1. Always keep roof free of debris

You should check the roof of your shed often.  Things like falling limbs could damage the roof surface.  Leaves or pine needles that build up on your roof can serve as a dam to create water build up and allow water to get in.  Roofs are built to shed water downward. No roof can seal against water that backs up and create ponding.

2. Check for leaks

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. 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

3. 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 around your shed. Many bugs like to lay their eggs in standing water or accumulated water. That standing water can cause rot.

Think proactively, and be proactive with pest control!

4. Check for broken or loose hardware

Investigate handles and hinges

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. Check for screws that have become loosened over time.  Wood is a natural product, so it changes slightly with temperature and humidity changes. We recommend you use a hand screwdriver to quickly check those screws. Using an impact driver or drill may over tighten and strip out the wood so be careful.

5. Give the floor a once over

Sweep your shed out to remove any pests that have taken up residence. Check for nails that may be backing out with temperature and humidity changes. Make sure none of the things you have been storing is leaking or damaging the floor in any way. If you have drilled holes through the floor caulk or fill those holes.

6. 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 or use a hose and a soft bristled brush to clean the surface.

7. Touch up or repaint wooden siding

Some sheds will need repainting every few years. Our sheds with LP SmartSiding 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. Remember wooden products move slightly with temperature and humidity so tiny cracks or holes may form in the paint that needs to be touched up.  Falling branches, weed eaters and mowers can damage the paint as well.  Be proactive.

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.