We know it may seem a bit early to be talking about winter, but the truth is that the colder months will be here before we know it. Ensuring your shed is ready to face the harsh elements is crucial. While we always stand behind the quality and durability of our Amish-built sheds, taking a few extra steps to prepare for cold, snow, and ice can be a great way to maintain their condition and functionality in the long run.
Here are our tips for preparing your shed for winter’s chill:
Inspect Insulation
If you customized your Amish-built shed with our Shed Builder and chose to add double bubble insulation to your interior, give it a quick look to ensure it’s still holding up well. Effective insulation not only keeps stored items safe from freezing but also minimizes the risk of the structure warping or cracking in low temperatures. Consider adding extra insulation to the walls and installing weather stripping around doors and windows to keep drafts at bay.
Strengthen the Roof
The roof is your shed’s first line of defense against snow and ice. Before the cold sets in, examine your roof for any signs of damage and repair as needed. This helps to ensure your roofing structure can handle the weight of snow accumulation. Additionally, you can always consider upgrading your roof with tar paper to offer another layer of moisture protection.
Prepare the Foundation
If your shed isn’t already on an elevated foundation, consider adding a layer of gravel around the base to improve drainage and prevent water from pooling and freezing. This small step can significantly extend the life of your shed’s foundation by preventing frost heave and water damage.
Interior Arrangements
Organize the interior to suit the season. Store summer items at the back and move winter tools like snow shovels, salt, and snowblowers to an easily accessible spot. Ensure that any liquids stored inside are frost-resistant or moved to a frost-free area to prevent bursting containers.
Landscaping for Protection
Utilize your landscape for added insulation. Planting evergreen shrubs near your shed can act as a windbreak and help reduce the wind chill factor that hits your shed. Just ensure these are planted at a safe distance to avoid moisture problems and to ensure easy access to the shed during snow removal.
Regular Checks
Throughout the winter, periodically check on your shed. Remove excess snow from the roof and inspect the interior for signs of moisture or pests that might seek shelter from the cold.
Regardless of whether you chose a shed made from engineered wood, vinyl, or board and batten, you can always trust that when it’s built by Amish Barn Company, it’s built to last. By taking these proactive steps, you only stand to further protect your investment, extend its lifespan, and ensure it continues to serve you, no matter what the weather throws at it.