Winter is coming, meaning it is time to start preparing your shed for the upcoming months. The following tips will help you prepare your shed in order to prevent damage from occurring during this cold and frigid season.
Examine the Shed
Look closely at your shed and inspect for any loose or damaged parts. Check that the door fits well and that the hinges and latch are in good condition.
If the roof has shingles make sure each shingle is in the correct location and is not damaged in any way. If the roof is felted, be sure to check for any tears. Finally, any gutter or run off system for your shed should be clear of debris that may clog the gutters.
Are all windows in good condition? Replace any broken or loose panes. Push firmly against each of the corner posts to ensure that the frame is still well braced.
Check the Outdoor Environment
Check the surroundings of your shed. Identify any tree branches growing over the shed that could cause problems if weighed down or broken by snow. Remember, anything leaning on the shed could cause damage after a winter storm hits.
Check Inside the Shed
Empty the shed so that you can check the general condition and look for any problem areas. Inspect for any leaks, damages, or any signs of termites or small animals planning to use your shed as a nice winter home. If you do identify any problems during this process correct them before winter hits. This is also a good time to clean, sweep, and repaint your shed.
Paint the Woodwork
Sheds should be painted once a year. If the shed is bare wood it would be helpful to apply a coat of any wood preservative product that is on the market today. Most of these products will protect the shed from harsh weather.
Items to keep for the winter
Tins of paint, fertilizers, and other odd materials that are common in sheds should be checked. Anything that is past its ‘use by’ date should be tossed.
Return all equipment to the shed and keep any tools you need for winter gardening stored where they are easy to access. This is a good opportunity to check for damage and discard tools which might of become damaged over time.
Machinery
Any machinery driven by gas engines should be serviced before being stored. This ensures that they are ready as soon as the winter is over. If you have snow moving machinery store it last for easy access.
Windows
Make sure you properly winterize and correctly seal any windows that may allow a cold breeze into the shed. Caulking the outside of the window then weatherstriping the inside is a good method to follow when winterizing your windows
Some other winter items that you may want to consider being easily accessible include: ice melt, salt, shovels, extra clothing, boots, sleds, and any other items that that may be useful this upcoming winter.
Have equipment but no shed to store it in? Call Rick’s Sheds Today for a free estimate.