Top Maintenance Tips for Resin, Wood and Metal Sheds

Each material has its own unique strengths and challenges, but with the right care, your shed can remain a reliable storage solution for years to come. In this guide, we’ll explore the top maintenance tips for resin, wood and metal sheds, helping you protect your investment and keep your outdoor space organized.

General Shed Maintenance Essentials

Taking care of your shed doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated! With the right kind of shed and attention now and then, you can keep it in great shape and ready to serve your storage needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to shed maintenance:

Regular Cleaning

No matter what kind of shed you have, a little cleaning can go a long way. For resin sheds, a quick dust-off or rinse with a hose is usually all that’s needed to keep it looking good. Wood and metal sheds may require more effort, like sweeping out debris and wiping down surfaces. No matter the shed type, clearing dirt or leaves from the roof and base is also important year-round.

Inspect for Damage

Resin sheds are incredibly durable, so they won’t crack, rot, rust or peel. However, it’s still a good idea to check the door hinges, latches and seals on resin, wood or metal sheds every once in a while to make sure everything’s working smoothly. Wood and metal sheds need more attention than this, though. Look for signs of rot in wood sheds, rust on metal sheds and any other wear and tear that might need fixing.

Ventilation Check

Proper airflow helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or mildew. Resin sheds are designed to handle the elements, and many Keter sheds come with built-in ventilation vents. No matter which type of shed you have, check every once in a while and make sure that vents so that your items have proper airflow. This will help keep everything inside fresh. This is especially important for wood or metal sheds, which are more vulnerable to moisture issues.

Shed Foundation Care

A solid foundation is key for any shed. Make sure the ground beneath is level and drains well to avoid pooling water. Resin sheds are less affected by moisture, but wood and metal sheds need extra protection to prevent rust or rot.

By keeping up with these simple tasks, your shed—whether it’s resin, wood or metal—can stay in great condition for years to come. Resin sheds, in particular, make maintenance a breeze, since they don’t rot, rust or peel—giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space!

Maintenance Tips for Wood Sheds

Wood sheds require a lot of regular care to keep them looking great and standing strong. The first thing to keep in mind is weatherproofing. You’ll want to make sure it has been painted in a weather-resistant sealant or paint. This can help create a barrier that shields the wood from the elements, but it’s not foolproof. You will also need to reapply as needed, especially if you notice the finish starting to wear off. At least every few years, you should refinish a wood shed too, which can be a long process.

The next big thing for wood sheds is pest presentation. Wood is a natural target for pests like termites and carpenter ants. Make sure you inspect your shed for signs of infestation. You’ll want to look for things like sawdust or small holes. If you see anything from pests, you’ll need to treat it right away.

It’s not really a secret that moisture and wood do not do well together. It’s wood’s biggest enemy. So, make sure to check for any signs of rot, like soft or discolored areas. Also, ensure that no sprinklers or hoses are hitting your shed on a regular basis. You’ll need to replace damaged panels as soon as possible or you could have many other issues with pests and the elements getting into the shed.

While wood sheds do have a charming look, they require quite a bit of maintenance when compared with other materials.

Maintenance Tips for Metal Sheds

Metal sheds are a tough storage option, but they need care to stay in great working order. One of the biggest challenges with metal sheds is rust. This can happen a lot if your shed is exposed to moisture. So, it’s important to inspect your shed for rust spots and make sure your sprinklers and other water in your yard isn’t hitting the shed. Rust spots need to be addressed right away or they can be a hindrance to your shed. 

You also need to double-check the hinges and locks on your metal shed. Make sure you check them and lubricate them to prevent squeaking, sticking or rust buildup. You’ll also want to be mindful of scratches or dents in the metal and check that water isn’t pooling near the base of the shed by keeping the area well-drained.

Finally, you need to make sure your metal shed doesn’t have condensation on it. This can lead to rust, which can damage the shed.

Metal sheds are tough, but they can require rust mitigation.

Maintenance Tips for Resin Sheds

Resin sheds are a low-maintenance shed option. They’re weather resistant and won’t rot, rust or peel—unlike the other shed types. They can benefit from some simple care to keep them looking great, though. Cleaning can be kept simple—just use mild soap and water to wipe down the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers. A soft cloth or sponge is all you need to keep the exterior clean and fresh.

Resin sheds are designed to stand up to the elements, but it’s still a good idea to clear heavy snow or debris off the roof, especially after a storm.

Resin sheds are a great option if you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance shed.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

There is also seasonal maintenance that needs to be done to certain sheds. Here are some ideas based on each season.

1. Spring: Clear out debris, inspect for winter damage and apply necessary treatments (e.g., wood sealant for wood only).
2. Summer: Check for UV damage (wood and metal only) and pests and ensure proper ventilation (wood and metal only).
3. Fall: Remove leaves, reinforce weatherproofing (wood and metal only) and clean gutters around the shed, if needed.
4. Winter: Clear snow regularly, check seals and inspect for cold-weather damage (wood and metal only).

By following these tips each season, you’ll be able to ensure a longer-lasting shed.

Shopping for a New Shed That’s Low to No Maintenance?

If you’re researching maintenance tips because you’re shopping for a new shed, we’d highly recommend reading our blog post Resin vs Wood vs Metal Sheds: Which Material Is Better? It discusses the pros and cons of each shed material and what you need to know before purchasing. 

We’d always recommend one of our storage sheds because they’re made from a durable resin that is low to no maintenance. We offer our sheds in small, medium and large sizes so you can get exactly what you need for your yard and storage needs. Some of our customers’ favorite sheds include the large Cortina 11x7 Shed in Graphite and the medium Darwin 6x8 Shed in Graphite.

Regular care and maintenance can really help lengthen the life of your shed. Just make sure to follow the specific maintenance and care tips for your shed material type!