Winter is coming! Time to move all your outdoor furniture, garden tools and barbecue to the garden house. To make sure all of it is in a good condition after winter, we recommend to give your garden house a proper maintenance before the typical winter conditions really set in.
1. Remove moss from roof and gutters
The growth of moss on roofs and gutters is not abnormal. Nevertheless, removing it has both an aesthetic as a functional value. Rainwater no longer remains on the roof and in the gutters, so internal moisture has no chance. A simple and quick job that only requires a brush, and a mixture of water and bleach. Remove dead leaves and twigs from gutters to avoid obstructed drains. Your roof will look brand new.
2. Check the roof sealing (EPDM roofing)
Water can enter your garden house through loose seams and poor roof sealing. To avoid problems, check your roof on the presence of cracks or other irregularities. Loose seams or cracks can be repaired with rubber tape. Bubbles must be cut open and repaired with rubber paste. Said repairing products can be purchased at DIY shops. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can get help from a professional.
3. Lubricate lock and hinges
In general, garden house doors have three hinges. Use oil to lubricate the hinges as well as the rail of the sliding door, if any. Use a silicon spray to lubricate the lock bearings and the key itself. Next, turn the key to open and close the lock a couple of times to ensure a smooth performance.
4. Apply stain to the wood
Recently installed garden houses must be treated inside and outside with coloured oil or stain for outdoor use. Never paint nor varnish the wood because it stops it from breathing and results in moisture accumulation. Apply a new layer of oil or stain only on the outside of older garden houses. Try to repeat this procedure every two years to fully protect your garden house against moisture.
5. Proper venting
Good venting during winter times results in less condensation. Remember to regularly open the windows (tilt position or similar) or install an extra ventilation grid.
