After the heavy snowfall from the winter months, it is now time for Pennsylvanian homeowners to prepare their sheds for spring use. The weather is warming up, and lawns will need to be maintained again. You will need to make sure your storage shed and all your equipment are ready to be used for the new season. Here is everything you need to know on how to prepare your shed for spring.
Inspect Your Shed
You should regularly inspect your shed to ensure there are no major issues that need to be addressed. Check for any signs of damage, like rotting wood, broken windows, pest damage, and leaks that need to be repaired. Inspect your ridges, doors, and window frames for any mold or mildew spots that need to be cleaned. Check the ventilation in the shed is still in working condition. Pennsylvania gets humid springs and summers and the shed will need proper ventilation to ensure no more mold or mildew forms. When it starts to rain, check to see if any cracks or holes are leaking and will need to be filled with caulk. We find it best to repair holes and cracks before the rainy season begins. Regular inspections will ensure the shed’s longevity and protect your investment.
Spring Cleaning
Clean the Windows
The windows can get dirty from ice, dust, pollen, and more. Use a window cleaner like Windex to clean the windows to bring in more natural sunlight to the shed. You will also have to seal up any drafts that have formed around your windows during the winter. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal your windows.
Clean Mold and Mildew
The extra moisture from snow and ice can cause mold and mildew to build up in your shed. The extra rain from April showers can also cause mold to grow. You will need to inspect your shed for mold more regularly in the spring. Clean off any mold or mildew that you see with white vinegar and water or a diluted bleach solution. When cleaning with bleach, make sure to keep the shed’s doors open and that there is proper ventilation to let any fumes out while it completely dries.
Sweep the Floor
Over time dust, dirt, spiderwebs, and debris will accumulate, especially during the winter. A dirty space can be unhealthy and make you unproductive. Sweep the floor of any dirt and remove spiderwebs and debris from the shed to prepare for a productive spring.
Declutter
Spring is the best time to declutter your belongings and get rid of unused tools that you have accumulated over the years. Take everything out of your shed, then sort them into categories like tools, equipment, soil, pots, etc. to determine what you have duplicates of or is broken and needs to be thrown away. We recommend that if you haven’t used something in the last two years, get rid of it. Clean all your tools and equipment before reorganizing them back in the shed, as sometimes rust and corrosion can form during the winter. Rust can affect the tool’s performance and lifespan, so use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean them off. If you find any items that you don’t need anymore but are in good condition, donate them.
Spring Maintenance
After inspecting and cleaning your shed, you may need to do some maintenance to it to ensure any issues don’t get worse. Address any wood damage, pest damage, leaks and drafts, and broken roof shingles or windows in the shed to ensure it is in good working condition. Here at Glick, we build our structures with highly durable, chemically treated materials that keep pests away and don’t require as much maintenance. However, there may be some general wear and tear you’ll have to fix. If you find any parts of the shed that are rotting, like floors, floor joists, and paneling, replace them. For more information, check out our Guide to Seasonal Shed Maintenance.
Get a Durable Shed with Glick Structures
Glick Structures’ sheds are built with high-quality materials that are built to last for decades. We have a five year warranty on all of our sheds that cover water or snow damage aside from the normal wear and tear of everyday use. Check out our available shed styles ready to be delivered, or design a custom shed with our 3D Builder. If you have an idea of what you want, get a free estimate for your project. Contact us today to get started.
