If you've got a large property and own a bunch of landscaping machines (lawnmowers, tractors, and wood chippers), then you've got to make sure that your lawn shed is in order. Just because you have a roof over your machines and tools doesn't mean that it will protect them. A rotten roof, a bad entrance, or an ill-equipped space is going to lead to a dangerous situation in which your machines will become susceptible to damage. Below is a list of what to do to make sure your lawn shed is equipped to handle any problems that might arise and allow your machines and tools to be in good shape.
Shingle Check: Prevent Having to Get a New Roof
You want to make sure that the roof shingles are not in bad shape. Bad shingles lead to leaks that will hit the plywood underlayment. This will require a total roof repair. The contractors won't simply be able to re-shingle; they will need to tear up the plywood and shingles and maybe even replace some studs. Not only is this expensive, but a leak in the roof will let water into the shed and possibly cause rust to your machines.
So you want to check your roof shingles every year. You should climb up on a ladder or hire a handy man to do it for you if you're not comfortable walking on the roof.
A Smooth Entryway
Another aspect of your shed that you need to consider is the entryway. You are going to be moving your lawnmower in and out frequently during the summer and spring, and you don't want to bump it on an uneven entrance. Likewise, when you're moving large machines such as wood chippers or mulchers, you don't want to have to bang them while moving them over the lip of the entrance.
If your shed doesn't already have a sloped entrance, you might want to purchase a wedge-shaped entrance ramp. These should be made out of pressure-treated wood or a synthetic material. This is so the ramps don't rot while on the ground. The ramps can line up flush with the entryway and allow you to easily roll the tractor, lawnmower, or woodchipper into the shed.
Fire Extinguisher
You should always keep a fire extinguisher located on the inside wall. It should be located at eye level, not on the ground. You don't want to have to search for the fire extinguisher in a frantic moment when you need it most. There are lots of potential fire hazards inside your shed. A shed is filled with machines, which leak oil on floor. You might also store hay bales, cedar woodchips, or other flammable materials. Because of this, it is absolutely essential that you have a large fire extinguisher on hand. Talk to a company such as Echo Fire Protection for more information about fire extinguishers.
