It’s that time of year again! After an unusually long summer of gorgeous weather, the frost, ice and cold temperature are now upon us. As we dust off our thermal socks and jackets, we should also consider our garden sheds and garden buildings.
The temptation to stay indoors is great, and to wander outside to your garden shed or outbuilding may not be top priority. However, these 5 simple maintenance steps will ensure that your shed is in top condition for the spring and summer months next year.
1 - Re-painting the shed
The winter months before the change of seasons can be the perfect time to give your shed a new coat of paint. If you think the colour scheme in your garden is a little tired, then don’t just use the usual brown paint - liven up the garden with a fresh coat of paint in an unusual colour! Whilst choosing your shed paint, it’s also important to consider the positive impact on resistance to the elements. By adding a lick of paint, not only are you enhancing the aesthetics of your shed, but you’re also aiding the treatment process of your garden building.
(If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our user submitted sheds)
Remember - Before you start painting, give your shed a thorough wash down and remove any loose dirt or debris that may have accumulated from the spring and summer months. What’s more, check the weather forecast before you start painting as you’ll need a few days of dry weather on your side for best results!
2 - Thoroughly Investigate your shed
That’s right, make sure you take a good look at your shed, both inside and out. Ensure there is no damage to the outside of the shed, and that there are no signs of rot and decay. We are no strangers to cold and wet weather, so before the harshest weather really sets in, be sure to treat any aspects of your garden shed which are looking tired. This might include updating the roof felt with something sturdier and more durable, or adding a layer of treatment to the exterior of your shed. We also recommend giving your locks a squirt of oil throughout the cold months to prevent them from rusting and becoming difficult to open come spring.
3 - Consider Adding Drainage
If your shed roof isn’t allowing rainwater to efficiently run off or water is collecting in an unwanted area, we advise investing in a drainage system. For example, directing rainwater into a water butt via guttering allows you to reuse water and avoids potential flooding. Putting measures such as these in place means you’re actively taking steps to enhance the longevity and functionality of your garden shed.
Remember - If you already have a drainage system in place or you’re considering adding guttering to your shed, ensure leaves are frequently removed to maintain the effectiveness of water drainage.
4 - Inspect Shed Windows and Doors
Rain, damp and frost are some of the other unwanted winter “delights” to grace us, and they are often the main causes of rot and decay. It’s, therefore, a great idea to check the condition of your windows and doors before the coldest weather sets in. Window frames, ledges, and door frames are often the worst-affected areas for rot and decay so we advise rectifying any issues as soon as possible, whether it be using a sealant or replacing the framing.
5 - Declutter and Organise your Shed
It ’s no surprise that fewer of us spend time in our sheds during the winter months - if you’re one such person, why not use the winter months as an opportunity to declutter and organise your shed?. You’ll thank us come spring when you open your doors on a beautiful day to a tidy garden shed. Take advantage of internal storage boxes, hooks, baskets and shelves to rearrange your equipment and belongings. As an extra precaution, we also recommend covering any items which could rust.