A Colorbond steel shed is built to last decades — but like any structure, a little regular maintenance goes a long way towards keeping it looking its best and protecting your warranty. The good news is that Colorbond is one of the lowest-maintenance building materials available, and most of the upkeep is simple stuff you can do in an afternoon.
Here’s the seasonal maintenance checklist we give to every Dynaspan customer, whether they’ve got a compact garage in Helena Valley or a sprawling workshop in Mundaring.
Summer (December – February)
Perth’s intense summer heat and UV is the toughest test for any outdoor structure. Here’s what to check:
- Wash down all walls and the roof with a garden hose. This removes dust, pollen, bird droppings, and any salt residue that has built up. In the hills suburbs like Darlington, Parkerville, and Glen Forrest, you’ll often find more leaf litter and tree sap to clean off than in the flatlands.
- Check for any scratches or chips in the Colorbond finish. If you find any, touch them up with a matching Colorbond touch-up paint pen (available from Bunnings) to prevent the exposed steel from rusting.
- Clear any debris from gutters. This is especially important in bushfire-prone areas across the Shire of Mundaring and City of Kalamunda, where leaf litter in gutters is a fire risk.
- Check door seals and weatherstripping on roller doors and PA doors. The heat can perish rubber seals over time.
Autumn (March – May)
The transition season is a great time to prepare your shed for winter:
- Clear gutters and downpipes again. Autumn leaf fall in areas like Kalamunda, Stoneville, and Mahogany Creek can be heavy, particularly from Marri and Jarrah trees.
- Check that all downpipes are directing water away from the shed slab and not pooling against the walls. Standing water is the enemy of any steel structure.
- Inspect the concrete slab for any cracks or settlement. Minor cracking is normal, but if you notice one side of the shed sitting lower than the other, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
- Oil any hinges and latches on doors and windows. A silicone-based lubricant works best.
Winter (June – August)
Perth’s winter rains can be intense, particularly in the hills where annual rainfall is significantly higher than the coastal plain. Customers in Mundaring, Sawyers Valley, and Darlington can expect around 1,000mm of rain per year — nearly double what suburbs like Ellenbrook or Henley Brook receive.
- After heavy rain, check inside the shed for any leaks. Pay attention to around roof penetrations (whirlybirds, skylights) and where the roof meets the walls.
- Check that the drainage around the shed is working properly and water isn’t pooling near the slab.
- If you have a mezzanine or internal lining, check for any signs of condensation. Good ventilation prevents condensation, so make sure your vents aren’t blocked.
If you’re in a high-rainfall area in the Perth Hills, we recommend installing gutter guard mesh during the build. It dramatically reduces maintenance and keeps the leaf litter out. We fit this as standard for customers in Mundaring, Parkerville, and surrounds.
Spring (September – November)
Time to give your shed its annual deep clean before summer kicks in:
- Give the entire shed a thorough wash. For stubborn stains like bird droppings or sap, use a soft brush with mild detergent (dishwashing liquid works fine). Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or high-pressure washers directly against the Colorbond surface.
- Inspect all fixings — roof screws, wall screws, and any bolted connections. Over time, thermal expansion and contraction can loosen fixings. Tighten any that feel loose.
- Test your roller door mechanism and lubricate the tracks. If it’s sounding strained, it might need a spring adjustment — call a door specialist for that one.
- Trim back any vegetation that’s grown close to or touching the shed. Branches rubbing against Colorbond will scratch the finish, and plants against the walls trap moisture.
When to Call the Pros
If you notice anything more than surface-level wear — structural movement, persistent leaks, significant rust, or storm damage — give us a call. We offer a maintenance and repair service for all our builds, and we’re happy to inspect sheds we’ve built across Helena Valley, Midland, Middle Swan, The Vines, and the broader Perth region.
