There are certain priorities that change with the season. When it comes to the fall season, one of your main concerns is preparing the shed for the wintertime, especially if you use it to store stuff, such as gardening tools.
All in all, when not sure where to begin, here are a few simple tips and tricks to help out.
Oil all moving parts
Grab some oil for such applications, such as WD40. One of those spray tubs will keep you going for years, and it has hundreds of applications anyway.
You need to oil all moving parts, especially the metallic ones. Start with the hinges. Oil them, then move them a little for the oil to get everywhere. The same rule applies to locks and any other metallic element.
Give it a protective coat
Wood is constantly exposed to weather elements. Although all structures from Aston Sheds come finished, that layer will eventually lose its properties. Moisture will get into wood boards and freeze, causing it to expand and crack. Besides, moisture can also cause mold.
To prevent the wood from rotting, give your shed a protective coat before the wintertime, whether you go for paint or stain.
Fix the roof
The roof is one of the first layers of protection against elements. Give it a thorough inspection and address potential issues before they become severe.
Fix holes and potential cracks, but also give it a sealing layer.
Waterproof the shed
Waterproofing is fairly simple. Make sure there are no holes. Fill everything up and let new repairs dry properly. Based on the shed materials, you can also find waterproofing sprays or finishes to have an extra layer of protection.
Replace the silicone sealant
Got windows? The silicone sealant around them tends to dry up and harden in the summertime. If temperatures are too hot, it may also crack. Replace the silicone sealant all around your windows every few years for maximum protection.
It feels like a time consuming job, but it can make a difference.
Keep the gutters clean
Give the gutters a deep inspection, especially since leaves are likely to overwhelm them during the fall season. Most people only check the top, clean it and call it a day. Bad idea…
Get a bucket of water and see how fast it goes through the gutters too. If you can, get some light in and take a look inside. Potential blockages can cause further damage.
Got an air gap? Keep it clear
If your shed comes with an air gap for free air movement, make sure it is not covered by anything. Check it out, regardless of where it is. Clean all the dust and debris around it, even if it looks like air can still go through.
Leaves and spider webs are the most common issues, so get rid of them.
These air gaps may require multiple checks a year and even during the wintertime. It depends on the vegetation around you and the climate you live in.
Get rid of mold
This is a common problem affecting sheds, porches, and other similar places, where there is an issue with regulating the temperature difference between the inside and the outside.
It affects homes as well, but it is more likely to show up in sheds.
If you notice small green or gray spots here and there, you need to clear them out with a mold and mildew remover. Most of these things are based on bleach, so you can also dilute some in water and make your own solution.
You may have to do this a few times throughout the wintertime. If overlooked, mold will spread pretty fast.
Secure the interior
Shelves and other structures must be well secured on the inside. Harsh winds can seriously give your shed a shake, regardless of how solid it is.
Unless you choose to go through a storm in your shed, you have no idea how exposed it is.
Failing to secure stuff may cause them to fall. Not only will some of them break, but they can also cause structural damage. This is why it pays off securing everything you keep in there.
If certain things are too fragile and can break easily, it might be a better idea to keep them inside the house during the wintertime.
Heating is important
Heat the shed every now and then. In fact, proper heating can also prevent mold from showing up.
Bottom line, sheds are solid structures that look good and offer excellent functionality in a garden. But just like anything else in life, they are also exposed to numerous elements and risks.
The good news is most of these potential issues can be prevented by applying the tips above and a bit of attention to small details. Light maintenance once a year can prevent damage and further expenses.
