A backyard shed is a worthwhile investment for any homeowner. Just like your home, your shed requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best and extend its life. With regular maintenance and care, you’ll be able to use your shed for years to come.

Use these five maintenance tips to ensure that your shed lasts a long time.

1. Check for Cracks and Leaks

Check your shed regularly for cracks, breaks, leaks and holes. Fix these problems now before they escalate into bigger, more expensive repairs. Bad weather can be especially hard on your shed’s roof. Regular inspections can help you spot leaks, missing shingles or other moisture issues that can damage your shed.

Look for signs of discoloration on the walls. If you find any, hunt down the source of the leak and repair the problem as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.

Some areas are more vulnerable to leaks than others:

• Corners
• Windowpanes
• Roof
• Walls
• Flooring
• Doors
• The foundation

Water can also sneak into your shed from the ground. If your shed is sitting directly on the ground, consider putting it on a foundation, such as concrete pavers, cinder blocks or skids. This will raise the shed up off of the ground and prevent moisture from seeping in through the floor.

2. Check Handles, Shelving and Workbenches

Check important components of your shed, such as shelving, handles and workbenches.

• Lubricate handles that are difficult to open.
• Replace any handles that are broken.
• Check shelves for signs of damage or sagging. 
• Make sure that your workbench is level.

If you find any issues during your inspection, fix them now before they become an even bigger problem.

3. Wash the Exterior and Sweep the Floor

To keep your shed looking its best, clean the exterior regularly. It doesn’t matter whether the siding is vinyl, metal or wood, regular cleaning will prevent stains and mildew growth.

To clean the exterior, use soap and water or a pressure washer on a low setting.

After cleaning the exterior, take a moment to sweep the floor and check the interior again for any signs of leaks. 

4. Keep the Area Around the Shed Clear

Make sure that the area around the shed is free and clear of debris. 

• Trim vegetation around the perimeter of the shed.
• If you have any storage containers in your shed, make sure that they are sealed tightly. Open containers of soil, seeds or fertilizer are invitations for mice and other pests. 
• Don’t stack or store firewood against the shed.
• Avoid storing or stacking bags of mulch or soil against your shed.

Keeping the area around your shed clear will help prevent pest problems and rot.

5. Repaint Siding

If your shed has a wood exterior, it may need to be repainted every few years. Metal and vinyl exteriors generally need little maintenance aside from cleaning. 

When repainting, choose a high-quality exterior paint that is resistant to fading and mildew. Use an oil-based primer to seal holes and keep pests away.

Regular maintenance will keep your shed in good shape. Take the time every season to inspect your shed, make necessary repairs and clean up.