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Nothing lasts forever, especially wooden structures. No matter how well-built your backyard shed might be, it’ll inevitably start to decay and fall apart. Once that process starts, you’ll know it’s time to tear down the old shed and replace it with something new.
Unfortunately, getting rid of an old shed or other backyard structure can be more of a pain than you might expect. It requires some time and handiness skills to make sure it’s done safely, so it’s important to make sure you know how to do everything properly before you get started. Between rusty nails, rotting wood, and the overall dilapidation of the structure itself, there are plenty of potential safety hazards.
The alternative solution is to bring in some professional help when tearing down the old shed. It might not be the ideal option for your own personal pride, but an experienced junk removal service like Junk King Alameda can make quick work of the structure without requiring you to lift a finger. Hiring professionals will also take the matter of disposal out of your hands, which can be a big help if you don’t already own a truck big enough to haul the leftover scrap wood to a nearby recycling center.
Either way, there’s no sense in waiting for the shed to actually collapse before getting rid of it and replacing it with a new one. Here’s everything you need to know to get rid of your old backyard shed and make room for something new.
The Importance of Shed Removal in Oakland, CA
Allowing a dilapidated old shed to stand in your backyard will cause more problems than just an eyesore. Any decaying building will present safety hazards to you and your family, with the risk increasing the longer it’s allowed to stand. As the wood decays, it weakens the structure of the shed, increasing the risk of collapse. Every time you open the door or accidentally bump into the wall of the shed, you could end up with the roof collapsing down on your head, potentially causing serious injury.
The rotting wood itself can also present health concerns. Dilapidated sheds are a hotspot for mold, which can cause respiratory symptoms if inhaled, especially if you or someone else in your household has a pre-existing respiratory condition like asthma or severe allergies. The decaying wood will also attract bugs and other pests like termites, which could end up spreading to your house. Shed removal in Oakland is especially important, as the humidity and frequent rainfall of the Bay Area can hasten the demise of your aging shed.
Don’t be put off by the shed removal cost in Oakland if you’ve already noticed the structure starting to decay. Waiting too long will only make the problems worse, and put you at risk of more expensive issues like a termite infestation. The best Oakland shed removal services can have the problem solved quickly, easily, and affordably.
The Best Way to Remove a Shed in Oakland, CA
We believe that the best way to remove a shed is to have it done professionally through an Oakland shed removal business. Of course, we’re probably a little biased, but many homeowners find that the convenience and simplicity of shed removal services are highly preferable to trying to handle the teardown themselves. If you want to hire a junk removal company like Junk King Alameda to take care of your old shed, all you have to do is give us a call, set up an appointment so you can get a no-strings-attached cost estimate, and then just point our workers in the right direction and let them take care of the rest.
If you’d rather tear the shed down yourself, there are a few steps you should follow every time. First, you’ll need to prepare the shed for demolition, which involves taking everything out, unscrewing the hinges so you can remove the door, and taking out any glass or plastic windows. Some municipalities also require you to acquire a permit before demolishing any building or structure, including a shed, so do a little research to make sure you’re following all city codes.
Once you’ve removed everything from the shed, you’ll want to start with the roof. Because the demolition process will weaken the structure, you always want to work from the top down. Start at the peak of the roof and work your way down the sides as you remove the shingles, then remove any nails or screws and use a hammer or pry bar to remove the underlayment and the rafters.
Next, you’ll start removing the walls. Start with the wall that held the door, since it’s the least structurally sound. Pry off any siding or attachments, remove any nails or screws holding the wall to the floor and the other walls, and then carefully push the wall over. Repeat this process for each wall, one at a time. Finally, if the shed had a floor, you can use the prybar to pull up the planks. Once you’re finished, you’ll have to dispose of the leftover debris. The materials will have to be sorted into garbage, recycling, and special disposal piles and discarded appropriately.
Things You’ll Need for Shed Removal in Oakland
If you want to tear down the shed by yourself, you’ll need a handful of tools for the job. A ladder is required so you can get up on the roof, and to dismantle the wood and shingles you’ll need a hammer, pliers, a screwdriver, a chisel for the window caulking, and a crowbar for the planks and rafters. We also highly recommend wearing safety gear while you’re working, including a hard hat, goggles, gloves, and boots. It’s also a good idea to rent a dumpster to collect all the materials.
If you want to bring in Junk King Alameda to handle the shed removal for you, you won’t need any tools at all. Just give us a call today at 1-888-888-JUNK, set up an appointment, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Each year, the California Landscape Contractors Association holds an annual competition by traveling up and down the golden state looking for the “best of the best” when it comes to front and back yard landscaping. As their mission statement claims, “the Trophy Awards are to encourage interest in landscaping, recognize crafts people who produce outstanding landscapes, create pride in superior workmanship and to bestow public recognition on companies, institutions, municipalities and residents for their interest in a beautiful California.” Reading that you must obviously be thinking now, “I wonder if my East Bay Area yard could win an award.”