Keeping your Shed Dry
February. It’s cold. It’s wet. It’s about to get even wetter. Average rainfall for each state varies, but one thing is for sure - as any snowfall melts and the spring showers begin, it’s essential to make sure the items in your shed are staying high and dry.
Maybe you’ve got a vintage Atari sitting in there. Maybe your old high school yearbooks. Maybe it’s just a lawnmower that you don’t want to have to replace. All these things are important to keep away from the elements.
BackYard Storage is your local expert on sheds and shed-care. In this article, we’ll share some tips on prepping your shed for snowmelt and rain.
Organization and Cleaning
We know no one wants to go outside and tackle their shed in the bleak month of February, but this ensures that your items will be safe during spring showers.
- Organizing Belongings – Some items will be more susceptible to moisture than others. Going through everything and sorting them into protection categories will set you up for success. And hey, maybe you’ll find your kid’s long-lost teddy bear.
- Cleaning Floors/Shelves – Once you’ve sorted through everything, sweep your shed out and dust off the shelves. Look around for leaks or other signs of moisture. Above all, make sure the shed is dry before returning your belongings.
Weatherproofing
Now that you’ve sorted all your items into categories, it’s easy to see what needs to be weatherproofed and how.
- Bins and Tubs – Place things that need protection into waterproof containers. For inspiration, some things that could use waterproof containers: tools, clothes, decorations, equipment, etc.
- Tarps – Things like lawnmowers are just too big to fit into containers. Instead, opt for covering these larger items with tarps to protect them from any leaks that might develop.
- Pallets – Another great solution for larger items is elevation. Placing them on wooden pallets gets them off the floor. If an unfortunate damp floor were to occur, your belongings would be out of the way.
Ventilation
Moisture doesn’t only accumulate on the ground. Humidity can cause mold and condensation, which can adversely affect your shed’s interior.
- Vents/Dehumidifiers – Vents and dehumidifiers help keep the shed’s environment dry, preventing mold and condensation.
- Silica Gel Packets – Here’s a handy trick: Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture in containers and corners. These little packets are a great line of defense for small accumulations of liquid. Just remember to replace them regularly!
February snow and March rain can be pesky, but if you’re proactive, you have nothing to worry about. BackYard Storage has plenty of these tips and more, plus a wide variety of sheds to get you started! Get in touch with our team today, and we’d be happy to help you find the perfect shed to fit your needs.
Browse our inventory to see all our available sheds, garages, and storage buildings, or come by one of our convenient locations to check out our high quality construction for yourself. You can even use our online configurator to see all the options available.