When you are planning on putting up a shed in your backyard, one of the things you need to consider is the longevity of the shed because you need to have something that will last for a long time. In relation, wooden sheds are usually some of the most popular shed choices.
For many people because they can last well enough in most cases and conditions. But how long does a wooden shed last?
Wooden sheds can be expected to last for up to 20 or 25 years. However, this isn’t always the case because there are plenty of other factors that you need to look at when you want to determine how long your wooden shed will last. Some may last shorter or longer depending on their quality.
Like almost any other structure, the lifespan of a wooden shed depends largely on how it is constructed, how often maintenance is done, and the many different qualities it has.
That means that there is no real assurance in relation to how long a wooden shed will last but the assurance here is that wooden sheds that are taken care of properly and are built with quality materials are going to last for up to two decades.
How Long Does A Wooden Shed Last?
When it comes to the longevity of a wooden shed, how long exactly does a wooden shed last? Well, in most cases, you can expect a wooden shed to last for up to two or more decades. However, it still all boils down to certain factors that contribute to the overall lifespan of a wooden shed. After all, a wooden shed is the sum of its parts in such a way that it will only last as long as its different parts and components.
Sheds are very nice to have on your property primarily because of their utilitarian purposes. That’s why there are plenty of people who put up sheds in their gardens. And when it comes to the choice of material used for sheds, wood is usually the best choice among different people not only because wooden sheds look nice but also because they last longer.
Roof
The first thing you need to look at when it comes to the design of the wooden shed is the roof because this is a good indication of how long the shed will last. This is because the roof is the shed’s first layer of protection against the elements, which are responsible for the damages that can potentially decrease the shed’s lifespan.
The sturdier the roof is, the better protected the entire wooden shed is. However, you should also look at how well the roof is able to withstand rainwater and allow the water to run to the ground through a good drainage system.
That’s because roofs that tend to hold onto rainwater are more likely to get damaged by mold and rot. On top of that, the roof must be sealed well enough to prevent rainwater from entering the shed.
Walls
The walls play a crucial role in determining the longevity of a shed. The wooden walls must be constructed with durability in mind and able to withstand the elements, such as rain, wind, and regular wear and tear.
So when the shed is constructed you should make sure that there aren’t any gaps or openings between the walls, as these can allow water and excess moisture to penetrate the shed. To check for gaps, one can look for daylight passing through the walls from inside the shed.
It is important to note that the walls should be able to withstand not only rainwater but also regular use if you intend to make use of the shed on a regular basis. Sheds are often subject to wear and tear due to their frequent use, and thus the walls should be able to handle this.
Additionally, if you live in an area with strong winds, it is important to ensure that the walls are sturdy enough to withstand gusts and not get blown away. Overall, the walls of a shed must be built to last for a long time.
Openings
When we are talking about the openings in the shed, we are referring to the windows and doors of the shed. Your shed windows and doors need to be strong enough so that they can withstand rough weather conditions and also deflect water running over them. You also need to look at how sturdy and waterproof your windows are.
That’s because windows are prone to rotting at the bottom of their frames because that is where water usually ends up when it runs down the window. This will mean that you need to make sure the window glass and the frame thereof are sealed properly. Essentially, sturdy and durable openings can help make the shed last for a long time. Because they allow for good airflow in the shed.
Flooring
Not a lot of people realize how important the shed’s flooring is when it comes to the longevity and durability of the entire shed. Most people forget to account for the water and excess moisture that can also enter the shed from the ground below. So, the better the shed floor is insulated from tough weather conditions, the more likely the shed is going to last for a long time.
Additionally, ensure that the flooring material can withstand wear and tear, as shed floors are susceptible to damage from dragging tools and heavy equipment if used often. Choose a material that is suitable for the intended use of the shed this way you will get more out of the material than if you chose something that isn’t.
Finish
Finally, we have the finishing, which is not only there to help improve the shed’s aesthetics but also serves to make the shed more capable of handling tough weather conditions. For example, the type of paint that you use for the shed’s walls should not only be chosen based on the color of the paint but also on how well they can keep the wooden shed’s walls sealed and protected from water.
