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Shingling a Storage Shed Roof

June 22nd, 2009 No comments

The very first thing that you are going to want to take into consideration is the pitch of your shed’s roof because this will help to determine if you will be comfortable working on it.

While there would be nothing wrong with hiring someone to shingle your roof for you, if you are well read on how to do the work yourself it is something that you can easily accomplish. If you are going to put shingles on your storage shed roof yourself you are going to need to be sure that you are keeping your personal safety in mind. Making sure that the work is done correctly is very important however you do not want to risk your health to do the job. So if you have the proper tools to accomplish the job and have planned ahead with a safety plan you can do a great job shingling your roof.

The types of materials that are needed to properly shingle a roof will depend on the type of shingles that you are planning on using. But normally you are going to need the following tools and equipment in order to get your storage shed properly shingled. You are going to need to get: asphalt shingles, straightedge ruler, ridge cap shingles, a hammer staples, roofing felt, barbed roofing nails, staple gun hammer and a trimming knife.

So as not to waste time and materials, you should have already figured out your total roof area in order to make a good and accurate assessment of the number of shingles you will need for a particular style, texture, and color of your choice.

So know when you are finally ready to begin your shingling project you are going to want to begin by moving all of your supplies out to the shed so you do not have to do a lot of running back and forth looks for things.

If your project involves removing and replacing old shingles you are going to want to strip off any damaged materials so that you can check and see if there has been any damage to the wooden roof below. If all of the plywood is still properly nailed down you are in very good shape. If you are doing this you will want to use heavy felt paper.

You need to make sure that the very first layer of shingles that you are laying down is upside down so that all of the tabs are pointing up. You will then need to cut the first shingle about six inches using a straightedge and a utility knife. You should make sure that the bottom of the shingle should overhang the drip edge of the storage shed by at least 3/8 of an inch. You should use full sized shingles for the rest of the row and nail them down with roofing nails.

Start the first row with a full shingle. Orient each shingle with the tar area on top and the three colored tabs on the bottom. One row at a time, attach the shingles starting from the base of the roof. Three to four nails per shingle would be the standard way.

When you start with the next row of shingles going up, make sure that each shingle tab on the row above would be nailed down such that it is offset halfway with the seam of the shingle below it. Repeating this pattern gives the effect of an overhang.

Be sure to trim off all of the excess shingles that are overhanging from the sides of your storage shed roof. If you would like to further reinforce your shingles to the shed roof you can use construction adhesive on the shingles. Once you have both sides of your roof shingled you are going to need to attach the roof cap shingles at the peak of the roof from side to side and then finish doing any trimming and cleaning up that needs to be completed.

Having a storage shed can be a great addition to anyone’s property no matter what you plan to store inside it. Of course whatever you do plan to store in your shed you are going to want to make sure that it is kept safe and secure. This is where putting up shingles or replacing old and damaged shingles comes in.

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What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Storage Shed

June 7th, 2009 No comments

Everyone, at one time or another, feels like their house just isn’t big enough anymore. Overrun by clutter, furniture or just too much stuff, it is suddenly difficult to find a place to put anything and harder to keep the house clean. Rooms feel cramped and what once was a nicely decorated and arranged room has now lost all sense of style. It might be time to start thinking about buying an outdoor storage shed.

But then the questions begin. Where will we put it? Will it look attractive in the yard or just another eyesore? How big a shed should we buy? Will the popular 8 x 10 foot shed that most people purchase be big enough or will we fill it up so fast we’ll wish we’d bought something bigger?

There are also other important considerations to make; are there building codes, zoning ordinances, and deed restrictions in your neighborhood? These are things every homeowner who is planning to buy an outdoor storage shed needs to know. Building codes may be a factor in the materials you purchase for your shed and where you will place it.

You must also decide where to draw the line between price and quality. Everyone wants to save money but is it wise to cut corners on quality when it comes to buying a shed? It is important to find a balance between affordability and quality. Durability, structural integrity, and appearance are all important considerations, equal to the importance of cost.

When it comes time to purchase your outdoor storage shed you will find a wide variety of options in both material and styles. Sheds requiring minimal maintenance are a popular choice. These include vinyl and coated cedar. Wooden storage units are at the top of the charts for appearance but are also subject to more maintenance issues as they are prone to moisture problems and wood rot. Vinyl sheds offer a high level of efficiency and double door security. Metal sheds, while the cheapest and most durable are often the least attractive and desirable from an aesthetic viewpoint.

Adding storage space to your home does not have to be unattractive. Choose a storage shed that fits the style of your home and blends into the landscape. Select a color and design that compliments your house. Place it so it has an attractive view of the yard or garden.

The storage shed you purchase should compliment your lifestyle as well. Consider it as an extension of your home and activities. For example if you enjoy camping and hiking, use it to store your tents and camping gear. Or perhaps you have a hobby or need extra storage space for holiday decorations. It’s an ideal spot for lawn mowers and gardening equipment and some families turn their shed into an extra play area for their children.

Take your time to plan and consider your options when you begin to think about purchasing a storage shed. Find your own balance between function, design and affordability. Remember, it will be a part of your home for a long time.

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