Wouldn’t life be great if we didn’t have to exercise to maintain our health, or change the oil in our car every 3,000 miles? Of course it would. But in reality, we have to maintain many different things in our life to make them last. The same idea applies to your wood shed. Maintaining your shed properly will keep it looking like new for many years, and keep it structurally sound. Here are some important maintenance tips to follow.
Painting is Fundamental
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All wood sheds must be painted within 60 days after installation.
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All exposed exterior wood must be primed (if it is not already) using a high-quality exterior primer before painting.
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Nail holes, small knots, and blemishes can be filled with an exterior wood putty before priming.
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Caulk around windows or other fixtures.
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All exterior siding and trim must be painted using 100% acrylic latex paint (we recommend a satin or semi-gloss finish) to protect your building. Look for paint that is labeled for outdoor use, and don't sacrifice quality to save money. Be sure to paint all exposed edges of the siding, especially the bottom edge, and all six sides of the doors (top, bottom, two sides, front and back).
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You can paint your shed to match the color of your home, or try out a unique style. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to be creative!
Other Wood Shed Maintenance Tips
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Safety comes first. Always wear protective clothing and goggles when painting or using machinery.
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Maintain all grass and keep other vegetation trimmed around the entire perimeter of the storage shed.
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Sheds are built on a wood floor and constructed on 4×4 treated runners, which resist damage from ground moisture and insects. These runners also elevate your building’s floor, allowing for important air circulation under the foundation. This circulation must be maintained. A weak foundation will cause your shed to sink and/or shift over time.
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Do not stack anything heavy (bags of soil, firewood, mulch, etc.) against the siding of your shed.
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Doorknobs and levers should be sprayed with silicone or other lubricants (i.e. WD-40) to maintain locking mechanism and prevent freezing in cold climates.
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We do not suggest insulating or heating your wood shed. Good air circulation is important, and heaters are a fire hazard.
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Never allow sprinklers to spray your shed. Water can gather at the base of the shed and weaken the foundation.
Still have questions on wood shed maintenance? We are always open to questions. Just give us a call!
