[This article was first published in April 2015 and has been expanded and revised.]
Old and dilapidated sheds may be great for Halloween, but not for storage. And they can be both an eyesore and a hazard. But old shed removal can be easy.
Maybe it is about time to clean out your shed and get rid of all the junk that has sat in there for years. And maybe the shed, too!
Wood, Metal, or Plastic: All Sheds Must Come to an End
Despite the seemingly new and innovative designs and materials being incorporated into storage and tool sheds, the concept of having a separate structure to store goods is ancient.
As one manufacturer's website has noted,
In one of the most ancient designs, early man took mammoth carcasses and tusks and built “bare bones” storage and shelter with bones and skin.
- Early Egyptians built underground silos lined with reeds for food storage.
- Cave dwellers searched for shelter with alcoves to use for natural storage.
- Eskimos use/d snow and ice to built homes and separate storage.
As time went on, man began to build outside storage sheds with more purpose. Wood huts emerged as our early ancestors began to built wooden frameworks with branches, draping them with animal skins, which would last longer and be more supportive than bones. These huts started as shelter for the people and eventually as more possessions were acquired, men began building separate storage huts.
Sheds and huts were originally built to keep out the elements, but eventually were designed with for comfort and purpose as they expanded with separate partitions for differing uses.
And building magazine pointed out that one of the biggest changes in shed construction over recent decades is the increase in business. The back yard shed is more popular than ever, they stated, as new options allow homeowners to select a product that provides not just storage but an aesthetic touch to a backyard landscape.
But the unfortunate reality is that, despite the advances in building materials and building technology, backyard sheds don't last forever. And if yours has been standing in your backyard or side yard for more than a decade or so, it's probably on it's last legs, so to speak.
So, how long can newer sheds last?
According to an article from Urban Sheds,
You can expect a vinyl shed to last for decades. With the right care, it can last upward of 30 years. Vinyl sheds are popular because they require the least amount of maintenance and provide the maximum lifespan.
A plastic shed will typically last between 5 and 7 years. Problems like rot or rust don't affect plastic sheds. But they are prone to cracking because the plastic structure expands and contracts in the sun.
Sheds made using metal tend to be made using iron or steel, both of which are susceptible to corrosion. After a few seasons out in the rain, rust will start appearing. A metal shed typically lasts less than 5 years.
A wood shed is almost as durable as a vinyl shed and can last between 20 and 25 years. In addition, with care and attention, wood sheds can last even longer.
However, depending on where you live and how long you've had your shed, it's quite likely that your shed is ready to be not just cleaned out, but quite likely torn down and removed!
Start that Shed Cleanout Project
Your backyard shed may be the perfect place to store certain items like garden tools and mowers or it might be your mini repair shop, but it may be in need of repair or, worse, simply being replaced.
If you have a wooden shed, any loose nails, screws, or boards may lead to injuries such as cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds. And wounds from old, rusty nails may lead to tetanus and other infections.
Old metal sheds can become hazardous with age, as well. And if you use your shed for storing things you don't have room for in your home or garage, such as bins of holiday decorations or simply junk items you haven't bothered to get rid of yet, it may be time for some cleaning up!
Here are some helpful tips when you finally decide to clean out your shed:
- Make sure to remove all of the unwanted items such as rusty tools, old appliances, old furniture, and anything that has holes or tons of dust on it from your shed. Sort them and segregate them from items you can still use and keep, if you manage to salvage them, from the items you plan on sending to a recycling center or charity.
- It’s time to roll up your sleeves and clean the shed. Bleach the mold and mildew on the shed and scrub away all of the dirt.
- Start sorting the tools and keeping them in places you could easily find them. No more misplacing that hammer or saw, when you have another wood work project up your sleeves. Install hooks to make sure that tools are kept off the floor to avoid any accidents by tripping.
- Instead of simply dumping unwanted items in a landfill, why not recycle, repurpose, or donate some of the items that are still in good condition? You can reduce the amount of junk dumped in landfills by looking for alternate ways to repurpose, recycle, or donate junk.
These are some of the steps you can take to make shed cleanouts smoother and faster. And if you find that you really do need to get rid of your shed, as well, there are some steps you should follow to make that project safer and easier.
Planning first before jumping in to a demolition project is always best. Starting with the roof, the siding and then framing - or the walls for vinyl and metal sheds - is the best sequence. Finish with the floor or platform and then comes the clean up and hauling away of the debris.
But who really wants to do that last part themselves?
The good news is that you don't have to. With a quick and simple call to Junk King, you can either choose to rent a MINI Dumpster to load your debris into, depending on where your live, or simply make an appointment for us to come out and take care of it all for you.
Call Junk King for Full-Service or Self-Service Large Junk Disposal
No matter whether you choose to make use of our full-service debris and junk removal, or to rent one of our MINI Dumpsters, we will haul your old shed materials and other junk to the appropriate recycling or other green disposal destination.
Whether you're clearing up debris and trash from your property, getting rid of your old storage shed, renovating your home, or just getting ready for the spring, you can count on Junk King to provide you with the tools you need to get rid of your unwanted junk.
Our professional and friendly crew can come and do all the heavy lifting and hauling for you or, if it works better with your schedule and type of cleanup project, you can rent one of our handy MINI Dumpsters and do the loading part yourself.
Either way, Junk King always has the best solutions for your large junk disposal needs.
Give us a call and our expert and insured trash removal team will call 15 to 30 minutes before we arrive at your home. And once we arrive we’ll always give you a free estimate based on how much room your junk and debris will take up in our truck.
Then you just point and we’ll haul it all into our junk removal trucks, all with no hidden fees.
Ready to get rid of that old shed? It’s can be as simple as 1, 2, 3.
You can make an appointment by booking online above or by calling 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).
