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Your garden shed takes a beating from weather, wear, and time. Looking after it is a bit of a chore, but it saves you from bigger problems later. Wooden, metal, or plastic—each type has its own needs, and you’ll find the steps you need here.
Follow along to learn how to give your shed the care it deserves.
How To Maintain a Shed: Wood, Metal, and Plastic Checklist
You don’t need to do everything at once. Building simple routines can help keep your shed in good shape and save you money on repairs over time. Below is a short list of upkeep habits for each material that you can start using right away.
Wooden Shed Maintenance Guide
Wooden sheds can last a long time, but they need a little care along the way. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
Clean green algae off the wooden shed
That green layer is often mould, mildew, or algae that thrive in damp, shady areas. To remove, go for a gentle cleaning solution, such as a mix of water and white vinegar. Scrub the surface with a soft brush or sponge.
You’ll usually find stubborn spots on lower walls or the shaded sides where moisture lingers. It can also appear inside, especially if the interior is exposed to high humidity.
Get more tips here:
Apply wooden shed treatment
Wood can rot or warp if it’s left unprotected. Treat your shed with a wood preservative or stain at least once a year, ideally in spring or early summer. Pressure-treated sheds still benefit from an extra coat, especially on exposed areas.
If you skip it, you might notice soft spots or mould forming. Let’s not get to that point. Check out this guide to treat your wooden shed.
Inspect the roof
The roof takes most of the weather’s impact. Give it a once-over at least twice a year, such as after winter and at the end of summer, or whenever needed, e.g. after a storm.
Keep an eye out for any shingles or tiles that are loose, cracked, or missing, and fix them as necessary. Step inside and check for damp patches or signs of mould. If you spot any, a leak is likely forming. Repair the damaged roofing or seal any gaps before it gets worse!
If the roof felt needs cleaning, mix water and baking soda. Use a soft cloth or a long-handled mop to wipe off dirt or moss. The baking soda helps break down the build-up. Finish by rinsing with water.
Check the floor
Wooden floors are vulnerable to rot if water collects on them. Get into the routine of sweeping out leaves, dirt, and any debris at least once a month. And if your shed has gutters or downpipes, confirm they’re clear and draining properly. Overlooked, and those blocked gutters might cause leaks that could damage the floorboards.
Metal Shed Maintenance
Metal sheds don’t need as much attention, but a few things can cause trouble if ignored. Here’s how to keep yours in good condition:
Protect the galvanised coating
Many metal sheds have a protective coating to prevent rust. Yet it wears off over time, especially around doors and corners. Check these areas regularly for scratches, dents, or bare metal. If you spot any, clean the surface and apply rust-resistant paint or a suitable primer to protect it.
If your shed isn’t coated, be aware of scratches or dents and aim to keep the metal dry. The same treatment mentioned above can be applied to any bare spots.
For more maintenance tips:
How to Stop a Metal Shed from Rusting
Look after the doors
Metal shed doors can bend, jam, or become hard to open. Oil the hinges and see that the doors close and sit flush with the frame. If you notice dents or loose screws, fix them straight away. Make sure the lock or latch works properly and isn’t sticking. Doing so makes using the door easier and avoids getting stuck.
When a shed with sliding doors starts to become stiff on the rails, it’s often due to dirt, debris, or rust accumulating along the track, or because the door rollers have worn down over time. To fix this, remove the doors, clean the rails thoroughly to remove any debris, lubricate the rollers with a silicone-based spray, and check the alignment, adjusting them if necessary to ensure smooth movement. If the rollers have worn, you should be able to find replacements in the same size.
Plastic Shed Maintenance
Plastic sheds are the easiest to look after, but a few steps will make them last longer:
Wash the shed
Plastic sheds don’t need much, but we recommend giving yours a good cleaning a couple of times a year. Try washing it in spring and again in late summer, using a hose and mild soap. Small cracks or any damage are easier to spot then.
Watch for cracks or warping
Plastic sheds can warp in hot weather or crack when it’s cold. Walk around and pay attention to any panels that feel uneven or have gaps. Small cracks can be sealed, while larger or warped panels may need replacing. Check the roof too; any bulges can let water collect and cause further damage.
We have more techniques for you to try here: Repair Guide for Cracks in a Plastic Shed
Or get the full:
Clear the gutters and vents
If your shed has gutters or ventilation panels, make sure they don’t get blocked by leaves, dirt, or other debris. Take a look at them a few times a year, especially after storms or during autumn when leaves fall. Clear out anything that’s stopping water or air from moving freely.
How to Pest-Proof a Shed
Pests can be a real headache, can’t they? Remove hiding spots for bugs and mice. Keep the ground around the shed clear of leaves, long grass, and debris piles. Firewood, compost, or other stored items shouldn’t touch the walls. Inside, use sealed boxes or containers for tools and supplies so nothing is loose.
Seal or treat any weak spots to stop unwanted visitors before they move in. Wooden sheds are easy pickings for insects and rodents if there are exposed edges or cracks. They won’t let metal and plastic sheds pass either – through small gaps or openings.
Round-up
No matter what kind of shed you have, a little regular care makes a big difference. Wooden sheds need treatment and roof checks. Metal sheds require attention for rust and doors. Plastic sheds do best with a good cleaning and watching for cracks.
Spend some time each season on these tasks, and your garden storage will stay solid, dry, and ready to use for years!
If you’re considering a new shed, check out our shed buying guide next. It compares materials, sizes, and features to help you narrow down your options. While you’re here, might as well explore our quality selections below:
