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Long-Term Maintenance Checklist: Keeping Your Best Barns Garage Kit Looking New
What Are the Essential Garage Kit Upgrades?
To keep your Best Barns garage looking new and structurally sound, you simply need to stay ahead of the elements with a regular routine. You should perform a thorough exterior inspection twice a year to catch small issues before they become big projects. Since Best Barns models utilize premium LP® SmartSide® siding , maintaining a quality paint seal is your primary defense against moisture and decay.
Wash the exterior annually to remove dirt and mildew buildup. After heavy storms, check your roofing for missing shingles or damage to prevent leaks. It is also critical to trim vegetation back from the walls to allow airflow. Finally, ensure your doors and windows are sealed tight and that hinges are lubricated for the best care your DIY Garage Kits can get.
Key Takeaways
- Inspect Annually: Check your LP® SmartSide® siding for paint chips and seal them right away.
- Clear Vegetation: Keep plants away from the structure to protect the wood siding.
- Check the Roof: Look for damaged shingles after storms to protect the 25-year warranty materials.
- Lubricate Hardware: Keep the steel door hinges and sliding tracks moving freely.
- Manage Drainage: Protect your treated floor runners by ensuring water drains away from the base.
Why Does Your New Garage Need Regular Care?
Congratulations on getting your new workspace or storage area set up! When you choose one of our DIY Garage Kits, you are investing in a structure built for serious durability. Models like the Tailored Titan and Maker's Loft are crafted with professional-grade materials, including TimberPrestige™ Eurowood and SecureTruss™ framing, designed to stand the test of time.
However, even the toughest buildings benefit from a little TLC. We have put together this guide to help you protect your hard work and ensure your garage serves you well for decades to come.
How Often Should I Inspect My Garage Siding?
You should aim to inspect your siding at least once a year, with spring being the ideal time. Best Barns kits feature LP® SmartSide® siding, which is engineered for strength and weather resistance. While this material is incredibly tough, it arrives primed and ready for paint, meaning its long-term performance relies on the quality of the finish you apply.
Take a walk around your building and look for any chips, cracks, or peeling paint. If you spot exposed edges, touch them up immediately with high-quality exterior latex paint. Keeping a fresh coat of paint not only makes your garage look fantastic but also seals the engineered wood against rain and snow.
If you opted for the Tailored Titan Vinyl Model, which uses OSB sheathing tailored for vinyl siding application, check that your siding panels are loose enough to expand and contract with the weather.
What Maintenance Does the Roof Require?
Your roof takes the brunt of the sun, rain, and wind, so do not let it go unnoticed. If you upgraded your shed with the optional Roof Package, you likely have premium 3-tab shingles designed for a long-lasting finish with a 25-year warranty. Despite this durability, you still need to keep an eye on things.
After any severe weather, scan the roof for lifted or missing shingles. You should also ensure that the ridge vents remain free of debris. Proper ventilation is essential for preventing heat and moisture buildup, especially in models with loft areas like the Maker’s Loft XL or the Tailored Titan Tall Model, which feature loft areas or higher roof pitches.
How Do I Care for the Doors and Windows?
The moving parts of your garage are often the first to show signs of wear. Whether you have the spacious garage door opening of the Tailored Titan or the loft access doors of the Maker's Loft, smooth operation depends on regular checks.
Start by checking the hinges and tracks. Best Barns offers durable steel door options for side entry, such as the 6-Panel Steel Door for privacy or the 9-Lite Steel Door for natural light. Applying a lubricant to these hinges and locks annually keeps them moving freely.
Next, inspect the window frames. If you have single-hung windows with paintable shutters, ensure the seals around them are intact to keep drafts and rain outside where they belong.
What About the Foundation and Flooring?
A solid building starts with a solid base. If you chose the commercial-grade Fortress Floor™ system, your garage sits on pressure-treated 4x4 runners and 2x4 floor joists. While these are specifically treated to resist rot, proper water management is still key.
Check the perimeter of your garage to ensure soil, mulch, or grass clippings have not piled up against the siding. Maintaining a gap between the ground and your siding prevents moisture from wicking up into the walls. If your garage is built on a concrete slab, check the seal between the bottom plate and the concrete to ensure water isn't seeping in under the walls.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean LP® SmartSide® siding?
You should wash the siding annually to remove dirt. Since the siding is primed and painted, use a mild detergent and a soft brush.
Do I need to paint my Best Barns garage?
Yes. The LP® SmartSide® siding arrives primed, but you must apply paint to fully protect the structure from the elements.
How do I fix a scratch on the door?
If you have the steel door options, sand the scratch lightly and apply a rust-inhibiting primer and exterior paint to prevent rust.
What kind of shingles should I use?
We recommend Premium 3-Tab Shingles, which are available in the optional Roof Package and come with a 25-year warranty.
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