6 Common DIY Mistakes That Shorten Your Shed’s Lifespan

There are sheds in backyards that last forever. And there are some that don’t make it past half a decade. Why is that?

Well, if you (or someone else) went the DIY route and built the shed themselves because it seemed simple enough, plus it saved a bit of money in the process, then you’ve skipped a few important steps.

And while these ‘missed steps’ won’t be noticeable/visible straight up, they’ll definitely come knocking sooner, rather than later. And one that comes, it might already be too late. If you do it yourself, do the groundwork, and then create a maintenance plan to achieve the longevity you want for the money and time you’ve spent, and avoid these mistakes.

In this article, I’ll cover six of the most common mistakes DIY shed builders make.

Let’s shed in!

Mistake 1 – Using untreated wood in damp areas

• Weather damage: Rain/humidity can soak into the wood, which helps fungi thrive as it feeds off the wood. This will cause discoloration, decay, warping, and similar issues. On a bad note, you can get a mold infestation, which is extremely hard to get rid of, and it’s also a health hazard.
• Pests: Treated wood has chemical coatings that deter pests from nesting. This way, you won’t have termite/woodworm infections (at least the chances are lowered significantly), but you still might suffer from rats.
• Rot: Can lead to structural issues and increased maintenance or replacement costs. If not detected early, it can cause massive damage (expensive AND dangerous).

Plus, keep in mind that different types of damage will be prevalent in your region, depending on the climate that’s normal.

For instance:

• Clatsop County (Oregon) – oceanic climate with high rainfall (70+ inches annually), meaning lots of humidity-related damage (e.g., rot, corrosion, moss/algae on roofs, mold, etc.)
• Gila County (Arizona) – arid climate, very hot summers, seasonal monsoons, all leading to damage such as warp, UV damage, dry rot, cracking/splitting, and monsoons strong enough to damage weak-structured sheds.
• Chester County (Pennsylvania) – hot summers, freezing winters leading to freeze-thawing, snow loads/ice dams, plus rot/termites caused by the humidity.

As you can see, the type of damage your sheds may suffer will definitely depend on the region. If you’re in Chester, look up ‘shed repair Chester County‘ online to find a contractor that works in your area and go from there. They’ll come out and repair the damage and advise on what to do going forward to protect your investment.

The same idea goes if you live elsewhere.

Mistake 2 – Poor roof slope (leaks & water damage)

A roof can be a costly part of your project, so I fully understand why you’d want to compromise on the degree of runoff you can get away with.

But don’t, the incorrect slope does not allow proper runoff, and this can cause pooling, which can lead to weakened roof materials (rot), and this can lead to structural damage.

Mistake 3 – Neglecting pest prevention (termites/mice)

Pest-induced property damage (rodents, termites, etc.) can cause not only damage to the property, but can also pose a severe health risk. You live with your family in the. Your kids are there. Don’t let such a thing risk THEIR health.

It’s not worth it to ignore it or leave it on the back burner.

Termites can quickly eat away the foundation of a house without you even knowing. There are no signs. Heck, there mightn’t even be any visual signs (unless you’re doing regular inspections with a magnifying glass).

Rodents also do damage, but they are also nasty. They leave excrement all over the place (usually the attic or the basement), and these are filled with all kinds of nasties, bacteria, diseases, etc. They’ll contaminate your house, your food. Plus, if you leave them alone, they’ll cosy up and create a colony.

Then you’ve got yourself an even bigger problem – literally.

Mistake 4 – Incorrect paint/sealant application (peeling & moisture)

An easy (and super common) DIY mistake to make is painting during extreme weather conditions, as this can impact how the paint dries and adheres. If it is too hot, cold, or humid outside, it’s best to wait and do the job when the conditions are more favourable.

But don’t leave it for next year. See how the weather is tomorrow and try giving it a go then.

Extra tip: Be sure to apply a number of coats recommended by the manufacturer. Also, allow enough time for each coat to dry/adhere to the surface (again, as per instructions). This way, you’re getting the most out of the product you’re using.

Mistake 5 – Overloading walls/shelves (frame warping)

It can be tempting to put shelving in every nook and cranny, but be hyper aware of how much weight these shelves will hold, and do not overload them. Your walls or shelves can lead to frame warping and sagging due to excessive weight and inadequate support.

Floating shelves are a particular case because they rely on a concealed support system, which hides the damage.

And when shelves are overloaded, the wood can bend/bow/break, which creates a potentially dangerous situation. Plus, you’ll have some fixing to do.

Mistake 6 – Ignoring small repairs can lead to major, costly damage.

Ignoring minor repairs (e.g., leaky window, small crack in the foundation) can lead to costly damage down the line.

Have a monthly check on your shed and see if there are little things you can fix now, in order to prevent big (and expensive) fixes later.

Conclusion

DIY is amazing! There’s no doubt about it. You take a few tools and a few materials and BANG here, BANG there… Suddenly, you’ve built yourself a shed (or a house).

Isn’t that amazing?! If you’ve never built anything with your own hands, then I suggest you go for it ASAP; you won’t regret it!

But yeah. If you’re opting for the DIY route to save money, then keep in mind that professionals usually DO know better. Make sure everything’s properly built. So don’t let ego stand in your way when building something that you expect to last for years to come.

Be the best project manager, have a sound plan for what materials you should use, where to source them, check out videos online to see how to do it right, and try to avoid mistakes that’ll cost you later on.

Be wise, be creative, be proud at the end of your journey.