Getting Your Shed or Workshop Ready for Storm Season

I don’t know about you, but I am a habitual collector of things in my shed. I can say with confidence that the contents of my shed are typically not in any organized fashion. I am a collector of things for later use. This later use rarely comes until I am frantically searching through boxes, moving garden tools, and wondering why I kept 3 broken flower pots.

A messy shed is an inconvenience. However, a messy shed during storm season can be a recipe for disaster. Heavy rains, high winds, and flying debris can cause a lot of damage to a shed or workshop that has not been given much attention in recent months.

Whether you use your shed to store your Christmas decorations and lawn equipment, or you have a workshop full of expensive tools, there are a few simple steps you can take to prepare your shed or workshop for storm season.

Start with a Good Look Around

Walk around the outside of your shed or workshop and check for any loose siding, damaged panels, rust, cracks, etc. Pay particular attention to the corners, roof edges and around windows and doors. These are the areas where wind and water can enter the building.

If there are any loose screws or other fittings, make sure they are fixed up before storm season hits. This sort of small problem can become a big problem when strong winds start blowing things around.

Also make sure that the area around the building is clear of any debris and that there is sufficient drainage for water to run away from the building. You don’t want to be dealing with a shallow swimming pool in your workshop after the first big storm of the season.

Check Your Roof Before the Rain Arrives

The roof of your shed or workshop is one of the most important components, but it is also one of the most forgotten about. Look for any visible signs of damage, i.e. holes, rust, loose metal sheets, damaged flashing, missing roofing material etc. Look for water stains, damp patches or evidence of previous leaks on the ceiling and walls.

If you suspect your roof is in need of repair, contact a professional roof restorers such as Taylor and Son Roofing. They will be able to assess the roof and advise on the most appropriate course of action, whether that be repairs, restoration or even complete roof replacement.

Never climb on the roof yourself, especially if it is damaged, wet or made from materials that could be hazardous to your health. It’s better to have a qualified professional check your roof out, rather than risking your health to save a few dollars.

Make Sure the Doors Are Secure

A door that doesn’t close properly on any normal day is generally considered to be of little concern. However, in a storm with high winds the pressure on doors, hinges, tracks and locks can be considerable. Check that the doors are opening and closing properly and that the locks and latches are functioning correctly.

For larger workshops, such as those with wide vehicle entrances, the type of door and its condition can be critical. Businesses and property owners considering commercial garage doors should check wind ratings for the doors, as well as installation requirements and level of protection required for the location.

If you have a roller door or sectional garage door, then check for visible damage to the door and have it professionally serviced if it is sticking, making unusual noises or not closing correctly.

The garage door springs and other high-tension parts can be extremely dangerous to work with and are best left to a professional to service.

Clear Away Anything the Wind Could Pick Up

Are there any empty plant pots, buckets, pieces of timber, garden furniture or other tools left outside the shed? They look innocuous enough on a calm day but when the wind gets up to storm strength that empty bucket could be thrown with great force against a window.

All loose items must be brought inside or safely secured before the storm hits. This includes all outdoor shelving, bins etc. and anything leaning against the building.

Overhanging branches can cause serious damage to a roof or walls in high winds. These should be cut back by a qualified professional. Remember to clear the drains and gutters of any leaves or other debris before the storm hits. The water can be diverted away from the building but only if the drains and gutters are clear.

Protect Your Tools and Equipment

In your workshop, you may have some expensive tools, machinery or electrical equipment. Make sure that you keep valuable items off the floor in the shed, as water can enter the shed during heavy rain.

Items can be stored on sturdy shelving, in sealed storage containers or on wall-mounted organizers. Ensure heavy equipment and shelving is securely fixed to walls and/or ground to prevent items from falling over in the event of the building being shaken by strong winds.

Ensure all electrical tools are in safe working order and that there are no damaged cords or plugs. If water enters the building then do not use any electrical equipment until it has been checked and found to be safe.

Take photographs of expensive tools and write down the model numbers and purchase dates in a safe place. If you ever have to make a claim on your insurance then this information will make things a lot easier for you.

Don’t Forget About Electricity and Fire Safety

As workshops can contain more electrical equipment than a garden shed, there are extra things to consider. Do not overload outlets with too many appliances and do not use extension cords as permanent wiring. Ensure all electrical connections are located in areas that are not likely to get wet.

Store any flammable products in your workshop in a safe manner, away from any potential sources of ignition. Make sure you have a suitable fire extinguisher and know how to use it.

If you are concerned about the condition of the wiring in your workshop then have it checked by a licensed electrician. You don’t want to find out that an old electrical connection is causing problems when the storm season hits.

Have a Plan for When a Storm Is Coming

Even a well-maintained shed can be damaged by severe storms. So, have a plan for when a storm warning is issued. Decide what you need to move to safety, where important equipment can be stored and how you can protect valuable items.

Have a flashlight and other emergency supplies to hand. Also have the numbers of emergency services and utility companies written down somewhere. You may need to turn off the power, water and gas before you leave the building.

Most importantly, don’t leave things outside to get blown around in the storm. Once the weather gets severe, your safety is more important than anything you have stored in the shed.

If you are in an area that is prone to cyclones then you need to follow the emergency advice of the local authorities. Ensure your building is up to standard for the location.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Preparing your shed or workshop for storm season doesn’t have to take up a whole weekend of work. First of all check the building for any obvious problems. Then store away any items that could be blown around in strong winds.

Some of the work may need to be carried out by a professional, especially with regard to the roof, electricity and garage doors. However, other tasks such as clearing the gutters, organizing your tools and throwing out the broken flowerpots can be done by yourself.

You can’t control the weather, and even the best prepared buildings can be damaged in a severe storm. However, by carrying out as much preparation as you can before the storms arrive, you will have one less thing to worry about.

And, you never know, you might even find that missing screwdriver while you are cleaning out the shed!