The idea of not using your shed or outdoor buildings as a place to store items may seem an alien concept. We’ve identified that we don’t want certain items stored in the house, so what better place to put them than in the outdoor storage space we cherish.The truth is, not everything belongs in a shed. Uninsulated and lacking in climate control, moisture and wide temperature variations can affect certain items you may have stored in your shed, cabin or garage.We are not suggesting that you stop using your outdoor storage space, but there are ways to utilise this space effectively and help prevent things like rust or corrosion or significant incidents such as fires.
A Strict No
Do not keep anything combustible in outdoor storage. This includes items such as propane tanks, batteries and even spray paints. These items can explode at temperatures of 48°C. Now you might be thinking, where I live never gets that hot, and you may be correct; however, heat trapped in an enclosed space like a shed will rise far more quickly than the outside temperature. Yes, you could use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature; but, we would recommend following the motto “When in doubt, leave it out.”
Heat Horrors
Heat can also affect non-combustibles. Even a slight rise in temperature can ruin paint and cleaning products, and you don’t want to be forking out money to buy an item more than once. Check the labels for their maximum heat exposure advice and ensure the space you’ll be using won’t go higher than the recommendation.
Freeze Frights
With winter fast approaching and Jack Frost running rampant, it’s important to remember that low temperatures can be problematic. Cold temperatures cause batteries to lose their charge, so storing batteries for power tools and other items in the shed might mean that when spring comes, and it’s time to use these items, the batteries won’t work anymore. Paint that has been frozen and thawed will probably change consistency and could be rendered unusable. Also, keep in mind that water expands when frozen; so any liquid stored in glass containers might explode when the liquid freezes.
Moisture Menaces
Even if tools are directly exposed to water or rain, humidity in the air of a shed can cause condensation. This condensation causes rust or corrosion issues. Items such as saws or shears may become dull. Regular oiling will help prevent problems, but we recommend keeping these items inside if you live in a particularly humid or damp climate.
Pesky Pests
If you want to store items such as pet food, plant seeds or bulk food items outside, they must be kept in sturdy plastic or metal containers. These items attract pests and rodents who will not only devour the products but also move into your shed quite happily. The best rule of thumb to follow is to keep indoor items indoors. Indoor furniture and electronics are not constructed to go outdoors and therefore will be much more susceptible to damage. Unless absolutely necessary, we recommend using outdoor storage for outdoor appliances, lawn furniture, and garden equipment.
