Now is the Time to Winterise Your Outbuildings

Autumn is here and winter is not far away. In our latest blog we look at what you need to do to maintain and winterise your outbuildings including sheds and garages. 

During the summer months our sheds, garages, summer houses and other outbuildings tend to be used far more frequently. We use a lot of outdoor garden equipment, including furniture and barbecues, we maintain our gardens using tools stored in the shed or garage and we might take our bikes out on the road to get some exercise. Many people have hobbies, like fishing or surfing, involving the use of expensive equipment, typically stored in sheds and outbuildings. But when the colder, windier autumn months come along many people simply put things away and don’t pay adequate attention to the security of their outbuildings.

What is Outbuilding Winterisation?

Outbuilding winterisation involves paying attention to what the winter will bring and ensuring all outbuildings are prepared and secure. When talking about outbuildings we tend to focus on garages and sheds. But outbuildings include all external buildings and structures such as:

• Sheds
• Garages
• Greenhouses
• Summerhouses
• Bicycle storage sheds and containers
• Guest houses
• Workshops
• Barns
• Stables

 Winterisation involves paying attention to these structures to make certain they are robust, well maintained and adequately prepared to cope with whatever the coming winter might bring. Properties located in exposed, coastal locations, for example, need to make certain the strong winter storm winds and salty sea-spray will not damage external structures.

Another important aspect of winterisation is to ensure the valuable contents of all outbuildings are robustly secured. Outbuilding security means that when spring rolls around again next year all of the valuable tools, furniture and equipment, stored in those outbuildings, will still be there, protected from the ravages of the winter as well as potential thieves.

Why Garage and Shed Security is Essential

Our sheds, garages and other outbuildings don’t generally have the same level of security as our homes. Locks are weaker, structures are less robust and windows can often be more accessible. These buildings are also often located somewhere remote from the primary residence and can sometimes be easily accessed from the rear or side of a property. Thieves know these structures are easier targets and they also know they often contain an abundance of high-value, resellable property including bikes, mowers, garden furniture and tools.

A survey conducted by Aviva insurance discovered that 29% of UK residents, with a shed or out-building, had experienced an attempted or actual break-in. The survey revealed the average insurance claim for theft from a shed or outbuilding in 2024 was around £4,205. And its worthwhile remembering this does not reflect the impact these offences have on the victims who need to deal with the damage caused, the loss of their valuables and the psychological impact.

The Aviva research found the most commonly stolen items from sheds and outbuildings included bicycles and electric bikes, stolen in 24% of reported cases. Garden tools and equipment were stolen in 20% of cases and power tools in 16%. Thieves often know what they are after and may have already determined that a family stores their valuable bikes in a garden shed or outbuilding.

Local police reports also highlight significant year-on-year escalations in theft from sheds and outbuildings. Hertfordshire constabulary, for example, have reported 99 offences in January 2025, up from 70 in the previous January. 

Local police reports of shed and garage break-ins are often published in regional newspapers and don’t tend to make it to the mainstream news. But when all of these reports and offences are added together the statistics are startling. In November 2024 a garden security website reported that over the most recent 12 month period around 517,000 thefts from gardens, including from outbuildings, had been reported. And its worth remembering that many garden and outbuilding theft or break-in incidents are simply not reported to the police.

Outbuilding Winterisation - What You Need to Do

The specific outbuilding winterisation requirements are determined by the outbuildings you might have, along with what’s stored inside them. But the following check list should provide a useful guide.

Structural Integrity

Outbuildings can experience a lot of use through the warmer months with tools, bikes and garden equipment being taken in and out over and over again. Inevitably, this results in wear and tear on the doors, windows and other structural elements. 

A good starting point for outbuilding winterisation is to thoroughly inspected all outbuilding structures to identify where repairs are needed and what improvements can be made to make certain the shed or storage locker will remain secure and functional throughout the winter months.

Insulation and Heating

If an outbuilding, such as a workshop, is to remain usable throughout the colder winter months then its worth looking at the insulation. Make certain walls and roofs are adequately insulated and pay attention to doors and windows to make sure there are no significant drafts. 

