How to Repair a Shed: Maintenance Tips For Recladding, Shed Roof Repairs, Windows, Doors & Felt Replacement [UPDATED]

Some garden sheds have seen brighter days and may have become damaged from harsh winters and weather damage over the years. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and your shed becomes damaged; timber can break, flooring can rot through etc.

Sometimes, it is much more cost-effective to repair a shed rather than purchase a replacement.

Editor’s Note [11.11.24]:

Our guide, “How to Repair a Shed” was first published on January 5, 2017. Today has seen a series of updates with enhancements to the original content and an entirely new section for shed maintenance tips.

How to repair a shed

Below we explore all the areas of shed repair that you may need to undertake. These include repairing the shed floor, shed wall, shed roof (including repair shed roof felt), shed door and window repair.

Shed floor repair

In most case scenarios, the first part of a shed to break is the floor. This is because over time the shed floor rots and with heavy storage pressures and sometimes the floor buckles. Water damage and rot can exacerbate these issues, particularly if the entire shed is not properly maintained.

The first thing to do for shed floor repair is to empty out your stored items to gain an insight into the floor and check for broken boards and rotten planks. Whilst doing this always check for weather damage or wood rot that could compromise the floor. If any planks need replacing, find yourself a claw hammer and lift the nails to remove the boards. We recommend that you use screws if you are replacing or repairing boards as they hold better than nails.

What is great about removing the plank is that you can measure the plank exactly to find out what size board you need to replace the rotten one. When replacing choose pressure treated planks as they are more durable and are specifically designed to withstand heavy pressure and water damage.

For a low-cost and long-lasting shed floor repair, regular maintenance of your shed floor will prevent further problems and keep your whole shed in good condition; see our tips later in this article.

Repairing shed walls and recladding a shed

More traditional build sheds that are built using timber planks will often rot over the years, however, these are extremely easy to replace much like the floor. All that is needed is a claw hammer to remove the nails and then to purchase the same size planks to nail back on. If the walls are badly damaged, consider replacing the panels altogether for a full fix. For added peace of mind use screws instead of nails as they will provide a better fix and prevent future problems. Simple.

When repairing shed walls, check the walls for any signs of water damage or rot that may indicate underlying issues. If the cladding is particularly worn, consider recladding a shed using a shed roof repair kit or roofing felt to fix any leaks or weather damage. Maintenance is key to keeping your shed in good condition and preventing further damage. Repainting the shed with weatherproof paint will also help protect the wood.

If recladding a shed, use high-quality timber or tongue and groove boards for a good finish. Fix any damaged fascia boards or glazing beads.

Take a look at our video below to see how to build a shed from scratch:

Shed roof repairs

Other issues sheds can face over the years include the roof rotting and causing significant water damage when it rains. Ensure shed roof repairs are fixed urgently as the longer the rain can flow in the more damage it will do to the whole shed.

Firstly, most shed roofs are incapable of being stood on unless there is a tough frame in place. It is crucial to remember, never step onto the roof of a decaying shed as you could seriously injure yourself due to the instability and weakened structure.

Shed roof felt replacement

Start by stripping away the roofing felt to work out if panels need to be replaced. Some panels may be extremely easy to determine if they need replacing, while others might require more careful inspection. Again, much like the flooring, most roofs are constructed from panels, and they can be measured for easy and accurate shed roof felt replacement.

Once your roof is stable again, you can then proceed to re-felt the roof, which means rain can run off the surface effectively once again. Also, check for damage to roof shingles or fascia boards while you are there as these may need attention. Regular maintenance such as checking for damaged felt and sorting issues found will extend the life of your shed roof.

Consider using a shed roof repair kit to sort out any shed roof repairs such as minor leaks or damage before they become bigger issues. Use good-quality materials for the repair such as durable roofing felt and rust-resistant screws to protect your shed from future weather damage.

Replacement shed windows and replacement shed doors

Another problem some sheds can face is that framing for windows and doors can become rotten over time. In most cases, you can address this issue by using a timber filler, which is a cost-effective solution that may eliminate the need to replace the entire frame. You can purchase various timber fillers from most DIY stores and by following the instructions on the packaging, you can easily fill and repair split timber sections.

If the frame requires full replacement, for example for a window, you will need to carefully break out the existing frame to take accurate measurements and potentially reuse the glass or styrene panes. Once you have removed the frame using a claw hammer or similar tool, you can purchase the necessary timber and nail the frame into place. This will stop heat from escaping in the winter.

Additionally, check the glazing beads and repair or replace them if they are damaged as they hold the glass or styrene in place. For doors, check the hinges and handles as well; damaged or loose parts will affect the door’s function. Regular maintenance of shed windows and doors including replacement shed windows and doors, repainting and sealing will extend their life and prevent future problems. If you are fitting replacement shed windows or replacement shed doors use weather-resistant materials and ensure proper insulation to make your shed more durable and efficient.

