Strong winds and gales are the most common cause of damage and disruption in the UK. In order to keep your shed and home secure, you need to make sure you’ve already prepared for the storm before it hits your garden.
1. Protect Your Belongings
Garden tools and equipment may get damaged and can be seriously dangerous if picked up by a gale. Ensure all your belongings are put away and are safely secure in your garden shed.
2. Plan Ahead
Making sure your garden shed is in a strong condition and you have kept on top of repair work is essential for preparing against strong winds.
3. Roofing
The roof is very vulnerable in these conditions, making maintenance for your shed roof essential. Strong winds put a huge amount of pressure on your shed roof with high speeds and quick changes of direction. Therefore, your roof must be secure to prevent any type of damage. You must always check the status of the roof, both from the inside and the outside. The following issues may need to be resolved or repaired;
- Rusting nails
- Black mould
- Sagging of the materials
- Dark spots
- Light penetration
- Water or moisture
If your roof is suffering from any of the above, you should contact a roofing specialist. Make sure to contact them as early as possible. If left for too long they may lead to even bigger problems.
Make sure to be safe when checking the roof from outside. Ensure your ladder is secured and fit for purpose. If you are uncomfortable climbing to the roof, you may observe through binoculars or by walking around the house. Take notes of any damage through your inspection.
4. Sheds
With the shed itself, make sure it is in good condition to hold up against harsh weather conditions. After making sure the roofing felt is secure, you should replace any split or worn wood around the shed. This is very important for keeping your garden tools and equipment safe from moisture outside. Don’t forget to make sure your shed base has a solid foundation.
5. Doors and Windows
You must inspect your shed’s doors and windows from the inside first, as cold air may be entering through either. Make sure to seal them both inside and out. To draft proof your shed you can install foam weather stripping insulating tape. This will prevent any drafts and will keep moisture outside the shed.
Following these simple steps, helps ensure you have a more secure and protected shed for the inevitable strong winds we face in the UK. It is better to be prepared than have to face severe repair work after the storm has destroyed your garden shed. Take some time to follow these precautions so you don’t have to worry!
Disclaimer: Please note that this guide is intended to present general information regarding the subject. All information indicated are representative and not exhaustive, which means that the results may vary depending on your item, its size, complexity and other circumstances. This is only advice and we do not accept responsibility for any problems you may have whilst following this guide, it is only a representation and not a definitive guide. When in doubt, please ask your manufacturer before proceeding.
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