Winterizing Your Storage Shed

Most owners wouldn't think to winterize their Storage Sheds, but taking the time to do so will increase its longevity. Whether your shed will stand idle or be used during the winter season, it is important to prepare for the harsh weather ahead. The more you do, the better your storage shed will withstand the elements and you will avoid any damage that could result. Here is a helpful check list.

Clean

Cleaning the interior is a good place to begin. Empty the shed. This makes it easier to clean away debris, cobwebs, and insect homes that may have accumulated during the summer. Prepare your summer tools for winter.

• Clean gardening hand tools. Store them in plastic totes to keep them clean and ready for spring.
• Drain water out of hoses.
• Empty gas and oil from lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers.
• Cover lawn mowers with tarp to keep off dust and moisture.
• Secure electrical cords to any electrical tools so they do not get wound around other items or get stepped on.
• Store any unused potting soil, grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch in plastic totes to keep rodents from using them for nests.
• Any item that cannot handle freezing temperatures should be stored in a heated garage or basement.
• Throw away anything you no longer need or use. Contact your local disposal company for proper removal of paint, thinners, and oil.

Inspect and Repair Interior

• After you empty the shed, inspect the walls, floors, and ceiling for weakened and damaged areas.
• Check behind and around shelving, hooks, and other wall hangings for hidden weak spots. Test wall hanging supports for durability.
• Focus on seams to make sure there is no separation or holes.
• Examine seals around windows and doors. Shrunken caulk and cracked weatherstripping will let in cold air and moisture, so it should be replaced.
• Replace any broken window panes.
• Check door hinges and openers. Give them a squirt of oil to keep them functioning smoothly in cold weather.
• Repair all damaged areas. You may consider painting the walls for an additional barrier against moisture. 
• Wet winter tools can cause water damage to shed floors. Waterproofing the floor will increase its lifespan.

Inspect and Repair Exterior

• Inspect the exterior for holes and weak spots.
• Examine the roof for weak areas and leaks.
• Reattach curled back shingles with asphalt roof cement.
• Replace torn, rotten, or missing shingles.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Reinforce loose boards and replace rusted nails.
• Trim away overhanging tree branches as they can cause problems when weighed down by snow and ice.
• If painting, rent a power washer to remove peeling paint. This will save you time and energy so you won't have to scrape. Allow at least 2 days for the shed to dry before painting.

Using your shed during the winter? Move all summer items to the farthest end of the shed. Keep winter tools such as snow blowers, shovels, ice scrapers, electrical chargers, and salt, sand, or grit in easy reach near the door. You may wish to use your shed during the winter for hobbies or other projects. In this case, you should insulate and add a heating source to keep warm.

Winterizing you storage shed may seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off when spring arrives and your shed and belongings are safe and undamaged. For more information contact us.