With spring in bloom, now is the time for Delaware homeowners to inspect their sheds. The most important inspection is to check the siding of the shed. It is the exterior part of the shed that needs to properly withstand weather elements. Maintaining your shed’s siding is vital for expanding the lifespan of your shed. Here is how to properly maintain and protect your shed’s siding to reinforce your investment.
Space Makers’ High-Quality Materials
At Space Makers Sheds, we build our sheds with premium materials that will withstand harsh weather elements, like winter snow and ice. The high-quality materials will also require less maintenance as they are durable and built to last. We have two options for siding materials, vinyl and wood. Wooden siding has a classic aesthetic appeal to it and is easily customizable, but vinyl siding is more durable and requires less maintenance. Wooden siding has a more affordable initial cost, but vinyl siding will not require as much cleaning, inspecting, or maintenance costs down the line.
Regularly Clean Your Shed
Regularly cleaning the shed’s siding will expand its lifespan and prevent long-term damage. Cleaning the shed, no matter the siding material, will remove stains before they are permanent and prevent mildew from forming. You should also clean away any debris from the perimeter of the shed, it will prevent moisture from building up and protect the foundation from damage.
Cleaning Mold and Mildew
Use a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean mold and mildew off your shed’s siding. This mixture is a natural way to clean without using harsh chemicals like bleach. After cleaning, rinse it off with water to ensure there is no soapy residue.
Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding usually just needs to be cleaned of dirt and debris. The material is easy to clean, you just need soap and water. It is much easier to remove mold and mildew from vinyl siding, due to the materials’ high moisture resistance.
Cleaning Wood Siding
Wood siding can require special cleaners to remove dirt, debris, and mold. Manually cleaning the shed with the cleaner will remove most dirt and grime. For hard-to-remove stains, you can use a power washer on a low setting to clean both vinyl and wood siding.
Inspections
Staying on top of inspections and any maintenance you need to do will avoid costly repairs in the future. Address any issues you see right away to keep your shed durable. Here are the main inspections you should be doing for your shed’s siding:
Cracks or Holes
Check the siding to see if any cracks or holes need to be repaired. Gaps and cracks in the siding will allow moisture to get into your shed, letting mold grow. Repairing this is easy, you can use caulk to repair the holes. When using caulk, repair the shed on a warm, sunny day so it can harden quickly.
Wood Rot
Rotting in the shed’s siding will weaken the structure. You should inspect the shed for any signs of wood rot, then replace those panels as soon as possible. When you see rotting, inspect the ventilation in the shed to ensure air is circulating properly.
Water Damage
Your shed’s siding’s biggest weakness is water, especially from snow, rain, or ice. Inspect for any water damage, then replace those panels as well. Vinyl siding is waterproof and won’t suffer from water damage as much, but wooden siding will need to be closely inspected for damage.
Apply Fresh Paint
For wooden sheds, a new coat of fresh paint will further protect the siding from weather elements and insects. At Space Makers, we paint our wooden sheds with two coats of heavy paint that lasts longer and withstands elements better than other paints. Oil-based paints will seal up small gaps in the siding as well. Your wooden shed should need a fresh coat of paint or sealant every few years.
Get a Durable Shed with Space Makers
Space Makers Sheds builds storage buildings with high-quality, durable materials that will last for decades. The way you maintain and protect your shed will solidify your investment and prolong its life. Check out our available sheds ready for delivery, or design a custom shed with our 3D Builder. Contact us if you’re ready to get started!