The Importance of Quality Siding for Your Outdoor Structure

When you build or purchase a shed, you’re likely envisioning that it will be part of your property for a long time. Just as you care for your home by keeping up with maintenance and repairs, you’ll need to pay attention to your shed’s condition. Starting with quality materials is one way to keep things in tip-top condition—and helps protect your investment in your shed.

Quality siding for your outdoor structures, including garden sheds, workshop sheds, and other types of backyard buildings, helps protect and preserve them. Siding keeps the elements out.

As with homes, there are two main types of siding: vinyl and wood:

  • Vinyl siding is long-lasting and easy to maintain and clean; it is pest- and weather-resistant, too. Vinyl siding usually comes in an array of colors, so you’re sure to find something that matches your home. Many manufacturers offer a warranty, which adds to the value of vinyl.
  • Wood siding can come in a variety of types (cedar, for instance); wood is durable and looks good, but it sometimes costs more than vinyl. However, if you’re going for a certain aesthetic, wood siding may be best for you. Staining or painting adds to the look and feel, while protecting the shed—but a natural wood finish can also look rustic.

Other types of shed siding include metal, tin, and engineered wood.

Thinking about residing your shed? Valley Structures offers wood and vinyl siding in a variety of colors and trim. 

The Importance of a Good Foundation for Your Outdoor Structure

Your backyard shed, no matter how solid and sturdy, will usually require a proper foundation. Without one, it might not stay level, it will be more prone to moisture, and it could even sink into the ground.

You have several options for your shed’s foundation, including gravel, wood, concrete slab:

  • Gravel – gravel (or, crushed stone) pad shed foundations work well for small storage sheds.
  • Wood – pressure-treated wood frames are a durable, popular foundation option for sheds; the timber usually rests on cinder blocks or piers to keep the wood level and off the ground.
  • Concrete slab – a concrete slab foundation is best for larger sheds, and it’s the strongest of your options. If you plan to store tractors or heavy equipment, a concrete slab foundation is best.

Because a foundation is, for the most part, intended to be permanent, it’s important to plan properly and choose the best spot on your property to place the structure. Other things to consider about what type of foundation you choose—and where you choose to install—include drainage, wildlife, portability (as in, if you intend to move it at some point), and potential for future additions to your shed, such as plumbing or electrical.

A solid shed foundation is important for many practical reasons—protection of the structure and its contents as well as proper functioning of doors and windows. Choose the option that best suits your climate, your needs, and your budget. 

The Importance of Ventilation in Your Outdoor Structure

If you have an outdoor structure, such as a shed or other out-building, that you plan to spend time significant time in, proper ventilation is key to your safety and comfort.

Properly Ventilated Sheds for Safety

If you’re like a lot of people, your shed is probably part-storage, part workshop. It makes sense, then, that you could be working alongside cans of gasoline you have stored for your mower or power tools. Inhaling gas fumes can be dangerous, and proper ventilation keeps the fresh air circulating.

Aside from dangerous fumes, consider the mold and mildew that can grow inside sheds, especially in humid climates or during wet seasons; breathing in these spores can have harmful effects. Adequate ventilation can help prevent or reduce mildew and mold growth by controlling moisture.

Properly Ventilated Sheds for Comfort

Shed ventilation also helps contribute to a comfortable working environment by keeping air fresh, controlling temperatures, and letting any odors out. Aside from roof vents, don’t forget that doors and windows also add to your air control options! If you do plan to work in your shed often, consider installing a fan.

Properly Ventilated Sheds for Structural Integrity

Your home’s roof can be damaged by excessive moisture over time. The same goes for your shed. If your workshop or storage space gets too moist, your structure could weaken. Properly ventilating your storage shed will prolong its life—as well as protect its contents.

Many storage sheds come with vents, but depending on how you plan to use your shed, you may want to consider more. If you’re looking to add ventilation options to your shed, remember that Valley Structures offers a variety of garden vents and gable vents.