How to Dismantle a Shed
Whether you want to remove your shed to build something new or simply replace it, this guide will take you through the steps. We will cover everything from removing the windows and doors to removing roof panels and plank flooring.
We recommend starting by removing non-structural elements, before tackling the siding and roof. This will maximize safety while minimizing damage to salvageable materials.
Preparation
Whether you’re planning to dismantle your shed for moving purposes or simply because you need more space, it’s important to plan ahead and gather all the necessary equipment. This includes safety gear such as a hard hat and gloves, as well as tools like pliers, wrenches, hammer, and a screwdriver. Additionally, it’s important to determine what you want to keep and what you want to dispose of.
This can be difficult, especially if you’re dealing with items that have been outside for some time and may have been exposed to the elements. With a wealth of experience, rigorous training, and full insurance coverage, Johnson's Hauling and Junk Removal stands as your reliable partner. Whether it's that weathered barn teetering on the edge of collapse or the precarious board on your patio threatening to give way, they possess the expertise and resources to address these concerns securely. The prospect of addressing your demolition needs excites them, and they eagerly await the opportunity to delve into the details with you.
Once you’ve planned your work and gathered the necessary materials, it’s time to get started. Begin by removing doors, windows, and any other fixtures or hangings from the walls. You’ll also want to remove any hazardous household waste, such as pesticides or other materials that are deemed unsafe for landfill disposal.
You’ll then want to remove the roof. This can be dangerous if the structure is old and unstable, so it’s best to have an extra set of hands available for this task. Once the roof has been removed, it’s a good idea to dispose of it appropriately as well.
Next, you’ll want to remove the fascias and trims. This can be tricky, but it’s important to do so before attempting to remove the wall panels. After all, they’ll be anchored to the existing framing with nails and screws, and you don’t want to risk ripping them off while trying to dismantle the shed.
The next step is to take down the shed walls themselves. This will be a lot easier if the shed was built with bolts instead of nails, but even so, it’s still a good idea to remove them one at a time. Be careful not to damage the underlying frame while removing each panel, and be sure to place them in a safe pile where they won’t fall over or be easily tripped over. Once the walls have been removed, you’ll be left with a base that is often heavy enough to require the use of a lift.
Safety First
Before getting stuck in and demolishing that shed, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment for the job. This is a job that can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared, so ensure you have the right tools (screwdriver, crowbar, ladder, pliers, wrench, hammer) and safety gear such as goggles, hard hat, heavy-duty gloves and boots). It’s also important to check the weather forecast before beginning – rain will make the timber slippery and difficult to handle and strong winds could potentially cause the shed to fall down.
The first thing you need to do is remove all of the non-structural parts such as doors, windows and fixtures. This will reduce the risk of damaging any parts you wish to reuse in the future and make the walls easier to dismantle.
Once all of the non-structural components have been removed, it’s time to start the demolition process. If you’re going to be using a sledge hammer or pry tool to knock down/saw the shed, start with the non-door wall and save the door wall for last. Make sure you don’t hit the support beams, as this will make the structure unstable and likely to collapse on top of you!
When you’ve got the first wall down, it’s time to move onto the roof. This will likely be the most difficult part to take down as it’s the largest and most likely to be rotted. If it’s a pitched roof, you may need to use a ladder to get into position to dismantle the tiles/shingles. If you do, be careful as rusty nails can easily slip and fly off, causing injury or damage.
Once the shingles are removed, it’s a good idea to take a sample of the remaining wood and have it tested for asbestos. If the results come back positive, it’s best to call in a professional for further testing and removal.
Next, you’ll need to detach the walls from each other and the floor. It’s a good idea to label each piece of wood as you go, so they’re easy to find when you’re reassembling your shed in the future.
The Big Job
When you’ve finished removing all the non-structural materials from your shed (doors, windows, shelving, storage and so on) it’s time to start taking down the walls. Depending on the size of your shed, this may take quite some time. It’s important to work carefully and not get discouraged. If you’re not experienced at dismantling structures it may be a good idea to have someone on hand to help you. Having an extra set of hands is not only useful but makes the whole process much safer and quicker too.
If your shed has a sheet metal roof or rafters this should be the first thing to remove. The rafters will need to be removed from the wall panels and the connections between them and the walls will also need to be removed. A reciprocating saw may be needed to cut the rafters free. The roofing will need to be disposed of in accordance with local regulations. If there is any suspicion that it contains asbestos it’s a good idea to take photographs and if possible, put a small fragment of the material in a plastic bag and take it for testing by a professional asbestos removal service.
Once the roof is removed, the remaining walls will become increasingly unstable as you go through the process of removing them. It’s a good idea to fix some temporary braces to stabilize the remaining walls as you remove them. These can take the form of timber braces screwed to the walls and floor or plan braces fixed across the corners.
When it comes to removing the walls, always start with one that does not have a door in it. You can save the door wall for last if you like, but it is easier to access the other side of the shed once the door side of the shed has been taken down.
Once all the walls have been removed, you can then focus on removing the fascias and trims. These are long, thin wooden planks that act as a finishing touch to each angle of the shed frame, the windows and door frames and in some cases the roof. Depending on how they’re fastened they can be easily loosened with a pry bar or screwdriver, however it is a good idea to use caution and to keep an eye out for anything that might fall or break off.
Final Thoughts
You need to make sure you’re disposing of anything hazardous from the shed – this is likely to include flammables such as propane, paint, and pesticides. Check the regulations in your area to see how these should be handled. If you have any timber from the shed, this should also be disposed of correctly. Untreated timber is fine to burn, but if it’s been pressure treated or painted then you will need to take it to your local recycling centre.
Once you’ve cleared the shed of any hazards, it’s time to start dismantling the structure. This starts with removing the non-structural elements such as doors and windows, which should be done first before moving onto the walls themselves. It’s worth working with one wall at a time so that you don’t accidentally knock out the studs and wiring. If the shed is made from drywall then you’ll need to use a hammer and pry bar to remove it, although a circular saw could be a quicker solution if you feel comfortable using one.
Next, you can move onto the external walls of the shed, which should be dismantled in sections by hand or with a crowbar. Once all the drywall has been removed you can continue to remove the wooden panels from the shed, although you may need to remove screws and nails along the way if there are any remaining. A reciprocating saw can be used here as well, if you’re comfortable using one.
After the walls have been taken apart, it’s time to break down the roof. You should always be mindful of the weight of this part of the shed, and it’s best to work with a friend if possible. If the shed has a concrete floor then you’ll need to break it up before you can shift it, but this may not be necessary if the concrete is being reused at the new site.
Finally, you can dismantle the floor of the shed. It’s often the heaviest part of the shed, but again a few people should be able to shift it easily enough. You may also need to remove any ground fasteners if there are any still attached.
Whether you want to remove your shed to build something new or simply replace it, this guide will take you through the steps. We will cover everything from removing the windows and doors to removing roof panels and plank flooring. We recommend starting by removing non-structural elements, before tackling the siding and roof. This will…