Some outbuildings, such as greenhouses, may need to be heated during the colder months, to protect delicate plants from frost. Workshops, that need to be used through the colder months, will also need to be heated. Heat sources should be safe and ideally controlled by thermostats and timers. 

Water Systems

Many homes and outbuildings have outdoor water systems, used to fill watering cans and support hoses, sprinklers and power washers. Water in pipes will freeze in the winter which can cause damage as it expands. Wherever possible, water pipelines should be drained and external water source taps should be closed. Another precaution is to leave external hose or sprinkler taps open to allow for the expansion that will occur when water in the pipes freezes. And if water systems are required to stay active throughout the winter months pipework needs to be lagged and protected against freezing temperatures.

Ventilation and Moisture Control

While its important to ensure outbuildings are weatherproof its also important not to overlook the need for good ventilation and airflow to prevent mould and mildew. Make certain ventilation ducts are not blocked and lookout for signs of dampness. If necessary, consider using moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers to control moisture levels.

Roof and Gutter Checks

A key aspect of outbuilding structural inspection should be closely examining the rooftop and surrounding guttering. Outbuilding rooftops are often flat and therefore susceptible to collecting rainwater. Its vitally important to make certain the roofing material is in a good state and there are no areas of damage that would allow rainwater ingress.

Guttering and drainage pipework can also become damaged or blocked during the autumn, due to leaves falling from trees. Its vitally important to make certain these rainwater routing pathways are always clean and clear, ensuring rainwater is safely drained away.

Pest Prevention

Outbuildings attract a wide variety of creatures including mice and rats along with many insects. Outbuildings are commonly used to store animal and bird food which naturally attracts hungry little creatures.

Look out for gaps and holes that should ideally be plugged to prevent rodents and insects from getting inside. And store bird and animal food in sealed containers.

Electrical Systems

During the darker winter months we rely on electrical lighting in our garages and sheds. We also have electrical outlets, often used for power tools, in our workshops and outbuildings. A key aspect of winterisation is to ensure all electrical systems are safe and working as required. Take a good look at all wiring, sockets and light fixtures and consider the use of cold-rated fittings, such as LED bulbs.

Storage for Valuables

An important aspect of outbuilding winterisation is to make certain valuables are safely and securely stored so they will be ready for the next season. As previously mentioned, the average insurance claim for outbuilding thefts in the UK exceeds £4000. It makes sense to compile an inventory of everything valuable, stored in outbuildings, and making certain these valuables are adequately protected.

Tools and equipment should ideally be stored in locked tool boxes, or covered with protective covers. Items should be off the floor to minimise the likelihood of water damage and metal items and tools should be protected with rust inhibitors. It also makes sense to store the most valuable items, such as electric bicycles, in the most secure outbuilding location. 

Outbuilding Security for the Winter

Perhaps the most important aspect of outbuilding winterisation is ensuring these structures are secure and the valuables stored inside are robustly protected. Here’s a useful checklist of outbuilding security recommendations.

Door and Window Hinges

The hinges used on outbuilding doors and windows can be a weakness. Ideally, high quality, weatherproof hinges should be used with no exposed fastenings that can be tampered with. Wherever possible, tamper proof fastenings or coach bolts should be used for door and window hardware.

Door and Window Locks

The majority of outbuilding break-ins gain access directly via doorways or windows. It should be ensured that these entrance points are always locked and protected using high quality, weatherproof padlocks, hasps and staples. 

Use a Garage Door Lock

Like all outbuilding doors, garage doors need to be closed and locked. Adding another garage door locking device, such as a Sold Secure approved Garage Door Defender with a shackleless padlock, is another valuable precaution. This highly effective up-and-over garage door security device prevents garage doors from being opened, even if the main lock is breached. 

Conceal Contents

Thieves, on the lookout for valuables they can steal and sell, will peer through shed and garage windows to see what’s inside. It therefore makes sense to obscure their view and make certain valuables such as bikes, mowers and tools, can’t be seen from outside.

