6 Signs Your Shed Needs a Professional Cleaning

Is your shed an eyesore, or is it a ticking time bomb? 

Some homeowners assume a shed is ‘set it and forget it’ until a small leak turns into a rotted foundation. Ignoring the early warning signs of deterioration can turn a simple weekend fix into a costly structural replacement. Don’t wait until the damage is irreversible. 

We break down the subtle signs that signal your shed needs more than just a tidy-up; it needs professional intervention to save you thousands in the long run.

#1 Deteriorated Footings & Ridge Board

Deteriorated footings and ridge boards show up as soft or crumbling timber at the base of the shed or along the roof line. You might notice timber that looks dark or see gaps where the structure no longer sits level. 

In some cases, the roof ridge may appear to sag slightly, or the shed may feel less stable when you walk inside. Common causes include: 

• Moisture trapped around the base of the shed
• Leaves, soil, and debris holding water against timber
• Poor drainage around footings
• Long-term exposure to rain and humidity
• Pest activity, including termites
• Lack of regular cleaning and inspection

If water doesn’t drain properly, it can pool under the shed and soak into the base. Timber that isn’t pressure-treated is far more likely to rot when it stays wet like this.

#2 Difficult-to-Open Doors or Windows

This is one of the most common issues in older sheds and indicates that the structure has absorbed moisture and started to shift or warp. Doors or window frames may rub against the jamb or sill when you try to open or close them, sometimes requiring noticeable force. 

You may also see uneven gaps around the frame when the door or window is closed. The gap might feel tight at the top, wider at the bottom, or bowed outward in the middle.

Surface Buildup or Frame Failure?

If the sticking is due to grime or dust, a deep clean, followed by proper lubrication, immediately restores smooth operation. This is your simplest fix.

If the door or window frame is severely warped (often paired with rotted footings or a sinking foundation), the frame has shifted permanently out of square. At this point, no amount of sanding will fix the issue. The only viable solution is to replace the door/window unit.

#3 Noticeable Pest Infestation

A shed is a common target for pests because it provides shelter, nesting materials, and often undisturbed storage space. You may see:

• rodents (mice, rats, squirrels)
• termites
• carpenter ants
• wasps and bees
• spiders and cockroaches

Seeing built-up cobwebs, leftover insect skins, or regular bug traffic is a sign pests have made themselves at home.

#5 Blocked or Clogged Gutters and Vents

The main job of the gutters is to direct thousands of litres of rainwater away from the structure. When they block, they dump water directly onto the shed’s vulnerable siding and, critically, right next to the footings. Soaking becomes the cause of rotted footings and causes surrounding soil to become saturated. 

When a shed’s drainage and ventilation systems fail, it creates a chronic moisture problem that quickly leads to structural decay and pest issues which we mentioned in the previous number. This is one of the most common maintenance oversights.

#6 Loose or Missing Shingles/Siding

The shingles (on the roof) and the siding (on the walls) act as your shed’s primary armour. You may notice that the edges of asphalt shingles are curling upward or are visibly cracked and brittle. Or, dark or water-stained patches on the siding, particularly around fasteners or seams. This issue can be easy to miss unless you regularly inspect the exterior, especially after high winds or heavy storms. 

How the Pros Clean Up a Worn-Out Shed

When tackling a shed that’s seen better days, the experts know better than to just blast it with a powerful hose (like a high-pressure washer). Jet Set Pro warns that harsh cleaning can do real damage to older sheds by removing wood layers and trapping water where it shouldn’t be.

Instead, when cleaning, make sure to take a gentler, smarter approach. 

• Use a scrub brush with specialized anti-mould and anti-gunk sprays to scrub off all the algae, mildew, and dirt from the walls and roof
• Clear all the sticks and pine needles off the roof
• Paint or seal those old shingles to help them last longer in bad weather.

But they don’t stop at just cleaning. They focus on making the shed tougher. They paint or seal the bottom edge really well, and they may put a metal strip (like tin) around the bottom foot of the shed to stop pests from chewing their way in. If the old door is sticking or letting in drafts, they may have to swap it out for a solid steel-clad door that will seal properly. 

Before Your Shed Starts Acting Up…

We kicked things off by asking whether your shed might be a ticking time bomb. If you’ve noticed rotted footings, blocked vents, or unwanted pests moving in, there’s a good chance it is. 

So today, test for sticky doors, inspect the roof, clear out gutters, look for pests, and make sure your shed still feels stable. Wood structures don’t wait around, so now’s the perfect time to act and protect your shed for the long haul.

Want to learn how to prevent shed problems before they start? Explore more shed cleaning and maintenance guides at ShedBlog.