solution and keep an eye on the windows year-round, especially during the colder, damper months.
- Fit guttering – As well as being an eco-friendly way to keep your garden green, installing guttering and a water butt to capture run-off from your shed roof will help keep the building in good condition. Make sure it’s kept in good condition or rain is more likely to run off the roof and into the shed.
- Check the roof – On the subject of roofing, make sure that’s kept clear too to stop water pooling. Remove leaves and twigs and clean moss from your roof with moss killer to stop it absorbing water. Make sure to check the roof from the inside too, and if the felt needs replacing ensure you remove it completely including old nails to stop them damaging the replacement.
- A solid base – The best spot for your shed is on a slabbed or concrete base, clear off any moisture and lying water to avoid getting damp. Even better if you can fit timber runners underneath to create airflow.
- Clear debris – To avoid your shed walls rotting from the bottom up, clear away any soil or plant build up from around the base. Look out for moss here too and clean it off. Dirt and debris holds moisture to the surface of the wood, providing perfect growing conditions for fungi and mould which cause wood rot.
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