Bolster Window Security with Window Bars

Outbuilding windows can be significantly strengthened by installing robust window bars which deter and prevent thieves from breaking in. Window security bars are easily installed and present a clear outside indication that an outbuilding has been robustly secured.

Strengthen Shed Door Security with a Shed Bar

Installing shed door security bars is another simple way to significantly bolster shed security. These robust metal bars fit across the entire shed door, either a single or double door. They attach to brackets, firmly bolted to the shed frame or door, and are locked in place with a padlock. Installing a shed bar acts as another highly effective anti theft deterrent.

Outbuilding Location, Structure and Anchorage

While considering outbuilding security it is worth mentioning the importance of outbuilding location. Sheds and other structures are often located some distance from the main home. This makes them more vulnerable to attention from criminals who know they can attack the shed or workshop with minimal chance of gaining attention from the house. If possible, locate sheds and outbuildings as close as possible and within easy viewing distance of the main building.

Another weakness for many outbuildings and sheds is how their structures are relatively flimsy, compared with the main home. Some wooden sheds, for example, can potentially be lifted by a couple of strong individuals. Another weakness is that outbuilding rooftops are not always very firmly attached to the building framework, making it possible to gain entry by lifting the roof. To strengthen outbuilding security the whole structure should be firmly anchored to the ground and the rooftop should be robustly attached to the main structural frame.

Install Security Lighting

Criminals are on the lookout for outbuildings they can attack without risk of being seen or attracting attention. Motion sensitive security lighting is a very powerful anti theft deterrent. Installing this form of lighting around outbuildings can effectively scare would-be thieves away and alert the occupier if a break-in is being attempted.

Install CCTV

CCTV cameras and systems have become very affordable and easy to install. Combining CCTV cameras with motion triggered lighting and some suitable warning signs, around outbuildings where valuables are stored, will deter most would-be thieves.

Install Outbuilding Alarms

Alarms on outbuildings will alert home occupiers if an outbuilding is being broken into. A variety of suitable alarms are available these days from simple battery operated devices to more sophisticated systems that integrate with home security networks.

Lock Down Valuable Items

As previously recommended, it makes sense to compile an inventory of everything of value, stored in outbuildings. This is also potentially useful for insurance purposes.

Highly valuable items, such as ride-on mowers, garden furniture and bikes, should not only be locked away safely inside secured outbuildings, they should also be securely attached to immovable anchor points inside the outbuilding. So, for example, bicycles should be chained and locked to an anchor inside the garage or shed where they are stored. This means that even if a criminal has somehow managed to break into the outbuilding they are then faced with the near impossible task of overcoming a high security chain and lock to steal the valuable bikes.

Similarly, valuable tools should be stored in locked tool chests or cabinets that can’t be removed from the shed or workshop where they are stored.

Security Label Everything

Another valuable security precaution is to security label everything of value. Bikes, mowers, power tools and garden furniture are all commonly targeted by thieves who know they can easily sell these stolen items. Security labelling these and other valuables can deter theft and will help identify the ownership of stolen items that are sometimes sold through various marketplaces. 

Check Your Insurance Cover

Inadequate insurance is a widespread problem in the UK. Around 65% of UK households have a shed or outbuilding but 55% of shed owners don’t have insurance cover for their outbuildings and contents.

If you take a quick inventory of what you store in your shed, garage or outbuilding and then consider what it would cost to replace everything if it was stolen the need for adequate insurance cover becomes very clear. Churchill Home Insurance reports that, since 2018, more than £30million worth of items have been stolen from sheds and outbuildings. As noted, the average insurance claim for theft from a shed or outbuilding in 2024 was around £4,205 but around 8% of people have over £5000 worth of property in their outbuildings. 

As noted, theft data shows how outbuildings are a known target for criminals who understand the value of what people keep in their sheds and garages. An important recommendation is to check what you have in your shed or outbuilding and consult with your home insurance provider to make certain you are adequately covered and your security precautions meet insurer’s requirements.

If you have any questions about outbuilding security, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 092921 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

For more information on Now is the Time to Winterise Your Outbuildings talk to Insight Security