Preparing Your Sheds for Winter Storms
By SchwebAdmin
In the Midwest, winter storms are frequent during the colder months. We understand how important winter readiness is, so a shed from Raber Storage Barns is built with premium materials and is extremely durable to withstand harsh Midwestern weather. However, we recommend taking some time to reinforce your sheds and detached garages before winter begins. Doing this will ensure your sheds remain in optimal condition for the spring season. Below are some winterizing tasks to help you in preparing your sheds for winter weather.
Seal any Cracks
Inspect the shed for any cracks or gaps, as you need to make sure the structure will maintain a stable interior. In our experience, the places to look for cracks are interior door seals, roof trusses, the floor, wall corners, joints, and window seals. If you see any cracks, use caulk or expanding foam to seal them shut. You can also use weatherstripping, especially on the doors and windows, to further seal them. For any gaps and cracks in the siding, use an exterior-grade sealant. Sealing up the shed will prevent drafts from coming in and protect your belongings.
Add Insulation
Insulation offers more temperature control inside your shed and protects your items from moisture buildup. This is especially beneficial if you’re using your shed for a workshop or hobby space, as it will make the structure usable year-round. We recommend insulating the walls and roof, and also adding some ventilation to keep air circulating. We offer an insulation package to make this process easier. Our team can install high-quality foam insulation along with vapor and moisture barriers to protect your shed in any season, even Midwestern winters.
Repair the Roof
Your shed’s roof will sustain the most damage from winter weather, especially from snow buildup. This is the most vital part of the shed that needs to be maintained. Inspect the roof for any holes, damaged shingles, and clogged gutters. If your shed has a metal roof, make sure no screws have weakened or become loose. Use caulk to repair the holes, replace any broken or missing shingles, and remove dirt and debris from the gutters to ensure they’re draining properly. If water is stuck in the gutters, the water can freeze in the winter and cause water damage. We also recommend trimming away any low-hanging branches near the shed, as they can fall and cause more damage to the roof.
Protect Your Items
Secure anything that can be damaged by moisture. Place easily water-damaged materials into waterproof containers, including soil, mulch, seeds, and the like. This will stop mold and mildew from growing on them. You should also winterize your equipment by draining water from hoses and pipes and removing gas from tanks to prevent them from freezing. If you leave these, the liquids can freeze and damage your items, making them unusable in the spring.
Declutter and Reorganize
Clean the shed of any dirt, mold, and debris, then declutter your belongings to remove any items you no longer need or are broken. Reorganize your shed so that your winter items, like shovels, salt, and snowblowers, are easily accessible and ready for the Midwest’s snowstorms. Doing this periodically will make space for the essential gear you’ll need for the upcoming season.
Inspect Doors and Windows
Take a look at the shed’s windows and doors to ensure they are secure and open/close properly. When inspecting, if you notice any gaps, put weatherstripping on the door and window frames to further seal them. Make sure all locks remain functional, and replace them if needed to protect your belongings from theft. Replace any windows that are broken. If your area gets high winds, we recommend adding storm shutters to the windows for extra protection.
Build a Durable Shed with Raber
Raber Storage Barns builds custom, durable outdoor structures for homeowners across the Midwest. Our structures are made with high-quality materials to be able to withstand winter weather. Preparing your sheds or garages for high winds and snow will ensure they remain in good condition for the spring. Check out our in-stock inventory of pre-built sheds ready for delivery, or build a custom shed with our 3D Configurator. If you have any questions, get in touch with us by filling out our contact form.
