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In the UK, fierce gales pose a threat to garden sheds, which often leads to damage and disruptions. To safeguard your outdoor building, proactive storm preparation is key. Discover five handy steps and some considerations to fortify your shed and effectively weather the storm. Read on!
1. Stay ahead of the game
Anticipate strong winds by proactively maintaining your shed. Regularly inspect and address any structural issues. This will ensure it can withstand adverse weather conditions. Reinforce weak points, such as loose panels or damaged roofing, in advance.
Additionally, consider investing in high-quality sealants to fortify vulnerable areas. This preventive approach extends beyond enhancing your shed’s resilience. It also saves you from potentially costly repairs in the aftermath.
2. Protect your belongings
Shield your garden tools from potential damage and hazards during strong winds. Stow your items away to prevent them from flying around. Securing them within your storage shed helps preserve their condition. Moreover, it eliminates the risk of them posing serious dangers when airborne.
Top tip: Prioritise securing loose items by fastening them with durable ties. Alternatively, store them in latched containers. Anchor lightweight objects to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
3. Shed repair roofing
Your shed’s roof is particularly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. In most cases, it demands consistent upkeep for longevity. High winds, with their rapid shifts and intense speeds, exert significant pressure. This makes its security paramount for the roofing.
Regular checks, both inside and out. By doing so, you can identify and address potential issues. These include rusting nails, black mould, material sagging, light penetration, and water ingress. You may consult a roofing specialist or undertake the repairs yourself.
Remember, neglecting these issues can lead to more significant and costly challenges. Ensure safety during external inspections by securing your ladder. Document any damages noted for a comprehensive approach to shed roof maintenance.
4. Shed integrity
Ensure your shed is robust enough to endure harsh weather. Beyond securing the felt roof tiles, replace any worn or split wood to maintain a weather-resistant structure. This safeguards your garden tools from external moisture, preserving their condition.
Additionally, verify a sturdy shed base construction. Moisture often infiltrates sheds through the ground, making a solid base crucial. Bolstering your shed’s overall condition protects not only its structural integrity. It also shields your equipment from potential damage caused by adverse weather conditions.
5. Door and window defence
Begin by inspecting the doors and windows for potential entry points of cold air. Seal any gaps, both inside and out, to fortify against drafts. Enhance shed insulation by applying foam weather-stripping tape. This addition can help keep both drafts and moisture at bay effectively. A well-sealed shed is unaffected by external elements at all costs.
UK’s Weather Warning System
In the UK, wind speeds are classified under the weather warning system. Denoted by colours— yellow, amber, and red — indicating the severity of potential damage.
Yellow warnings signify mild to moderate impacts. The wind speeds typically range from 30 to 40 mph. There might be minimal disruption to outdoor activities, such as small branches falling. Amber warnings, representing increased risk, involve wind speeds of 40 to 70 mph. Expect more substantial impacts, including the potential for fallen trees. Red warnings, the most severe, signal wind speeds exceeding 70 mph. It poses a significant risk to life and property. Here, widespread structural damage, uprooted trees, and transport disruptions are likely.
Reinforce your shed for potential wind impacts based on these categorisations. Secure loose items and conduct necessary maintenance to safeguard against such events.
Preparation tips
- Yellow warning: Secure lightweight items like garden furniture and tools. Check shed doors and windows for proper closure.
- Amber warning: Reinforce the shed structure by securing loose panels and repairing weak points. Double-check doors and windows, adding extra locks if possible. Store valuable or fragile items indoors.
- Red warning: Prioritise safety; avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. Secure all loose objects around the shed and garden. Reinforce shed roofing and walls. Consider moving valuable items indoors. If possible, take temporary measures such as bracing doors and windows. Stay informed through reliable weather updates. Always have an emergency kit ready. In extreme cases, consider evacuating to a safer location.
Stay vigilant and act proactively based on the warning level. Regular maintenance and fortification ensure your shed withstands varying wind intensities.
Round-up
Safeguarding your shed against strong winds is a smart investment in 1.) its longevity and 2.) the protection of your belongings. With these steps, you can ensure it’s well-prepared for varying wind intensities. Stay vigilant, check weather warnings, and take proactive measures!
Consider our pressure treated sheds for your next investment. This preservative treatment shields against decay and pests, making them worthwhile. Find the perfect garden storage solution only at Garden Buildings Direct!
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