The Essential Tools You Need To Build And Maintain A Great Shed

Whether you’re building a new shed from the ground up or repairing an old shed that has seen better days, there are a range of tools and accessories that will help you get the job done accurately and efficiently.

Tools

You can accomplish most shed building and repair tasks if you have the following basic tools in your tool box.

• Claw hammer – Allows you to pull out old nails with the claw and bang in new nails with the hammer
• Screwdrivers – A flat head and a Phillips head screwdriver will allow you to tighten and remove most screws
• Wrench – An adjustable wrench will be capable of tightening and undoing nuts and bolts of most sizes
• Tape measure – A retractable steel tape measure will ensure your work is as accurate as it can be
• Level – A spirit level will keep everything about your shed square and on the level
• Pliers – A pair of long-nose pliers can perform a multitude of tasks, from extracting nails to cutting and stripping wire
• Utility knife – A Stanley knife with snap off blades will give you the ability to score and cut a variety of materials and surfaces.

Parts and accessories

A shed is made up of a wide range of parts and accessories, and depending on what you are building or the repairs you are carrying out, you may need some or all of the following;

• Fixings & fasteners - Quality fixings and anchoring solutions are central to the integrity of your shed, and construction fasteners that will stand the test of time are essential.
• Vermin proofing – To prevent insects and rodents from entering your shed, you can use vermin-proof flashing, which is slid behind and under wall sheeting. There’s also foam vermin proofing, which is fitted between the wall sheeting and the slab.
• Flashings - These are essential to keep water out of your shed, with a flashing for every application, from custom barge flashing and front mullion flashing, to sheet end flashing and sill flashing.
• Door furniture – Shed door locks, hinges, handles and latches often need repairing or replacing. Also, everything from lock sets and stainless steel knob sets, to padlock bolts, night latches and chrome-plated steel butt hinges will need to be maintained.
• Timbersteel flooring – This provides an attractive alternative to a concrete slab floor and is not as hard or cold underfoot.

Preventative measures

Modern sheds are built tough to last, and come with coatings that protect them from the weather, but eventually even the most well constructed shed will succumb to the elements if not properly maintained. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can employ to ensure your shed doesn’t meet a premature end.

• Install ventilation – Allowing fresh air to circulate within a metal shed via an exhaust fan will prevent the interior from getting too hot, which can lead to condensation and the formation of rust.
• Choose the right location – Build your shed in an area that is sheltered and not constantly exposed to the elements to prevent premature rusting. Also, preferably avoid building under large trees or near vehicles to avoid the risk of dents and damage.
• Keep it clean and well maintained - Performing regular cleaning and maintenance on your shed will add years to its life and make it a more pleasant environment to be in.

Cleaning and maintenance

The exterior of your shed is constantly exposed to the weather, so it will soon build up dirt and grime on its roof and walls, which will attract mould and rust. To prevent this, you should wash your shed thoroughly at least once every six months to remove surface dirt, using a sponge and hose. Also use a mild detergent and scrubbing brush if the dirt is a little more caked in.

If you live in a coastal area, this should be done more regularly, as salt spray can rapidly lead to rust. You can also use a pressure washer, but if it is a wooden shed, be careful not to remove the paint with too much pressure. The inside of your shed should also be cleaned regularly, particularly any spills on concrete floors. Also take time to reorganise the contents of your shed, to return all those hastily stored items back to their proper places.

Maintenance of your shed should also involve inspection of vents to ensure they are unblocked and functioning correctly, and finding and repairing any holes, cracks, dents or water damage on the inside or outside of the walls. Doors and windows should also be tested to ensure correct operation.

Finding your parts from suppliers

When you’re building or repairing a shed, it’s vital to have the correct tools, parts and accessories to do the job right the first time. And fortunately, thanks to the Internet, you can now order what you need and have it delivered directly onsite. Suppliers such as Titan Lite have everything shed-related, from sheeting, battens and windows to gutters, trusses, downpipes and flashings, so you can order what you need online and transform your shed in no time.