Features That Will Make Your Shed Last Longer
When you build a shed, there is always some temptation to just put it up quickly and cheaply. You might figure that it's only a shed and will only be used for storage, and therefore, there's no reason to put that much into it. You don't need to make your shed look fancy or build it using the most premium of materials. However, there is merit in putting a bit more into it and including some specific features. These features will reduce your need for repairs over the years and also help your shed last longer.
Drip Edge
Before you put the roof on your shed, make sure you put a drip edge along all of the roof's edges. A drip edge is a sheet of plastic or metal that goes under the shingles on the edges of the roof. These are the areas that are most prone to shingle damage. If shingle damage does occur, the drip edge will protect the roof deck underneath from water damage. The small amount of material needed for a drip edge does not cost much.
Composite Lower Boards
You do not need to build the entire shed from composite boards, as that would get quite expensive. But you can and should use composite boards for the lowermost part of the shed. Composite is resistant to rot, and these lower boards are the most likely to get wet. If they are made from composite, you won't have to replace them in a few short years.
Roof Vents
You don't have to put a ton of roof vents in a shed roof, but a simple ridge vent along the top is a good idea. This vent will allow heat to escape from the shed, which is important on the hottest days of summer. Keeping the temperature manageable inside the shed will help all of its building materials last longer, and it's also better for whatever you choose to store in there.
Concrete Feet
If you build your shed without a foundation, you should at least set it on concrete feet, rather than wood blocks. You can buy concrete blocks at a home improvement store; those work just fine. The concrete will deteriorate much more slowly than wood and is less likely to collapse and cause your shed to shift.
With the features above, your shed will give you more years of storage and protection. This is certainly something to look forward to. Talk to a shed builder to learn more.