Ultimate Exterior Shed Maintenance Checklist

Although your Cook shed will be delivered right to you in perfect condition, a shed like a home or a car requires some ongoing maintenance to keep it looking its best.

If you purchased a Cook Portable Warehouse you are ahead of the curve because our buildings come with building features that set us apart and ensure that your warehouse lasts.

We also offer a lifetime warranty against fungal decay and termites on all the pressure treated components and a five year Fix-It-All Labor and Materials Warranty.

Use this shed maintenance checklist to keep your Cook building looking it’s best for years into future.

Your Cook building comes with a custom paint job for the siding and shingles (you can even pick the color combination). But you’ll need to touch up the paint every 3-4 years to keep it looking its best. Fill in any holes from nails, dents, etc. with wood putty before priming.

It’s also smart to use a waterproof coating to add an extra layer of protection. You might have to use sandpaper to sand down some rough spots before applying the coating. Clean the exterior wood before adding it. Repeat once a year or as needed.

Check the exterior wood for any cracks and fill in minor ones with epoxy. This is especially important after a big storm or high winds. Also, check around windows and doors for cracks and fill with putty where needed.

Use a pressure washer or high-pressure hose nozzle to clear away dirt and debris that builds up on your siding, from the top down. Then, wash using a mixture of water and laundry soap and rinse with a garden hose.
Trim grass and other vegetation located around the entire perimeter of your Cook building. This keeps critters from having a place to hide around your shed and keeps the entrance clear.

Don’t stack anything against the exterior or siding of your shed, such as firewood, bags of soil or mulch, etc. for a long period of time. Having heavy items leaning on building isn’t a good idea and doesn’t look visually appealing.

Spray locking door handles with WD-40 or other lubricant to keep the locking mechanism from freezing in cold weather. Our Cook locking door handles provide enhanced security for everything you want to store inside.

Don’t let programmable sprinklers or an irrigation systems spray your building consistently, which could contribute to eventual rotting. If you need to water grass or plants around your shed, use a garden hose.

Spray insecticides around your shed to keep away those pesky insect infestations from carpenter beers, termites and ants. Luckily your Cook shed is also protected with a lifetime warranty against damage caused by termites.

Follow this checklist and your portable shed will stay looking like new and remain a selling point for your home. For more on the perks of a Cook building, download our Dare to Compare checklist below!