Most homeowners are accustomed to spring and fall cleaning around the house. Hauling out and cleaning rugs, washing windows, and emptying closets every six months or so helps us to keep our living area well-maintained, healthy, and somewhat company read. We also should practice this routine when it comes to our outdoor storage buildings. To maintain your building and help it live out its full life, run through the following checklist of shed maintenance tips for fall.
Outside Maintenance for Storage Buildings
Remove leaves and debris from the building. Letting leaves accumulate around the foundation of your outdoor storage building holds moisture which causes moss and mildew buildup. Always maintain free air flow under the building to encourage a dry environment. Piles of leaves also hide critters which may be looking for a warm place to bed down for the winter.
Trim grass and vegetation away from the building. Again, you want to maintain air circulation under the shed to prevent moisture buildup. Keep shrubs trimmed and prune branches from overhanging trees which may break under the weight of snow and ice and fall on the roof. Regularly clean the fall leaves away from the building, too, as they attract and hide pests and cause moisture which leads to rot.
Wash the exterior siding. While Ulrich Lifestyle uses premium vinyl siding, LP SmartShield siding, and Sherwin Williams SuperPaint to avoid the issues of mold, keeping the exterior of your building clean and free of dirt goes the extra mile in preventing mold and mildew and deterioration. Using a hose, brush, and mild detergent scrub your shed from top to bottom. Avoid using a pressure washer as it may force water underneath the siding panels and cause damage.
Paint the building, as needed. Sherwin Williams SuperPaint is made to last 20 years. But it pays to inspect your siding every year just in case. Look for signs of wear from tree branches or shrubs rubbing in the wind, scratches from lawn equipment or a child’s bicycle, or other places where the coating has been compromised. Use a high-quality 100% acrylic exterior latex paint.
Inspect the roof. Moisture and lack of direct sunlight can lead to moss or algae buildup on a shingle roof. If you have moss growing on your shed roof, remove it with a gentle brush and a detergent specifically for shingles. You can also use a 50 percent mixture of bleach and water. While you’re up there, check for broken or missing shingles.
Inside Maintenance for Your Outdoor Storage Building
Clean out the inside. Outdoor buildings get dirty fast, especially in the summertime. Before the cold weather, take everything out to the yard and sweep the entire floor.
Look for damage. While the building is empty, check for damage. Inspect the ceiling and around doors and windows for signs of leakage. Check for chew damage by varmints and look for signs of other pests like snakes and insects. Take this time to make any necessary repairs.
Prevent pests. Nothing is worse than the smell of rodents in your outdoor storage. Yet, mice and rats will nest in your shed, if they can get in, to keep warm in the winter. You can deter these types of pests by keeping the grass and vegetation around the building trimmed. Store anything that they may eat, like seeds and pet food, in metal containers with tight-fitting lids. You may choose to set traps or put out poison but the smell of dryer sheets (yes, like you use in the laundry) will keep them from coming entering in the first place.
Inspect the doors and windows. Are they in need of repair? Broken glass, sticking latches, or torn weatherstripping should be replaced now. Check the caulk around the windows, too. A weather-tight building is less susceptible to moisture damage. Also, lubricate any moving parts to prevent squeaks and prevent rust.
Check all accessories. If your storage building has stairs, shelving, or workbenches, inspect them for any needed repairs. Look for loose wiring, burned out lights, or broken outlets. The best time to fix these things is while you have everything cleaned out.
Maintain and organize tools. Now that you have the building in tip-top shape by following these shed maintenance tips for fall, it’s time to replace the contents. One of the primary causes of mold in an outdoor shed is wet contents. Drain garden hoses and make sure that any boating or sporting equipment is dry. Clean all garden tools and get them ready for spring. Drain the gas and oil from lawn equipment. Remember to organize as you put away. Move your winter items closer to the door where they are easily accessible.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Purchasing an outdoor storage building is an investment worth protecting. Properly maintaining it will ensure that it lives as long as it’s supposed to, or longer. If you have any questions about the proper care and maintenance of your shed, especially shed maintenance tips for fall, or spring, just call the Ulrich Lifestyle location near you.
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