Everyone prefers sheds that are light, easy to assemble, and that require less maintenance.
For all users aspiring to solve their storage problems using sheds, plastic sheds are a good choice.
Plastic sheds are anything but cheap and are made from strong polycarbonate, which gives them their lightweight characteristic.
Most of their walls are made from polycarbonate, with supporting frames made from aluminum.
Here’s How Long Plastic Sheds Last:
Plastic sheds are user-friendly because they are flexible to serve user needs. Plastics sheds can last up to 20 years or even more if used for the right purpose and regularly maintained. They are resistant to damage by insects and rodents as well as rust.
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How Many Years Does Each Brand Last?
How long plastic sheds last depends on the manufacturer’s standards that vary with brands.
Generally, all plastic shed brands are waterproof, making them long-lasting. All brands are usually water-resistant.
Here are some famous brands of plastic sheds and how long they last:
1. Keter Plastic Sheds
This is one of the world’s top manufacturing and supplier of plastic sheds.
Most of its shed products are highly rated.
They are extremely durable and can last for at least 20 years.
2. Duramax
If you need long-lasting quality plastic sheds for specific storage purposes, this is the option for you.
Duramax serves your storage needs for instrumental equipment, spare parts, and garden tools.
Sheds from Duramax can last as long as 15 years.
3. Palram Skylight
If you are looking for medium-sized packs and robust sheds for your garden needs, Palram Skylight is a good option.
The combination of polycarbonate panels and aluminum frames gives it a stiff and long-lasting property.
These sheds can last for between 10-15 years.
4. Rubbermaid Plastic Shed
If you need a space-saving shed with decent storage, this is a good choice.
It’s made of durable hard plastic with double walls for additional stability and strength.
These sheds can last up to 20 years.Â
Do Plastic Sheds Last Longer Than Other Materials?
Factually, plastic sheds may not last longer than metal sheds (25 years) but are ideal for harsh climatic conditions compared to wood sheds (8-12 years).
How long plastic sheds last also depends on the surrounding environment and place of location. Indoor sheds tend to last longer and remain rigid compared to outdoor sheds.
Portable sheds are even the best of the three. Portable plastic sheds can be relocated when the place of installation becomes unfavorable and insecure.
Another reason these sheds endure harsh conditions is that they have been made weatherproof. HDPE and PVC vinyl incorporated with other materials during the manufacturing of these sheds make them durable.
These components usually make sheds watertight and impermeable. They are also resistant to strong UV lights from the sun.
Apart from being water-resistant, they make sure that stored items remain dry at all times.
Unlike metal sheds, plastic sheds are advantageous during the winter seasons. Snowing and condensation in metal sheds cause rusting.
Plastic sheds can withstand heavy rains and snow, which melts after that. Water from melting snow runs off without permeating the shed, as is the case with wooden sheds.
Do Plastic Sheds Require Maintenance?
One of the reasons why people choose plastic sheds is that they are maintenance-free.
There is no danger of corrosion or rot with these sheds. All plastic sheds require is regular washing with soap and wipe with a soft cloth or soft brushes.
Recently developed plastic sheds do not fade. Exposure to direct sunlight over a long period of time may cause peeling of paints which is usually not an issue because wiping is easy, and that does not cause permanent damage to the walls of the sheds.
Below listed are some of the simple maintenance measures to boost the durability of your plastic sheds:
Wall Cleaning
Wall cleaning will include wiping the walls to remove dust and other debris such as leaves and mud.
This is done with the use of soapy water wiped with a piece of cloth.
Hose pipes may be used if the shed is bigger with the help of a soft brush for scrubbing.
Roof Cleaning
Collected water from rain and raindrops falling from leaves should be brushed off from the roof of the sheds to avoid accumulating more dirt.
Scrubbing should only be done for stuck dirt.
Interior Cleaning
Stored items inside the shed should not be left unattended. Regular sweeping of the floor and mopping wash-offs and spillages will help increase durability.
Overexposure to metallic stored equipment may lead to rust which can contaminate the walls of the sheds. Wiping stains is therefore important.
Application of Protective Sprays-
Even though it is not a necessity, applying protective spray is paramount to fill over time fading and cover scratches.
Even though plastic sheds are weatherproof, over time, they can appear shabby and may need polishing.
How Long Is the Warranty Period?
Most companies offer long warranty periods for plastic sheds up to 15 years.
This signifies that the sheds are long-lasting and are less prone to breakdown in functionality.Â
For example, SUNCAST and Shed have 10 years warranty against functional breakdowns and related defects.
The defects may be as a result of malfunctioning during operation by the user or defects during manufacturing. However, this warranty does not cover self-caused damages and accidents.
Even though SUNCAST repairs or replaces failed parts per their warranty, there are also varied warranty limitations. The warranty covers only cases where the shape and function of the unit have been affected or malfunctioned.
However, some brands offer warranties that cover paint and discoloration, such as Rubbermaid.
Do Plastic Sheds Blow Away?
The issue of plastic sheds being blown away is dependent on many factors.
There are chances of these sheds being blown away depending on the size, weight, and installation procedures. In strong winds during winter, there are chances that the sheds will be blown apart or blown away.
Plastic sheds are usually made of polycarbonate, and even though they are weatherproof, they are usually light. It is therefore important to install them firmly and reinforce them with aluminum frames.
A well-anchored shed on a strong base cannot be blown away.
Having a windowless plastic shed is also key in preventing it from being blown away by the wind. Apart from reducing the possibility of break-ins, having no windows also reduces weak joints that wind can blow through.
Door locks and window locks must be strongly held to the frames and remain locked all time to reduces the chances of the shed being blown away by the wind.
Consider setting up sheds far away from low fences and low walls. Short trees and fences allow wind to build up and gain momentum, which may blow off rooftops.
Firmly straitening your roof is also an added advantage.
Do Plastic Sheds Suffer From Condensation?
Plastic sheds suffer from condensation due to water leakage and spillage.
There is no use to safely store items in a plastic shed, only to be destroyed through condensation.
To stop condensation, here are some advisable measures to undertake:
Frequent Checks
Frequently check humidity levels in your shed and ensure that it does not exceed 50%.
You can do this with the help of a professional or by simply buying a humidity gauge.
Do Frequent leak Checks
This is the most effective control measure.
Check on wall cracks, joint leaks, and possible floor leaks caused by flowing surface water.
Consider Using Charcoal
Charcoal is a control measure to leaks and high humidity in the sheds.
It absorbs moisture and is a solution for any unpleasant interior smell.
Install a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier helps check and maintain the required humidity levels in your plastic shed.
Do Plastic Sheds Fade in the Sun?
Built from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), these sheds can remain resistant to UV lights and cannot discolor.
For example, Lifetime Plastic Shed, as the name suggests, cannot be affected by direct sunlight rays.
So if you are looking for an affordable, durable, and an easy to install shed, plastic sheds are your best bet. Unlike wood and metal sheds, they do not require frequent maintenance and are flexible to serve your needs.