1. Check for leaks and breaks

You may be missing a shingle or have a cracked window. You need to fix the problem as soon as it happens to prevent more significant issues down the road if you don't have any problems right now, GREAT! Be proactive and look for potential problems to identify and keep an eye on.

Any bad weather can hurt the roof of your shed. To prevent issues, check the roof regularly. You know that water will get to where it wants to go. Even though your shed seems in good working order, water can still sneak into your shed. A way to find if water is sneaking into your shed is to check for discoloration on the ceiling and walls. Darker patches may indicate a drip.

Don't confuse condensation with a leak. Condensation occurs when moisture in the air hits a cold surface to form water droplets. A well-ventilated shed is unlikely to have any issues. You can expect the cold parts of your shed to attract condensation.

Don't forget that water can get into your shed from the ground. If your shed sits directly on the ground, consider building a proper foundation. We recommend 3 options.

1. 1. Concrete Pad
   2. Cinder Blocks (Leonard supplies block leveling with every delivery)
   3. Pressure Treated Timber (All Leonard sheds are built with pressure-treated skids)

Make sure if you see any place that water can get in, fix it as soon as possible.

Inspect these specific areas-

• • Windowpanes and seals
  • Walls
  • Roof
  • Doors
  • Floor
  • Corners
  • Foundation

2.Keep your shed pest-free

You may not have pest issues now. That doesn't mean you won't have them.

Here is how to keep your shed pest-free

• You can do your part by trimming any vegetation around your shed.
• Don't stack firewood against your shed.
• Don't store your garbage cans inside your storage shed.
• Keep all containers and bags sealed entirely, especially if they contain seeds, soil, or fertilizer. If bugs catch the scent of something, they will find a way in.
• Don't let standing water accumulate. Many bugs like to lay their eggs standing water or accumulate water. That standing water can cause rot.

Think proactively, and be proactive with pest control!

3. Investigate handles

When your shed door is hard to open, isn't that a pain? Could it have been prevented? Take a moment and use WD-40 as part of your regular upkeep. If you see a handle is broken. Go ahead and replace it.

4. Examine shelving and workbenches

Are your shelves sagging? Is your workbench leaning? If you notice some low-grade wear and tear, now is the time to act.

5. Take inventory of tools and equipment

Make sure the tools and equipment are working. Do you need to refuel, change oil, or replace batteries on anything? Take inventory now!

Here is a list of popular tools and equipment in backyard sheds

• Toolbox items
• Power tools
• Lawn Care Tools
• Seasonal Items
   

6. Give the floor a once over

While you are checking inventory, give the floor a good sweeping. It will be a good 10-minute workout and help your shed remain tidy. Pests prefer to settle in the area they see as untouched, so by sweeping, they won't want to stay.

9. Wash the exterior

Once a year, you need to give the entire outside of the shed a good power wash to remove the dust and grim. It doesn't matter the siding material. By cleaning the siding, you will remove stains before they become permanent and prevent mildew.

If you plan to go with the power wash option, make sure you use it in the low-pressure setting to not cause damage. If you don't have a pressure washer, you can always rent one.

10. Repaint siding

Some sheds will need repainting every few years. Our sheds are LP Sided and should be touched up every 5 years. If you have a Leonard vinyl or metal-sided building, all you need to do is make sure it is clean.

Things to consider before repainting.

• You may want to use oil-based paint to seal up some holes, so pest can't get it.
• What method of painting do you want to use?
  • Paint Gun
  • Brush
• Apply the paint in thinner coats so that it doesn't run
• It may be easier to start with the trim if you are planning to knock out the painting in stages.
   

Now that you have your checklist, it's your turn to implement. Keep that checklist close by to check these tasks off as they are completed. If you do these steps, your shed will remain in great shape.

Need a shed?

Maybe you think your shed is not savable and would be better off buying a new one. You may just need a second shed. They make for great home gyms, game rooms, or offices. Our sheds are made of the best material and require very minimal maintenance.