Is your Shed Dead?
Do you have a garden shed that has seen better days and is now looking a little sorry for itself? Sheds withstand some pretty severe weather in this part of the world, constantly exposed to the elements, whether that’s snow, driving rain, hail, sleet or even harsh sunshine (when we’re lucky enough to be enjoying some clement weather).
Treating wooden sheds with a fresh coat of wood preserver on a regular basis will prolong its life, but the surfaces will need some preparation first. Any wood that has been previously painted, varnished or stained should be stripped back to bare wood before you begin. Make sure that you remove mosses, fungi, lichens and algae with a fungicidal wash that will form a protective layer to fight off fungus and other microorganisms. Once all the surfaces of the shed have been prepared, you can use a wood preserver or outdoor paint to reseal the shed and give it a new lease of life.
If you’ve left the shed untreated for a number of years, as you prepare the surfaces for painting, you may be shocked to discover that the wood has rotted in places, necessitating repairs or replacement of wooden panels before you can proceed with the job. Repainting a shed that is so badly damaged is just a waste of both your time and the expensive materials necessary to do a proper job. Perhaps it’s time to face the fact that your shed is dead and you need a new one!
If you do opt to buy a new shed, why not avoid the need for continuous maintenance in the future and consider an option that’s fit for the 21st Century – a steel framed shed with PVC coated cladding? You can still make sure the shed looks great in your garden as the cladding is available in a range of finishes and colours, including wood grain for a traditional feel. Choosing a modern shed means that it will last for years to come with minimum maintenance needed and you can opt for a finish that guarantees that it will be an aesthetically appealing addition to your garden.