Some sheds come pre-painted this is not a problem you can still help improve the quality of the shed’s weatherproofing by using a good finishing material or product to seal it this will help improve the shed’s durability.
How To Maximize The Lifespan Of A Wooden Shed
Now that we have a better understanding of the factors that can impact the lifespan of a wooden shed, we can now explore ways to extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to help maximize it:
Workmanship
Quality workmanship is very important when it comes to the durability of any product, and that’s why you always need to make sure the materials used are the best and that the company offers the best type of workmanship available. This means that the first step in making sure that your shed can last for a long time is to hire a good team that has the experience, skills, and manpower that can give you a high-quality shed in the end.
It is critical that you look for a builder that is tried and tested and has a track record that can be trusted when it comes to building high-quality wooden sheds. You may want to look at the company’s portfolio to see a quick background of its past works so that you will get a clear picture of how good the building company is at designing and building high-quality wooden sheds.
Proper Location
Too many people tend to forget that positioning and location play crucial roles when it comes to improving a wooden shed’s longevity. That’s because they often care more about where the shed looks better than where it should be. Aesthetics can be nice but longevity is better.
This is why you need to make sure that you build the shed in a location that is conducive to its overall longevity. Keep it in places that are not too vulnerable to holding rainwater for long periods of time which causes mold to set in, and in areas that allow strong winds to pass through.
Strong winds can cause a great deal of unseen damage. Like leaks in the roof etc, this will only show up once the materials eventually need to be replaced.
Lastly, you might want to make sure that your shed is placed on a spot that offers a good amount of shade because you don’t want to expose the shed to direct sunlight during the hottest months of the year.
Using Proper Sealants
The common notion is that water is the top enemy of sheds and other wooden structures. However, it is prolonged exposure to water that can actually damage wooden sheds as you need to make sure that your shed is minimized to prolonged periods of water exposure due to the damage that water can have on the wooden material of the shed.
As such, the key when it comes to keeping a shed protected from prolonged exposure to moisture is to use a proper sealant. The sealant is there to make sure that the wooden materials of the shed do get overexposed to moisture which can cause the materials to warp and weaken.
You also need to make sure that the sealant is effective enough to help the shed’s resistance against extreme weather conditions that are just as damaging as prolonged exposure to water.
Regular Painting
Believe it or not, updating the wooden shed’s paint can help improve its overall longevity. This means that the paint is not just for aesthetics but can also be a cost-effective way for you to keep your shed in top shape because the paint is there to help keep the wooden shed’s different parts and components protected from the elements.
So, when you notice that your shed’s paint has already become a bit too faded especially when it is located in an area that is regularly exposed to sunlight, that should be a sign to update its paint. Sheds that are usually exposed to sunlight need to be painted every 5 to 10 years, but those not as exposed to sunlight may go on for more than ten years without being re-painted.
Timely Repairs
When you notice that the shed has a few damages, it is best to repair them as quickly as possible. That’s because delaying it for a long time will only make those damages worse. For example, a small leak in the roof will end up becoming a golf ball-sized hole, or worse if you just leave it there this is because it will start spreading over the materials over time.
As such, making sure that you make timely repairs can help improve the shed’s overall lifespan. Be vigilant enough to look for damages yourself so that you can repair them as early as you can. After all, remedying a sickness as early as possible can go a long way in preventing a more serious illness.
Proper Maintenance
This is more important than you would think but if you want the shed to last for years to come, proper maintenance of your shed is important to extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs in the future.
This will include cleaning it regularly to prevent dirt from building up and attracting moisture, next is for you to keep clean the gutters and drainage systems to make sure they are clear of any obstructions like leaves or twigs, etc. With proper maintenance, your shed can last for over two decades.
Conclusion
The lifespan of a wooden shed can range from 20 to 25 years and depends on various factors such as its construction, maintenance, and quality of materials used to build and seal the shed. The roof, walls, openings, flooring, and finish of a wooden shed all play a crucial role in determining its longevity this is where the sealing of any gaps in the building is very important.
Proper care and attention to these factors can help ensure that the wooden shed lasts for a long time and serves its purpose effectively without any unnecessary time or money spent on the future of the shed.
