Storage building environments

A back yard can be a harsh environment for a structure of any type. Most suburban lawns have irrigation systems, and are to some degree shaded, fenced, or otherwise enclosed. A canopy of moisture releasing foliage above, and an enclosure full of green grass that needs water everyday creates a hostile environment for wooden structures. A wooden storage building may look great for a while, but it requires maintenance to keep it looking that way.

Storage building alternatives

It all boils down to what you want more. A wooden, or composite wood type shed will involve a lot of maintenance. It needs to be painted or treated on a regular basis, or moisture will destroy it quickly. A galvanized, and painted steel clad structure will last 20 or 30 years before needing anything more than a basic cleaning. There are a lot of choices in colors and styles these days, and some of the metal buildings are just as attractive as the wooden ones.

Variations in wood sided buildings

Not all wooden structures are created equal, and some will withstand the test of time better than others. Structures made of marine grade plywood or cedar can be quite durable, but even these will need periodic treatment if you intend for them to be around a while. To maintain these, various waterproofing stains and sealers will need to be brushed or sprayed on, which is somewhat easier, and less expensive than yearly painting. Wood composite buildings will have to be painted and sealed on regular basis to last over the long haul.

What’s the best choice?

So, what is the best choice for siding for a storage building? In the long run, galvanized and painted steel will out perform all other siding materials, including wood, wood composites, aluminum, and the various plastics on the market, including vinyl. They do not have to be unattractive, the color and style choices today are numerous, and you can find a combination that perfectly matches your outdoor decor.

Related issues:

Composite shingles

I have been in a lot of  back yards, and I have seen a lot of storage buildings, and I have never seen a storage building with composite shingles, that wasn’t going bald! This has held true throughout a 30 year career in landscape maintenance related work.

Doors

In the same vein, I have rarely seen a wooden door that was not sagging in an outbuilding.

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If you are thinking of buying a storage shed or storage building we have just the accessory for you! Our new storage building EBook is ready to go, and is free of charge to those who fill out the form on this page. It is full of storage building information and tips. If you are thinking of a new storage shed for storage, or hobbies, or for turning into a game room, or for any other reason, you owe it to yourself to read through this informative guide to utility buildings.

If you already own a building, you should still get your copy, there is a lot of advice on maintaining  utility buildings, and many creative ways of using them for saving and making money.

We cover such topics as:

The need for storage buildings, the many uses for storage buildings, how to choose a storage shed, how to plan for a storage sheds placement, what to look for in a portable  building, how to buy a utility building, financing options for backyard storage, and how to maintain a shed once you have one.

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Most storage buildings require little in the way of upkeep, but like all structures they will benefit from a little attention, and will offer longer, better service and help to preserve your investment. Just add these inspection items to your lawn, garden and home exterior maintenance program, for spring and fall if you like.

Start with inspection.

A brief, periodic inspection of the building is a good place to start. Check for such things as:

• Roof and corner damage.

• Door operation.

• Window operation.

• Weather stripping.

• “Levelness”.

If a door or window is not opening or closing properly, the reason could be that the building is no longer level. A minor shift could cause a corner to sag, which could, in turn cause a wall to be out of square. When this happens, the first sign could be a sticky door or window. If this is the case, use a standard spirit level to check, and adjust the shims where needed to bring it back to level.

Moisture can be another problem The nature of wood is to absorb moisture. When humidity is high, it can swell causing sticking problems with doors and windows.

Weatherstripping:

Degraded weather seals can allow moisture in as well. To visually check on the condition of the weather stripping, stand inside the building and look at the door. If there is an excessive amount of light coming in around the door, there is a chance that it might need to be replaced. Moist or discolored spots around the door, or door framing is another indicator.

Cleaning:

Keeping your storage building clean will extend its life. Pay particular attention to the roof of the building and such problems as fallen tree branches. Tree branches on the roof of your building can cause other debris to build up , which can cause moisture problems, which can in turn degrade the roof, or weigh it down to the point of sagging. I have seen debris collect on the top of a storage building  for long enough for a tree to grow a foot tall in the soil of the gathering debris! This can also cause insect problems in your storage building.

The same is true of the bottom of your building. If you have dirt building up as mounds, or small dirt trails coming up the blocks, termites could become a problem.

When the exterior walls of the building get grungy, you can clean them with some water and mild soap, using a soft bristle brush, and a garden hose for rinsing. Do not use abrasives that could damage the paint, and cause future problems with corrosion.

Other concerns:

If you find loose screws in the siding, you can “snug” them back in place, adding a little silicone caulk around the threads and head of the screw is also helpful. Just make sure they are snug, and don’t strip the threads.

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