How to Get the Most Out of Your Woodshed With Simple Preventative Maintenance

Like garages, wooden sheds are very useful when it comes to storage. And in the same way that garages require regular maintenance, wooden sheds also need to be maintained albeit in similar but different ways.

Maintaining your wooden shed can prolong its lifespan and allow you to get the most use out of it. As a fairly porous natural product, wood is prone to damage and will decrease in quality as it weathers the elements over time. Fortunately however, you can offset any damage, wear, and tear with just a few simple maintenance steps. Here’s what you should do:

Seasonal cleaning

It’s important to clean your wood shed on a regular basis, such as when the seasons begin to change. Your wood shed should be completely swept and dusted to removed cobwebs, dirt, and debris. This also a good time to perform a visual inspection, checking the window seals for breaks and any hinges for signs of rust. You should also check for signs of wood rot, mildew and mold, such as discoloration or a musty odor.

Spot wood rot

Always be on the lookout for signs of wood rot, which including an acrid smell, crumbling wood, a dark color, and unusual growths. Rotten wood cannot be repairs but instead must be completely removed and replaced in order to prevent its spread. If you suspect a spot on your wooden shed may be rotting, you can poke it with a screwdriver or similar instrument in order to test its softness. If the screwdriver sinks into the wood, then it’s rotted and must be replaced immediately.

This is especially important if your wooden shed is used to store or house wooden furniture, children’s toys and equipment. Like mold or mildew, the fungi spores from wood rot can lead to respiratory illness and can trigger an allergic reaction.

Treat it right

A quality wood treatment, such as a stain or preservative varnish, can be applied every 12 months or so to prevent insect infestation and rot. In addition, the protective barrier formed by wood stains and varnishes lessens the effects of sun exposure and weather damage. This helps to prevent the wood from fading or splitting, which makes it more vulnerable to damaging moisture and insects.

Trim surrounding trees

Although it’s best to position your wooden shed away from large trees in order to minimize the risk of damage, this may not always be possible in some circumstances where space is an issue. Trimming any surrounding tree branches will prevent them from falling onto the roof your wooden shed during a storm and also protect it from the excessive moisture of falling leaves and debris.

By taking these few simple measures, you can be sure that you can enjoy your wooden shed for years to come!