Having invested in a quality garden shed, it is very important to look after it well to ensure a long life. If treated and maintained correctly you should be able to enjoy your shed for many years to come.
Treat timber regularly
Treat your shed with a preservation treatment at regular intervals to get the longest life out of your shed.
Tips for treating your shed:
- Check the instructions of the preservative treatment carefully and make sure you buy one that is suitable for your shed. When choosing your treatment, check it is for use on planed wood and not designed for use on sawn timber.
- Make sure you apply treatment into the gaps and corners.
- If the wood has been stained, painted or varnished, remove this before treating the wood.
- Wait for a spell of good weather to treat your shed.
Cut back trees and plants
Trees and plants growing close to your shed could eventually cause damage – either from holes to the felt or plant leaves causing the wood to become damp. Avoid these problems before they arise by cutting back plants and ensuring no branches overhang the shed.
Check and replace roof felt
A vital part of shed maintenance is keeping an eye on the roof felt. Roof felt on sheds generally lasts about five years – after this time replacing felt will help ensure your shed remains watertight. Check the felt on your shed’s roof regularly and patch up or replace it if you notice any holes or tears, normally caused by storms, falling branches or animals. Quick action is essential to avoid your shed becoming damp.
Check inside your shed
It is also useful to check inside your shed for any holes, leaks or evidence of damp. A good time to check is after a rainfall so you will be able to easily spot leaks. Again, fix any holes as quickly as possible to avoid your shed becoming damp and at risk of rotting.
Check your base is still level and dry
The right base can ensure your shed lasts as long as possible – making time to construct a sturdy, dry base when building your shed will help it last for many years to come. Regularly check that your base is still level and cannot become waterlogged, both of which could cause the shed to warp, rot and eventually collapse. Also ensure no soil has come into contact with the timber, as this could also cause problems with damp.
Don't leave it too late
These small regular checks will give your shed the best chance of having a long and useful life. However, if your shed has already become rotten, warped or unstable it may be best to take it down safely rather than risk a collapse.