General shed maintenance tips

Remember, “prevention is better than cure”, below we provide thirteen essential shed maintenance tips:

1) Cleaning

Maintaining a clean shed helps to avoid mildew, grime, mould and debris from accumulating. Dust and leaves need to be removed from both the inside and outside using a broom. Keep windows and walls clean to maintain their attractive appearance; wiping with anti-bacterial wipes or washing down with water and a sponge is a great idea. A clean shed will last longer and be more visually appealing.

2) Gutter cleaning

Ensure there are no leaves or other debris within your gutters. This is often a real problem if you have trees nearby, particularly in the Autumn. Blocked gutters tend to lead to water spilling over the gutter line and over time can erode shed walls. Add routine gutter cleaning and inspection as a part of your maintenance regime.

3) Inspecting the floorboards

Check floorboards for rot, warping and damage, especially in areas prone to moisture. Fix issues early to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Reinforce or replace damaged boards to have a stable and safe floor. The floor is particularly vulnerable to pests such as rodents; if pests are found, action needs to be taken to prevent repeat episodes.

4) Inspecting the roof

Inspect the roof for signs of wear and tear such as missing shingles or damaged roofing felt. We described how to approach shed roof felt replacement earlier. Look for tell-tale cracks, leaks or signs of rot that will lead to compromising your shed. Regular roof maintenance will extend your shed's life and prevent future leaks. Act immediately when roofing faults are found to save costly roof repairs such as the need for recladding a shed later.

5) Look for leaks

Check for leaks near the windows and roof. Water damage to the foundation and interior can be avoided with early diagnosis. To secure your shed, address any leaks seen immediately.

6) Maintain door hinges

Check and lubricate all door hinges to ensure they operate smoothly. Tighten any loose screws or fixtures and fittings to prevent the door from sagging or being offline. Well-maintained hinges contribute to the overall functionality as well as the security of your shed.

7) Paint and seal

Apply a fresh coat of paint or sealant to protect your wooden surfaces from the often harsh British weather. Choose weather-resistant timber treatment products (such as our Timmersol Stabiliser & Waterproofer range). These ensure sheds withstand rain, sun and temperature fluctuations. Some also provide UV protection. Regular retreatments of dip treated and untreated sheds prevent rot and extend the life of your shed. A well-maintained exterior finish will add to the visual appeal of your garden. For further advice, read our comprehensive guide, How to Treat a Shed with Wood Treatment Protection.

8) Remove pests

Check for signs of pests like rodents or insects that will damage your shed. Use traps or natural deterrents to manage any infestations that you find. Fix pest issues immediately to protect your shed’s materials as well as contents. Rodents can be an ever-present problem, so we have these tips:

1) Avoid food waste - NEVER put household waste inside the shed, as the odour attracts rodents which are also attracted to pet food, and birdseed

2) Nesting materials - be aware that rodents use materials such as cardboard, clothing, soil, timber, etc. as nesting materials

9) Replace broken glass

If you see broken or cracked glass in windows or doors, replace it immediately for security, insulation and safety reasons. Wherever possible use toughened safety glass or other suitable materials for replacement. Properly seal any new glass added to prevent draughts and for safety.

10) Repair damage promptly

Check for damage to the shed, such as cracks, rotting, holes and warping. Fix any issues early to prevent minor problems from worsening. Use appropriate materials for repairs, such as timber for repairing shed walls and roofing felt. Again, regular damage inspections are essential to extend the life of your shed.

11) Secure loose fittings

Check all fittings, screws, nails, brackets and hinges to ensure they are tight and secure. Loose fittings cause structural issues and compromise the shed’s integrity. Regularly tighten fittings to maintain a safe and functional shed environment.

12) Trim nearby vegetation

Trim any vegetation or overhanging branches that encroach upon your shed. This approach prevents damage and reduces pest risk as well as acidic bird droppings from birds sitting on the tree branches. Keep the area around your shed clear for good air circulation and reduced moisture levels.

13) Ventilate properly

Ensure your shed is well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up and promote air circulation. Open windows or install vents to maintain a dry interior. Adequate ventilation is important to prevent mould build-up and to preserve stored items.

14) Weatherproof roofing

The last of our shed maintenance tips is to inspect and maintain your shed’s roof to ensure it is weatherproof. Replace any damaged roofing felt or shingles immediately to prevent leaks. A well-maintained roof is important to protect your shed from the elements and to extend its life.

Buying a new shed

Many other things can happen to your shed over the years; there are guides on the internet for almost anything these days. If you think your shed can be repaired then cost-wise, it is much more effective to rebuild your wooden sheds rather than purchase another shed.

However, as we all know, sometimes enough is enough and purchasing a new shed is required.

Once the shed is restored, it is a great idea to paint the shed with a preservative which will ensure a much tougher resistance to damage from weather.

Take a look at our metal sheds that we have on offer which are rot-proof, meaning you never have to worry about rot again.