Depending on your location, the security of the contents inside your storage shed may be a concern. Securing your backyard storage shed protects valuable tools, equipment, and other items stored inside. Here are a few methods and products that can enhance the security of your backyard storage shed:
1. Keep your shed locked
Keeping your building locked when you are not outside, is a simple security procedure you can implement. Not being able to simply open the door can be a big enough deterrent for some people to move on to an easier opportunity or choose not to enter your building without permission in the first place. At Pine Creek Structures, all doors include keys to lock the door handle. On house doors, you can also add a deadbolt lock.
2. Choose Hinges Not Accessible On Closed Doors
When hinges are installed on the exterior of the doors, they could be removed by removing the screws attaching them to the building and the doors can be lifted off to gain access inside. At Pine Creek Structures, our heavy-duty storage sheds generally include piano hinges or butt hinges. These type of hinges are fastened where they cannot be access when the door is closed.
3. Add Lighting To Your Shed’s Entry Points
Lighting can also be an effective deterrent! A motion-activated light that illuminates the doorway when triggered is a great choice with many affordable options. Solar-powered lights are also a great choice when electric is not easily available.
4. Choose The Right Window Style and Window Placement
When choosing the best placement for the windows in a storage shed, most customers only think about the effects of the natural light inside. You should also consider the security risk as well! If you are concerned about someone gaining access by a window, do not place them around the back and out of sight when you are looking at your shed from inside your home. Some customers prefer to skip windows completely while others choose to only add transom windows. Theses smaller windows are usually installed closer to to top of your shed’s walls, above doors, or in the top of the doors. They still allow natural light inside your shed so you can navigate it and its contents safely, but the smaller size makes means an intruder cannot crawl through a broken one. The higher location also makes it difficult to see what is inside your shed. Some customers choose to add a frosted film or blinds to their windows to allow light inside, but keep prying eyes out!
5. Add An Alarm or Security Cameras To The Area
If you have a security system for your home already, look into what options are available to add to your current system to include your storage shed. Simple magnetic contact alarms can be added to doors and windows that activate when one is opened. Motion-activated alarms can be installed inside to sound when movement is detected. Cameras (especially with night vision capabilities )can be installed around the area of your storage shed. Many options today are wi-fi enabled and can be monitored from your phone. Even a fake camera can sometimes be a deterrent!
6. Consider Internal Security Measures
If someone does get inside your shed without permission, consider how to secure specific items inside. Keep any keys for equipment (like lawn mowers, ATVs, etc) inside your home and not in the ignition. Utilize lockable boxes and cabinets for high value items you want to keep extra secure.
If security is a concern, implementing some of these security measures can significantly reduce the risk of theft and protect the contents of your backyard storage shed. Keeping your shed and its contents secure can also keep kids safe and unable to access items potentially dangerous to them like tools, pool chemicals, cleaning supplies, pest repellents, landscaping chemicals, etc.
