How to Prepare Your Shed for Winter

Garden sheds are built to be durable, strong and long lasting, which means they usually require very little maintenance. However, there are some really easy ways to care for your shed, which will protect it from the harsh winter weather and help to enhance its lifespan.

We’ve put together our top 10 tips to ensure that your shed survives this winter and many, many more…

1. Give your shed a good tidy up and find alternative storage solutions for anything on the floor. Anything you can remove from the floor will help to keep it dry and well ventilated.
2. You can also use the walls of your shed to add storage solutions, such as shelving, hooks or magnetic racks for your gardening tools. These options are especially handy for keeping smaller tools or gardening materials organised.
3. Give your shed a thorough inspection for cracks and leaks, or mould and damp. Remember to check both the interior and exterior of the building, as well as the roof.
4. It is also important to check any windows for damage and use a silicone sealant to fill in any gaps.
5. If you have a timber shed it is vital that you apply a wood treatment every year to prevent damage such as rot. We recommend doing this every summer, along with your fence, so that the wood is protected during the wetter months.
6. If your garden shed has guttering, it is important to keep it clear of leaves and debris. This will help rain water to easily run away from the shed’s surface.
7. If things turn really cold and you notice snow piling up on top of your shed, you should try to clear it off with a broom. Heavy snow can put weight on the roof and cause structural issues over time.
8. To reduce the chances of damp in your shed it is important to keep it well ventilated. Every so often, when you get a dry day, it is a good idea to open the door or window of your shed to allow the air to circulate.
9. If you notice any mould inside your shed, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to wipe it away with diluted bleach to prevent it from spreading.
10. Finally, if you have any metal fittings on your shed it is important to protect them from rusting. This can be achieved using oil to block out air and moisture.