Plastic won’t harbour mould growth

So many homes have a tool shed or one of the many other types of storage sheds in their back yards. When the basement got overcrowded and garages were so filled up with things that the car wouldn’t fit inside, sheds started to pop up in yards everywhere. There are all kinds of materials used to build sheds, and each type has specific maintenance needed for longevity.

Metal

Though metal is not the most popular material for backyard sheds, it is the least expensive. Most metal sheds are made of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel will begin to rust where the galvanized coating is thin or gone. Screw holes and edges are prime areas for the coating to be thin or non-existent. It is important to look for subtle colour changes where screws and other fittings go through the metal and at edges. If any discoloration is detected which can indicate rust, be sure to sand prime and paint. It is the only way to slow rust. Dissimilar metals can also set up a condition where tiny electrical charges will increase corrosion. Isolating screws or other fittings from metal to metal contact with plastic grommets can help.

Plastic

Plastic is becoming a popular material for the construction of sheds. Ease of erecting a new shed using lightweight plastic panels is one of the benefits of plastic sheds. Even the roof of a plastic shed is made from plastic panels. The panels are moulded and coloured to mimic a wood look for the walls and shingles for the roof. Plastic has an enemy in sunlight. Manufacturers use chemicals and coatings to protect the plastic from UV light. The sun will eventually cause the plastic to weaken. The more sun it is exposed to, the quicker the process. Plastic sheds are great for shady areas. Even though a shady area may be moist, the plastic will be okay. Plastic is good where injection mold is a problem. Mould needs organic material to survive on and plastic won’t harbour mould growth. Check with the manufacturer to see if they have a recommended coating to apply to the plastic every so often to increase longevity. Every spring and fall should include a scrub with soapy water and a clean water rinse from a garden hose.

Wood

Wood is by far the most used material in the construction of backyard sheds. Wood is beautiful and can be crafted into just about any size or shape. A wood shed with a shingled roof can be an architectural feature of a landscape. They come in small sizes just big enough to hold a garden tractor and some small hand tools up to garage size sheds. The best way to protect a wood shed is by regular cleaning and painting. Also an electric or solar powered ventilation system can go a long away in stabilizing internal temperatures which will lengthen the life of the wood. Be sure to spot paint any areas where the paint is damaged or the wood surface is bare. Even treated wood should be coated with a UV resistant coating.

A little effort at periodic maintenance can have any shed last for decades.