How Do I Keep My Shed In Good Condition?

In the UK and especially in the North East, the Great British weather can be unpredictable and harsh - from sweltering summers to freezing winters. Even the strongest and most durable outdoor supplies and furniture can feel the pressure. Garden sheds are designed mostly for storage, so keeping them in the best condition is essential to protecting the supplies inside. 

At BTL Timber, we offer a wide range of high-quality timber sheds throughout the North East, and we understand that it’s easy to overlook their maintenance. Not to worry - our team is here to offer advice and guidance for keeping your sheds in the best conditions year round. Keep reading for more information. 

Why Is Shed Maintenance Important?

There are many reasons why keeping your shed in good condition is important, from monetary value, to functionality, and aesthetics. Here are some of our top reasons to carry out regular shed maintenance: 

Protection: Sheds are the perfect storage solution for outdoor spaces, so keeping them dry and functional means that any tools, equipment, or furniture inside are properly protected against the elements. 

Function: There’s nothing more pointless than a shed that can’t be accessed, and while our sheds are made of high quality materials, improper maintenance can make hinges and locks rusted and stiff, making accessing them difficult. 

Value: Did you know sheds add to your property value? A well made, aesthetically pleasing shed can make a huge difference to the overall value of your home, so it’s important to keep it looking good even against outdoor conditions. 

Longevity: While not typically considered expensive, sheds aren’t cheap, and if you want to make sure yours lasts a while before requiring replacement, keeping on top of maintenance is the best way to do so. 

At BTL Timber, we are experienced timber merchants in the North East, and we offer a wide selection of timber sheds for our customers in Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor, and beyond. Get in touch now for more information or check out our helpful maintenance guide below. 

Inspect Your Shed Regularly

To properly inspect your shed, start from outside. Look for signs of cracking or other damage to the walls of the exterior and seal as required. Also check the shed roof and any guttering in place. If you have a gutter on your shed, make sure it is free from leaves and other obstructions. Depending on the type of roof you have, it can be easy for water to settle - particularly after long bouts of rain and cold weather, so make sure you wipe away any water. 

For the interior, check for signs of water leakage, such as damp spots or mould. This is usually a strong indication that your sheds waterproofing isn’t working as it should be. Waterproofing your shed is fairly simple and can be done yourself or you can contact a local professional to guarantee the job is done right. For more information on waterproofing your shed, we have a blog dedicated to the topic, check it out now. 

Check for Pests

Unfortunately, sheds can make the perfect home for a variety of pests, particularly during winter months when rodents, insects, and birds are looking for a suitable place to hunker down. To prevent pests from making your shed their home, it’s important to make sure you keep the door and any openable windows closed. We also recommend keeping your shed properly organised to make any pests easier to spot and deal with. 

The goal is to make your shed inhospitable to insects, rodents, and birds, so also make sure there are no food sources available. You can also spray the exterior of your shed with pesticides and make sure there is at least twelve inches of clearance between your shed and any bushes or shrubbery. 

Inspect Hinges, Locks, and Doors

While the majority of our sheds are made of timber, there are certain components that require other materials, such as the locks and hinges, and occasionally the doors. Typically made of metal, they are very durable and ensure smooth operation when opening and closing, but bad weather and debris can make them susceptible to rust or corrosion. 

To combat this, we recommend keeping your hinges and locks as dry as possible. If you notice stiffness or squeaking when opening or closing, make sure they are properly lubricated. A grease or silicone based lubricant can be found at your nearest DIY shop or in some high street grocery stores.