DIY Builds
DIY Builds
Photo: Brett Sayles
Outdoor storage sheds come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them perfect for just about any home. While steel sheds are an excellent storage solution, anything made of metal has the potential to rust.
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Adding a high-quality steel shed to your property is one of the best ways to keep yourself organized and protect your belongings. Outdoor storage sheds come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them perfect for just about any home. While steel sheds are an excellent storage solution, anything made of metal has the potential to rust. Learning how to prevent rust will help ensure your shed looks great and provides reliable performance for many years. Purchase a High-Quality Shed When shopping for a storage building, look for a high-quality metal shed that’s made of galvanized steel. This material is specifically treated to prevent rust and corrosion, making it your first line of defense for steel shed rust prevention. A polyester or rust-resistant paint can also provide additional protection. A metal shed with a pitched roof will help keep rainwater from pooling and getting into the interior. Built-in air vents also help ensure your shed receives sufficient airflow. If you're going to buy a new shed, look for one that has these features. This will put you in the best position to enjoy a rust-free experience without having to put in too much extra effort. Understand How Rust Forms If you want to learn how to prevent rust, it's important to understand what causes it in the first place. Moisture entering your building is the number one cause of rust and corrosion. This is often caused by condensation and lack of airflow. Being conscious of this and taking steps to ensure the best possible environment are some of the most effective methods for steel shed rust prevention. Choose Your Location Carefully If you haven’t already installed your new shed, take some time to choose the perfect location for it. Try to find a place where it will be in partial shade and that is somewhat protected from harsh elements. Make sure the spot you’re considering isn’t in a low-lying area that often floods. Also, don’t build your shed near elaborate gardens or flower beds, as these areas are likely to retain water. Build a Solid Foundation The best way to keep moisture from getting inside your steel shed is to build it correctly in the first place. This includes ensuring you have a solid foundation. There are several options, including concrete pavers, gravel, or a concrete pad. While all of these will work, if moisture is an issue, then gravel or crushed rock are likely your best options. No matter which type of foundation you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s even and level. If the thickness isn’t consistent, you won’t get a tight fit. This makes it more likely that moisture and rain will find their way inside. For additional steel shed rust prevention, consider purchasing a base kit from your shed’s manufacturer. This metal bracket elevates your shed, keeping it off the moist ground. It also allows you to add flooring to your shed. This will help keep moisture out, protect the items you store inside, and give your shed a more upscale look and feel. Add Some Insulation Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes in contact with cool surfaces. Adding proper insulation to your shed will give it year-round temperature control, helping to reduce condensation and protecting the items inside. Foam boards are an excellent option that won’t break the bank. You can add foam board insulation by simply cutting it to the right size, then applying it to the inside of your roof using an adhesive. When installing your insulation, make sure you leave an air gap between the foam board and your shed’s roof panels. Make Regular Repairs If you're concerned about how to prevent rust in your steel shed, you’ll quickly start to understand the importance of ongoing maintenance. Regularly inspecting your shed and making repairs right away will help prevent rust and ensure a small problem doesn't turn into a big deal. If you find that your shed has suffered small damage, like a dent or scratch, clean the area and cover it with one to two coats of sealant and rust neutralizer. You can also prevent rust on small dents and scratches by adding a coat of clear nail polish. As part of your regular maintenance, you’ll also want to check your roof regularly to make sure there are no areas that are leaking. If you find any, make sure your repair them right away. For even more protection, consider adding weatherproofing to your shed’s roof. While most high-quality metal sheds already have a weatherproof coating, adding additional layers can help reinforce the weatherproof compound. You can safely do this within three to four months after you've purchased your new shed. Ensure Proper Airflow Making sure you have plenty of airflow is another important key to steel shed rust prevention. If your shed doesn’t have vents or a window already, consider adding them. This will allow fresh air to get into your shed and will help dry out areas where moisture tends to collect. Running an electric fan inside your shed will also help increase airflow and regulate the temperature. If you find that you’re dealing with moisture inside your shed, an inexpensive fan can go a long way towards solving the problem.
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