How to Maintain and Protect Your Metal Shed

Learn practical tips to maintain, protect, and extend the life of your metal shed, from rust prevention and cleaning to weatherproofing and repairs.

Want your metal shed to last decades?

It should…with proper care.

Most homeowners aren't aware metal sheds easily last 20+ years if they're properly maintained. Without care though, rust and corrosion can severely damage your storage shed in half the time.

Don't sweat it though…

Keeping your metal storage shed free of rust is easy. You don't need specialized tools or contractors. And it won't take much time compared to fixing avoidable issues later.

What you're about to learn:

• Why you should maintain your metal shed

• The top threats your metal shed faces

• 6x steps to maintain your metal shed

• Maintaining/upgrading your shed for seasonal protection

Keep reading to find out how to keep your metal shed around for generations…

Why You Should Maintain Your Metal Shed

Metal storage sheds are extremely popular across the United States. In fact, over 53% of American households have outdoor sheds to help with storage and workspace solutions.

…and there's a reason they're so popular…

Metal is by far the most durable option when it comes to storage sheds. Wood and plastic can't compare in terms of strength, pest control, rotting, or weather damage. Finding HOA friendly metal sheds is easier than ever with customizable options.

That being said…

Metal sheds can experience wear and tear over time if not properly maintained. Rust and corrosion can destroy your shed in a hurry if you don't catch it early.

The World Corrosion Organization estimates corrosion causes about $2.5 trillion in damage globally per year. Upwards of 25% of that damage is preventable with proper maintenance.

Yikes. That's some expensive damage that can easily be avoided…

The Top Threats Your Metal Shed Will Face

Understanding what threats you're protecting your shed from is important. You don't want to go through the maintenance process only to have your shed fall victim to common dangers.

These are some things that can attack your metal shed.

Rust & Corrosion

This is the number one threat to your metal building. Oxygen and water are NOT your friends when it comes to steel. When they mix, oxidation occurs. Once rust starts, it will spread if left untreated.

Mold, Mildew & Moisture

If moisture builds up on the inside of your shed due to poor ventilation, it's basically inviting rust to come grow. Humidity from the inside out can be just as detrimental as water damage.

Dings & Damage

Just like your car, scratches, chips, and dents to your metal shed allow rust to develop. What might start out as a small scratch can turn into a major problem later down the road if not taken care of.

Dirt & Debris

When debris collects on your shed, especially at the base, it traps moisture against the metal. This makes it easier for rust to develop.

6x Ways To Properly Maintain Your Metal Shed

Now it's time to learn how to prevent the above issues from happening. Follow these simple steps to keep your metal shed intact and free of damage.

Perform Regular Cleaning

Remember, no special tools or equipment are needed to maintain your metal shed. Well…this first method requires literally nothing.

You should give your shed a good cleaning at least twice a year.

All you need to do is rinse your shed off with a garden hose. Once the loose debris is gone, scrub the roof and walls with soap and water using a soft bristle brush.

Try to avoid using abrasive chemicals that can scratch the paint or coating.

Be sure to give special attention to areas like:

• The base of your shed (where most debris will collect)

• Corners and joints (another area where debris likes to gather)

• Roof (makes it easier to collect leaves and broken branches)

Inspect Your Shed For Rust And Damage

Walk around your metal shed and examine every surface you can. Look for scratches, nicks, chips in the paint, or exposed metal.

The earlier you catch rust, the easier it will be to remove before it spreads.

Pay special attention to screws and fasteners. These metallic pieces are susceptible to rust/build-up.

Treat Any Rust Right Away

If you happen to find some rust on your shed, don't stress. You can easily remove small amounts of rust by using a wire brush or sandpaper.

Just make sure you clean the area after treating the rust. From there, apply some rust-proof primer to the area and paint over it.

You can also use a sealant or protective coating to prevent future rust.

Add A Protective Coat Of Paint/Sealant

Paint/protective coating is what separates your shed from your elements. Over time the paint job will start to fade or wear down.

Try re-touching up the paint job every couple years or so. You can also use a paint/sealant that is meant to prevent rust for extra durability.

Pro-tip: Pay extra attention to areas that rub against other materials like doors, the edges of your shed, and the base where debris likes to collect. These areas are prone to more wear and tear.

Keep Your Shed Ventilated

If there's no ventilation inside your metal shed, moisture will begin to build up on the walls. This leads to condensation (basically rust/invisible moisture just waiting to happen).

You'll want to ensure that vents are clear and working properly. Try not to let stored items inside touch the walls either. This allows air to flow through vs. becoming trapped against the metal.

Add extra vents if needed.

Check The Foundation & Anchoring

If the foundation your shed sits on is cracked, uneven, or has begun to sink, you'll start to see problems.

An uneven foundation can put stress on your metal building causing gaps or cracks.

Don't forget to check how your shed is anchored down. You don't want your shed moving around either.

Maintaining/Upgrading Your Shed Seasonally

As the seasons change, so will the ways you maintain your metal shed. It's important to upgrade your maintenance methods to help combat seasonal issues.

Spring

Spring is a great time to give your shed a good once-over for any damages. Remove any lingering debris, rust spots that may have appeared over the winter.

Summer

Sun can damage and fade your paint job over time. Take note of any areas that may have started to peel or fade and touch them up.

Summer is also a great time to perform any heavy maintenance to your shed.

Fall

Fall is the time of the year to make sure your shed is ready for winter. Remove any leaves or debris from the roof and around your shed.

You also want to make sure that water is able to drain properly so it doesn't pool.

Winter

Heavy snow can damage the structure of your roof. Make sure to remove any large accumulation of snow from your shed.

You'll also want to check for any ice dams that may cause water to pool against your metal.

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of how to properly maintain your metal shed. It's honestly not that difficult of a process. You just need to be consistent and react quickly when issues are detected.

Simple reminder…

• Clean your shed at least twice a year

• Inspect your shed for damages

• Treating rust right away

• Add a fresh coat of paint/sealant

• Maintain ventilation

• Check foundation and anchoring

Do these things and your metal shed will last longer than you'll likely own it. Now that's a great return on investment for something that takes such little time and effort