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The colder months signal winter garden prep, yet many sheds are often left out. Taking steps to prevent any weathering will pay off, so regular shed maintenance is vital.
If your structure has seen better days, don’t let it be an eyesore any longer. Bring your shed back to life in no time with these treatment and refurbishing tips! Note: Generally applies to wooden sheds.
Shed Maintenance: Applying Treatments
A shed treatment does an incredible job of protecting timber from weathering. The added colour and shine enhance the shed’s appearance. Re-applying once a year can also prevent costly repairs down the line.
It’s easy to imagine what timber storage would go through without a proper preserver. It’d become susceptible to rot, mould, and insect infestations. As a result, this can weaken the structure and reduce its lifespan. Invest time and effort into treating your wooden shed. That way, it can stand up to harsh weather conditions better than others for years!
Which should I go for: treatment, stain, or preservative?
Treatment, stains, and preservatives are all different methods of protecting wood from damage.
Wood is extremely durable, but some are susceptible to decay if left untreated. This is where wood treatments come into play. They protect the wood from damage caused by moisture and insects. They involve using chemicals to infuse the wood and make it more resistant to rot, insects, and even fire. Types of exterior treatments include oil, water, solvent, and wet rot/dry rot.
Shed stain is a type of wood finish that adds vivid colour or a subtle hint. Though it protects the wood from water damage, it doesn’t provide protection like a treatment. We recommend darker colours, such as Protek paints, for better protection.
Unlike wood treatments, preservers are the ‘chemicals’ themselves. They are applied to the wood’s surface to slow down deterioration. Preservatives can be applied by spraying, brushing, or dipping the wood. Examples include borates, copper-based, and oil-based preservatives.
Once you decide which treatment is best for your shed, apply a finishing coat as the final touch. Doing so can add a layer of protection from ultraviolet rays. Pick out a good varnish or oil unless you opt for pressure treatment.Things to consider
Check the condition of your front shed before applying. Are the screws shorn off? Do the nails need replacement? How about the doors – are they crooked and distorted? Don’t forget the windows, and check if the sealant is good for another year; re-apply if otherwise.
If the wood has been stained or painted, use sandpaper or chemical solvent to strip it back. Use a brush to sweep debris or cobwebs off. Surfaces should also be dry and dirt-free, so check for any sign of algae, fungi, or moss; tackle them at once if needed.
Shed Maintenance: Refurbishing
Refurbishing your shed can vary depending on your needs and goals. It’s a form of maintenance that involves restoring or improving its condition. You may want to turn it into a functional workspace or turn it into a backyard retreat. Regardless, this can increase the value of your property. But before that, here’s what you need to or can do:
- Empty your shed by removing any old bits and bobs
- Look out for any wear and tear in both the interior and exterior
- Make necessary repairs like restoring old wood with new planks
- Repair roof sidings and install new shed shingles
- Apply a fresh coat of paint after applying the treatments
- Add shelving or storage to maximise the space
This is basically the round-up of the things you need to consider. It’s more like the second step after applying exterior treatments. Plus, a great opportunity for you to improve its appearance! But say you’ve done it, and that leaves you with a pleasant yet blank canvas interior. The time has come for you to be really creative.
Leaving a shed unused is a waste of potential, especially when it’s meant to be an investment. But we’re optimistic that these ideas will help you transform it into a functional space — as it should be! Browse through these shed interior ideas for more inspiration.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 01909 768840.
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